Ceremonies Of The Amazon

Anyone who visits the jungle in Rurrenabaque, Bolivia has the chance to participate in a native ritual ceremony.  The indigenous Tacana traditionally practice these ceremonies twice a week, on Tuesday’s and Fridays, and additionally for special occasions and events. Many jungle adventure tours will be sure to include the ceremony in your experience even if your tour does not fall on those days.

These ceremonies are about giving back to Pacha Mama (Mother Earth) for the abundance of resources and life she provides.  They are also an opportunity for the native people to ask for her protection from dangers, providence of food, and general well-being. Continue reading “Ceremonies Of The Amazon”

¡Jungle Crafts!

By now you know that I have spent a good bit of time exploring the Amazon rainforest.  One of many things that fascinates me about Amazon culture is the impressive knowledge of the jungle’s natural resources.

Indigenous communities throughout the Amazon have learned over centuries how to utilize the rainforest for survival.  These cultures rely almost entirely on plants and plant materials for survival.  The plants provide them with food, medicine and materials for shelter and clothing.   Continue reading “¡Jungle Crafts!”

Butterflies of the Amazon

I apologize for the serious content of this post.  Haha, no I don’t!  It’s butterflies.  And they are just delightful.  My latest video has been described as “joyful”. Continue reading “Butterflies of the Amazon”

A Conversation About Jungle Life

I’m ready to share my latest youtube video.  My last video introduced Miguel, a.k.a Chapa, an indigenous Tacana jungle boy from the Amazon in Bolivia.  I am working on a series of videos that offer a peak into jungle life of the native people who live there.

In this video Miguel answers a few questions about what life is like in the indigenous communities.  He mentions how life is different “in the city”.  But, “the city” which he refers to is actually a very small town. Continue reading “A Conversation About Jungle Life”

Rurre, Bolivia – Return to the Jungle

When I was preparing for my second big South American adventure, many people asked me if I planned to revisit anywhere I had already been.  For the most part, I was only interested in seeing new things.  But there was one place I  absolutely had my heart set on to revisit: Rurrenabaque, Bolivia.  From the moment I left this town last year, I knew I hadn’t had enough.  I needed more of the charming small town, more of the beautiful local people, and more of the Amazon. Continue reading “Rurre, Bolivia – Return to the Jungle”

Dogs of South America

4smOne of the most interesting things about traveling is learning things you don’t expect. The first time I travelled overseas (to Italy 5 years ago) I was surprised to come across stray dogs. And then again in Turkey. Each place I visit seems to have a different approach and philosophy about our furry friends. Continue reading “Dogs of South America”

The Pampas

57smThe Pampas – another difficult post for narrowing down photos to share.  I have a hard time weeding through the wild-life photos. Continue reading “The Pampas”

The Jungle – The Bolivian Amazon

54smI do not even know how to begin this post.  It has been a week since my 3 days in the jungle – and I feel like I haven’t fully left it.  This was undoubtedly one of the top highlights of my travels.  And I will definitely be returning for more. Continue reading “The Jungle – The Bolivian Amazon”