Danger abounds in the Amazon, along with exquisite wild and beautiful flora and fauna. We were in the Upper Amazon, in Peru.
- We had armed guards for our trip 24/7. Tourists have been robbed by bandits boarding boats several times in the last year.
- Amazon warrior women! The name means “without a breast” – legend has it that they would cut off their right breast to better use a bow and arrow.
- Tiny bats are voracious insectivores. My buddies.
- Armadillos are used by native healers in Peru. If you rub your face with one, it brings good vibes and prosperity.
- Groovy beetle. If I wanted to design fabric, I’d come to the Amazon.
- TARANTULA. This is the only one we saw, but I spent the next 10 days looking over my shoulder.
- Not all things that are fuzzy are cute.
- Here’s looking at you, boa constrictor.
- Mr. Red-Tailed Boa is actually making a heart with his tail. Awww.
- We kept cruising up to trees in our boat, and then realizing that the “leaves” were birds.
- The good ship, Delfin II with 25 guests, and about 20 crew.
- Anacondas can unhinge their jaw to eat VERY large prey. Not venomous, just enthusiastic huggers.
- Our table decorations, made by local artisans.
- Our cabin attendant cracked us up with the towel art.
- Breakfast on the river!
- Beautifully carved chess set on board, with all the critters we saw. Turtles, monkeys, caimans, snakes and dolphins.
- Our room had an enormous window to look at the jungle.
- Can you spot the leaf frog? A master of disguise.
- Pygmy marmosets are the smallest monkey in the world. The adult, without the tail, could fit in the palm of your hand.
- This piranha had such a nice smile that we brought him home. You’ll have to visit.
- A giant lily pad – bigger than a King sized bed.