One of the surprising things about the Upper Amazon is the number of people here. We knew about the rain forest, and the rivers, but something that is as much a part of this place as wildlife and forests are the people. Not that it looks like a city or even a highly built up place. It is not. But on all the rivers we travel, we are constantly seeing people in their dugout canoes going about their daily activities (often fishing) and every so often we see a small community along the banks of the river. This morning we had the privilege of visiting one of them, Amazonas, population 500.  

The local people knew we were coming and came to the landing to meet us when we came ashore. They also had some things ready to show us and teach us about. We learned about the palms that they thatch their roofs with, we tried our hand at getting the juice out of sugar cane stalks, and we were taught about the chambira palm leaves, the fiber that they use to used to make everything from small animal figurines to twine to handbags and baskets (many of which are going home with us). We also walked through the community exchanging smiles and enhancing them with photographs. 

A highlight of our visit was a trip to the elementary school. Like kids everywhere, they were excited to have visitors. Three grades crowded into one classroom to meet us and share some songs. They sang a call and response song to us and we sang, “If You’re Happy and You Know It.” We were all happy, so there was much clapping and feet stomping. We also brought school supplies as a gift. From there we learned about a program called Minga Peru that trains women as community promoters to take leadership and training roles in their communities. It is an impressive program. 

Today was a three-river day. We left the Marañon where we have spent the last three days, briefly were on the Amazon (complete with a toast and a blast from the ship’s siren), and then started upriver on the Ucayali where we will spend the next three days. Our first stop this afternoon was Clavero Lake. Several of our group went kayaking while the rest went exploring by skiff. Highlights for the afternoon included squirrel monkeys, a small group of coatimundis, and a gorgeous sunset.   

Now we are off to bed with clear skies and a bright moon shining on the water.