While I woke up not believing that I was actually leaving Brasil today and that every part of my mind, body, and soul wanted to stay, I refused to let my feelings of sadness ruin my last day. I was unbelievably blessed after all, as Alberto had invited me on a 4 hour private hike through the jungle. Very few people are afforded this unique opportunity to wander through the Amazon with an Amazonian and alone at that!
Most of the hike was done in silence, so that we would not scare away any of the wildlife. I found this to be incredibly meditative, as I was able to be alone with my thoughts in such spiritual surroundings. The few times we did chat though were about the medicinal qualities of the plants. I am a Chinese Herbalist and herbs fascinate me endlessly. I have been studying Chinese herbs for almost a decade now and I briefly studied African herbs, thus it was only natural that one day I would learn about Amazonian herbs. I was really inspired to spend a few months in the jungle studying them in depth in the future. Alberto promised me that before I left he would give me some herbs that he had bottled up himself to take back with me.
Since I experienced the Amazon in silence, I am going to illustrate my journey without words in order for you to have a similar experience.
The 4 hours went by in a blink of an eye and the next thing I knew I was saying goodbye to Alberto. It never, ever gets easy saying goodbye to those you encounter amidst your travels, especially those you know you will never see again. I just try to focus on how grateful I am to have met them in the first place. And memories truly last a lifetime.
Alberto and I's last moment together.
When I finally arrived at the airport, I was greeted with some startling news…
Breathtaking.
What a fabulous post!
Bellisima!
You are such a master with your words!