Day 3 and 4

After chilling out in the mountains it was time to hit the jungle. We travelled to a town called Tena on the edge of the jungle near the river Napo where we spent 2 nights at what they call a Homestay ie with a local family.

I was warned it would be back to basics and rustic and they were not kidding. The place was lovely but was lacking in terms of running water and electricity. I had a great time once I managed to find my torch. You were right Lou to suggest I get one of those
as it gets seriously dark in he jungle!

Four of the girls including myself slept in the rafters of a wooden barn type building which had no windows but was open along the sides to enable us to watch the stars and the bats as went to sleep at night. I actually slept surprisingly well once I got used to all the strange noises!

Our time was spent taking a hike to a beautiful waterfall and swimming in the natural pools along the river. Turns out that is where you wash your hair as well which I found out on the second evening when I decided i fancied washing my hair. There was no running water at the accommodation so not to be deterred I trouped back down to the river instead!

That night I was cleansed of evil spirits by the local shaman. This involves waving palm leaves around your head and shoulders whilst chanting to send away the evil spirits. I was disturbed at how long it took him to free me of my spirits!!! The end f the ritual involves blowing tobacco and smoke into your hair. Unfortunate timing for me given my efforts to clean my hair that night!