Dead Gringos, Beheadings and Vast Beauty

 

As may or may not be known within the vast reaches of Amazonia there are still many tribes that live as they have lived for many many years without modern influences. Some of these places may be only be reached by plane, canoe or by foot. As often appears with any union between  general populace and indigenous there are side affects that are at times not so welcome usually on both sides.

I have heard since my being here from many different sources that I ought to be careful as some gringos who have strayed off the beaten path have never been found again, or if found found dead and beheaded. Though I have also heard of some taken captive alive.

Imagine how I might have been feeling on the afternoon I am leaving to head into Santiago Morona (A place further into the Amazon) when I am met with two people who were thinking I was heading to the funeral of a recently murdered Canadian who had ventured it seems a little to far than he should have.(Alone) I have recently met some more friends of his and they told me apparently we looked alike and thought that I was perhaps family. Before catching my bus I was also sternly warned that I ought to have a permit and the dangers further elaborated on. I was pensive.

A photo could never do it justice, It is impossible to perceive just how vast and immense the Amazon is. From this observation point when you see it with your own eyes and appreciate the depth and width you cannot fail to be amazed. It is as the sea and as far as the eye can see to the curve of the earth it is pure forest. Here lies the lungs of the planet and untold animals and species.  

 

The members of our paseo, at the home of a sister who is the only witness in this isolated community.

I had no reason to be pensive. I was with a good crew and we didn't go to far off the beaten track, South Americans are not the most adventurous. They even set up there tents inside! The preaching here in Morona was super enjoyable as the people were hungry for some spiritual food. I only wish I could have stayed longer.