My Last Trip Vol.3

The second day in the Nappi Village started with another long hike. The first destination was a cave. A long time ago, Makushi Indians used to fight with other tribes, and their corps were brought to this cave. Now you can find many bats living there and an ancient cooking pot. We proceeded to see small water falls. Someone from the lodge came to meet us there with lunch boxes and freshly made juice. We enjoyed the refreshing sounds of water and had a bit of rest. We hiked for about fours hours. We would stop every time when we saw something interesting, such as different colors of butterflies or a hawk that can raise your blood pressure when you look (really?!) We saw scratch marks on a tree of one kind of jaguars. After all they are just big cats and they need to scratch like my Canella who scratches my boyfriend’s new couch :)

In the afternoon we swim or rather had a little dip in a creek on the side of the lodge. The caretaker of the lodge showed us the craft making using Balatta (similar to Gum tree.) You soak the material in boiling water and soften it, and then color it and create a shape of animals etc.

We initially planned to stay there only for two nights. However, we liked it so much, we decided to stay one more day.

The following day, we went to visit the village, which we requested. There is no transportation in the village, so everyone rides a bicycle. We borrowed made-in-Brazil bikes and rode between the lodge and village, which is over 10 kilometers. I really needed to concentrate on the road as it was extremely bumpy with tree roots, fallen branches and small rocks. How many times in life I have a chance to ride a bike in a jungle!? I was so nice to ride through the savannah, too.

Houses are scattered in the village. We visited the Master of Baratta craft and saw a hammock weaving. We also got to see the process of making “farine”, which is their staple and made of cassava. Tastes quite good!

What impressed me the most was their self-sufficiency. From bricks of houses, roof to the basket to process farine, everything was made locally, and the nature provides the materials. It made me question the concept of a “good life”. For me, only way of life is buying what I need off the shelf of stores. I would like them to maintain their way of life, but at a same time we cannot deny their right to enjoy the comfort that the modernization can offer. It is unavoidable that, as the eco-tourism develops, the village will change. I selfishly felt a bit sad.

It was hard to leave the lodge. We got close with the staff, and they told us how this project was started up, how they had to learn cooking and a table setting and about their families. It was merely four days, but they made us feel as if we were a part of their family. They are such warm, welcoming and kind hearted people. The head of cook lady gave me a beautiful handmade necklace, and the caretaker man gave me a Balatta craft. I had to hold back my tears. As I was going back to Lethem on the back of a motorbike, I was certain that the lodge will be very successful.

Another great thing about this trip was that I made good friends with Petra. We happened to be planning a trip around a same time, and we decided to go together. I didn’t know her too well, and on top of that I didn’t know that we would get along so well. During our journey with long waiting times, we talked about so many things. We shared this very special trip and hope we can keep in touch.