The Ati Tribe

By: Lauren Griffith

On a beautiful river that looked like a James Bond movie set aligned with palm trees, we set off for our voyage to see the Ati Tribe. In order to get there, we needed to take a big pontoon that was pushed by a tiny motor boat. The ride included a wonderful buffet. As we approached the tribe, we could could hear drums down the river. We got off the boat and it was chaotic. People were swinging from ropes, shooting arrows, blowing fire, and playing drums. The Ati Tribe wore all straw outfits and no shoes. In a matter of minutes they put on a show for us. One boy put lighter fluid in his mouth and lit a stick and blew fire. Another boy jumped through a hoop of fire. We all tried to shoot the bow and arrow, Lance barely made it halfway to the target. Colin's monkey instincts came out when he swung and climbed the rope as it swayed back and forth. The Ati Tribe had an iguana as their mascot. After we all petted the iguana except for mom we set off for the ride back. To our surprise the Ati Tribe changed into regular clothes and came with us. We all set off down the river. I thought to myself what a great setting and an interesting experience.