Claire of the jungle (Amazon Part 1)

So my purpose in South America is to get back to nature. I thought this would best be served by trekking out into the jungle for 8 days. I always thought I was a city girl, but I pulled up my rubber boots, rented some binoculars and went bird watching. And actually enjoyed it!

Early the first day I met my lovely travel mates in Cusco. Laura and Maurita from Namibia who can not only spot the tiniest of birds in the heart of the jungle but also a cold Cusqueño beer. Jason from Canada who was always ready for a second helping at breakfast, lunch or dinner. And a family from Holland who should apply to National Geographic. Peter caught our entire trip on film; Anna took the famous photo of the jaguar, and Jasper captured the scenery in a way that would make Ansel Adams jealous.

We boarded our bus with our driver, Rene, perhaps the bravest person I´ve ever met. After a couple of hours hugging the mountains, we stumbled upon a landslide. The guides immediately jump out of the bus and start to clear the road. As soon as they have it cleared, another landslide comes tumbling down. They get to work again. I feel bad standing around watching everyone work, so I decide to help out. After about two seconds of clearing the rocks with my bare hands, I was in so much pain that I couldn´t help anymore. Beto, our leader, gave Rene one chance to cross the road as we stood by and watched. It was horrifying. Rene was almost in the clear when the back passenger-side tire slips off the road over the edge of the cliff. He guns it just in time to pull the tire back on to the road and make it to the other side. It was straight out of a movie. On the other side, we climb back into the bus and continue in the rain to our first lodge. (After I spent 30 minutes downloading this video, I realized I filmed it longways but downloaded it sideways. Sorry, you´ll just have to turn your head. By the end of the trip I´ll be an expert photographer.) To be continued...