Today was mostly resting in Quito as well, with the exception of one really interesting interview. Luis Felipe Duchicela, a regional director for the Rainforest Alliance here in Ecuador, came with good answers to questions long overdue. We sat down over a cup of coffee; Michael and me interviewing. He will be a great resource for understanding the complexity of implementing a project to villages in the Amazon basin; instantly becoming a friend of ours as well.

On the 28th we arrived to the Lodge; the place which is run by the community of Sani Isla. It's a beautiful Eco-Lodge; run in accordance with every aspect of being eco-friendly there is. We had a good stay, and got to interview the President of the community; Patricio. A sharp man; he's organized and knows what the village needs, no doubt about it. Also - he's a shaman; his legacy coming from generations of shamans.

Yesterday, the 29th, we went back to Quito by plane from Fransisco de Orellana. Today has been a very slow day, resting to regain our strenght. And we've washed all of our clothes! They truly needed a touch of soap.

Alfred is much better, and he's actually eating again :)

Today was kind of bitter, leaving Sani Isla behind. We packed our stuff together, ate pineapple and eggs with Jaime - and at about 10am we got in the canoe. Susana, Jom and the children we spent time with came to say farewell - but the word "Adios" was never used. Hasta luego, Sani Isla!

The Project Carpe Diem documentary will provide lots of portraits; and especially so it will portray people being key to understanding the whle process - people of the community, people from the official instances and people behind the helping projects.

Here's a preview of one of them. Susana, a Quechua girl living in Sani Isla. Ever curious, she's followed my work even closer than I've followed her - peering around every corner. She's sweet, always insisting that I play tag with her - yet responsible; she acts as a mother for her younger sisters.

Here's three pictures, for you to get to know her; an Amazon girl who's growing up in the middle of the world's greatest natural resource - likely to one day be a part of the process in which to save it.

As you know, Alfred has been sick for a couple of days. Jaime came to me yesterday and asked thoroughly about his symptoms; after hearing he told me he would get a remedy for it.


Limoncillo and smoke to give Alfred a surplus of positive energy

Said and done; today they've worked on curing him twice. Jaime and about ten villagers brought a plant from the forest - the Limoncillo - which they brushed the air with around Alfred's body. One man sang, one whistled - and in turns they blew smoke onto him. One after one, they dragged the Limoncillo from his head - threw it away - and then walked away, taking the foul spirits with them. This treatment is supposed to bring about a lot of positive energy; it is commonly used by the workers if someone is sick. Jaime was last, and efter the ceremony told me not to let Alfred drink any water for an hour. That wasn't a problem; Alfred head straight to bed and fell asleep.

And actually, he's feeling better. Isn't that something?