Today's main event was a "medicinal plant walk" with a local shaman Santiago Chub as our guide. Before heading off to Santiago's house, we had to stop by the boot room to get our rubber boots for the muddy jungle trek.
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| Ali in the boot room |
Santiago is from Santa Anna, a nearby village. He's 54 years old and has lived in the area his entire life, learning from his grandfather, who lived to 104. We spent a couple of hours with Santiago at his home and in the surrounding jungle. Santiago showed us a variety of plants that were used to treat headaches, toothaches, upset stomach, diarrhea and other ailments. He also pointed out herbs that would help with the pain of childbirth and treat gonorrhea, which prompted some awkward laughter from our tour group.
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| Medicinal Plant Walk with Santiago Chub (center) |
Santiago provided the first of several inspirational experiences on our trip. He is very connected to the land, his home, his family and his Creator. He spoke often of his gratitude for what has been provided by God. He is a deeply spiritual man and not someone easily forgotten.
After our tour we returned to the lodge for lunch and siesta. Post-nap activities included swimming and kayaking on the Moho river, where we saw lots of large iguana and beautiful white birds. A very casual afternoon.
That night, Jenny joined a group on a nocturnal jungle walk lead by Armando. She reports that they didn't see too much - an owl, lots of spiders, crayfish, snails and "water vines." She also heard, but didn't see, what came to be our nightly lullaby - the Howler monkey.
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