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IN
THE HEART OF THE JUNGLE, COSTA RICA, JANUARY 15TH 2006 – DAY 319 |
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60 DAYS IN THE JUNGLE
The «Proyecto Zamia», located at Playa Cacao, south-west of
Costa Rica, is like a little paradise in the jungle. Many times
each day, we could see nature’s best performances: the yowling
of monkeys, a morpho butterfly taking off with its metallic blue
wings, the flaming colors of toucans, and sunsets reflecting on
the sea. The place is inspiring and our mind becomes creative. |
Dulce Gulf |
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Savouring brown rum by
candlelight |
Perched in the hill
Our shack, called «rancho» in Spanish, has no walls. Only a roof
made of iron sheet and palm leaves protect us from rain. We
installed our tent in the “between roof” to protect us from
mosquitoes. We have no electricity, so we cook with a little
propane stove, and we use frontal lamps and candles for light.
We get our water from a spring coming down the mountain. The
wallpaper in our bathroom looks like a sea view! |
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Once in a while, we return to the
village of Golfito to get new supplies, communicate with our
families and friends and read our messages, which are a reward
each time. To reach civilization, we must first walk 20 minutes
and then take a little boat (an other 20 minutes) that crosses
the bay. |
Our shack’s emplacement |
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DOING YOUR DUTY
Recently, a dozen of students from the FX-Garneau College,
studying to become policemen, came to help us with the Zamia
project. This year, they improved the paths and restored a
sanitary installation. The energizing atmosphere that ruled
during their stay misses us after their departure. They
appreciated the experience, and are leaving with an
unforgettable memory. The group was supervised by Marco Chavez,
the owner of the place. He now lives in Quebec, but lived here
eight years during his university years. We can read in his eyes
how much he values this place. Thank you Marco for having shared
this special place with us. |
CROCODILE DUNDEE
Here, at the top of the mountain, we’re not totally alone:
there’s also Don Alvaro. This past gold seeker knows the jungle
and takes pleasure teaching us what he knows. He makes us think
of the famous character of Crocodile Dundee, Costa Rica version.
We noticed his little toe has been broken, without it being
replaced… It’s not surprising since he always walks barefoot. He
protects the place and prevents the jungle from choking it. At
sixty-six years old, he’s to us an example of peaceful and
healthy man. |
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Caroline’s family together |
JOINING WITH CAROLINE’S FAMILY
December 27, its 6:30 a.m.
when we take the bus that will bring us to the border of
Panama. For the first time in ten months, we’re heading to meet
family. We have butterflies in the stomach. We are so eager to
hold them in our arms. We have so many things to tell and to
hear from them. After a big hour at the border, running around
like crazy to arrange our papers, we hurry ourselves to take the
next bus. A total of eight hours separates us from them. |
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arrived, we enter the hotel accompanied by a security
guard who brings us to the reception. That’s it! We
first see Monique and Bruno, Caroline’s parents, sitting
in a sofa, impatiently waiting. We hurry to hug them and
make sure that everyone is going well. Then Mathieu,
Caroline’s brother, and her uncle, aunt and cousin come
meet us. We spend six days with them. Even if we didn’t
get to be with our families for Christmas, at least
we’ll be celebrating the New Year with them. |
Fireworks for the New
Year |
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TO COME
We also think a lot of Patrick’s family who is still in Quebec. Since we left, two little beings are born. We are so anxious to
meet them all. In March, we’ll return in Quebec to see our
relatives and friends, and to fix up technical aspects of our
trip. After that, we will probably go work in British Columbia
to redo our monetary funds to continue the adventure. But for
the moment, we will stay here to appreciate the peace and quiet
of the place, to photograph nature and to continue the students
work.
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ADVERTISEMENTS |
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