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Aka:
The Amazon river and the rest..
22.07.00: Rome (Fiumicino airport): Here we
are, luckily, again … while the air-conditioning is said to
be “on duty”. We’re waiting to board our plane: Peru
(passing from Madrid) is waiting for us. The most expensive,
long, difficult (in term of climates and environments we’re
going to face: before getting into the jungle, a quick look to
Andes has been scheduled), intriguing, terrifying, the most
“everything” trip we’ve (Stefania and I) ever undertaken
is on its way to begin.
During the flight: Can’t refrain from
thinking that, going as far back as I can remeber, this is the
first time no diving equipment, at all, is in our luggage.
10.30 p.m (Italian time …
outside the plane the sun is shining!!!) we’re flying over
the endless Amazon jungle and, once more, we begin to fill out
immigration forms to enter Peru. Then at 7.30 p.m. (local
time) we land at Lima, Peruvian capital. We cross a messy,
crowded, noisy city to go to our hotel in what was probably
the smartest part of the city: San Isidro. An excellent Pisco
sour (national cocktail) welcomes us and then … God bless
the jet-lag. “Good night!” … see Ya tomorrow.
28.07.00: We leave Lima (after the Andean
Tour) by plane heading for Iquitos. Our Jungle dream is about
to begin …
29.07.00 (Iquitos):
Yesterday evening we had a “folk” dinner; including an
“ugly show” with some dancers, a girl and a snake. Among
the most celebrated helpings: fried caiman and Arapaima soup
(Arapaima – Locally known as Pirarucu and to scientist as
Arapaima gigas - is a fish closely related to Arowanas, the
biggest known freshwater fishes: he can reach a weight of
about 300Kg/150 lbs!) Regrettably, afterwards, I had the worst
stomach-ache I can remember … This morning I’m again fit
‘n strong (almost!) as we go visiting the Belen local
market, nothing really new, but it was a bit of a shock from
seeing the alternative use of most aquarium fishes (Oscar,
Pacu s and others): sold for food!!!
Jim Lovins nicknamed “Jungle Jim”; Senior
Aquarist of St. Louis, U.S.A. will be the guide during our
week in the jungle. He looks exactly the way an european
expects an American fellow to look but, also, and more
important, he seems to know pretty well what to do. My idea
won’t change during the trip: He’s been a clever guide,
allowing us a full enjoyment of the Peruvian Jungle!
30.07.00: Under a cloudy sky, scratched here
and there by the brightest line of blue sky I’ve ever seen,
we’re on the move. Before we sail, a few words on the
members of the group: Jungle
Jim (the Boss, see above), Professor
Dick (75 years old. Great expert of Apistogramma (dwarf
cichlids) and plants), Senor Insecto (it stands for “Mr. Insect”; an enthomologist,
also from St. Louis Zoo, looking for the “oddest” stuff of
the forest); Barter Bob
(a real trekking lover and “extremely” well trained in
bartering with natives; hence his nickname) and, to finish, Me
(deeply involved in malawian cichlids) and Stefania
(my better half): we happen to be there “for the sake of
curiosity”; to say so! Quite an odd team that, in the end,
has worked quite well.
TIME PASSES …
After a five hour sail on
Rio Amazonas, and a further stretch on Rio Orosa, at last, we
go: Our main camp: “Madre Selva II” is in sight. The
Amazon stretches around us (!).
Me, on the
boat sailing the Rio Amazonas
Stefania,
on the same boat and river !
We’re on the way to begin.
I, already, know time will move “quickly” but there’s
nothing I can do about it; then …
Rio Orosa
on a warm sunny morning
Kids on
their canoe
We’re on our way. I
already know time will move “quickly” but there’s
nothing I can do about it; then …
continued
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