jungle medicine

Leaving Iquitos this morning was truly heartwrenching. I fell in love in so many ways in the rainforest (la selva). My heart burst open. I was overwhelmed with love for the trees and the butterflies and the constant orchestra of exotic sounds. And most of all, the people. Beautiful beautiful beautiful.

Swimming under enchanted waterfalls in the pouring rain. Finding a deserted beach along the river in time to watch an amazing sunset with new good friends. Dancing with natives in their tiny tribal villages. Long nights of soul searching in an ancient ceremony. Cuddling with a sloth and later an anaconda. Laying in a hammock reading for hours when it was too hot to do anything else. Tasting new jungle fruits nearly every day.

There are so many beautiful memories. Iquitos has forever touched my life.

As the plane took off this morning, and I watched the winding river below, I knew in my heart I would return someday. Now as I sit here in Lima, I´m off to my next adventure in Cusco. Everyone I´ve met travelling so far tells me how great Cusco is. I´m looking forward to being there. I think I will spend the remainder of my trip there and in the Sacred Valley. Machu Picchu awaits me.