After our piranha fishing expedition, we boated a bit farther up river toward the nature preserve to get up close and personal with some beloved jungle creatures.
Monkeys and sloths and snakes, oh my!
I mean, how often do you get to say “It was a TWO SLOTH DAY!”
From this point on, when describing the best day ever, my group will be calling any super duper day a “Two Sloth Day” in remembrance of the full full day of pink dolphin searching, native village visiting where we came upon our first sloth, blow dart competing, piranha fishing and being licked by monkeys.
Yes. Licked by monkeys!
Acckkkkk!!
We laughed and laughed as the little creatures tried to de-salt us! they were making the best use of our human resources providing them with vital nutrients in the process.
And let’s face it…we were as sweaty ad salty as we had ever been in our entire lives in the Amazon basin!
No one was exempt!
Better keep your mouth closed!
And watch out! They open back pack zippers!
We posed with parrots!
We watched spider monkeys vying for treats!
And the monkeys kept on licking!
I even got a video of this…too funny! Watch!
There was this guy…who we were told not to touch because they can bite.
There were these guys…and they can bite too!
And THIS guy – don’t even get me started!
And yes, this baby is asleep on my shoulders.
What do I do now??
We had a great time at the nature preserve. All of the animals here are under protection from poachers and black market sellers. They’ve been rescued and are happily living here where they are cared for with veterinary care and safety.
As a nature lover, I was so happy we made this little side trip to interact with the animals and have a bit of fun!
And I fell in love with this handsome lad!
What a heart breaker.
He wants to be a soccer player when he grows up.
What a heart breaker.
He wants to be a soccer player when he grows up.
Click the image below if you are unable to view the slide show on your mobile device. You’ll be taken to the photo album for viewing. There are too many great pictures to post them all as still photos so I hope you enjoy these!
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| Nature Preserve, Amazon Basin, Peru 2015 |
In real time:
We’ve made it to Cusco and are adjusting to the elevation of 12, 000 feet above sea level. I’ve been a bit headachy, but it is passing – and we’ve done a bit of easy walking around town, some shopping, some sight seeing and some resting to get ourselves used to this elevation.
Breakfast tomorrow is at 8am, but I think I’ll be out the door at 6:15 – It’s a 15 minute or so walk to the Cathedral for mass. I plan to light a candle for my friend Mark Lipinski who has been in the hospital for far too long. Doctors are completely stumped as to what is plaguing him. He can also use your thoughts and prayers, so please keep him in mind and close to your hearts.
After breakfast we’ve got a panoramic tour of the city planned and a visit to a Peruvian weaving factory – colorful textiles, oh my!
Be well my friends --
Love from the height of the Andes,
Bonnie, you just have such a sweet soul. I've noticed in earlier posts and various trips, the animals seem drawn to you and relaxed around you. That is the same quality that allows you to put up with the craziness of some of your fans when we get wound up about something. That little critter sleeping on your shoulders says it all.
ReplyDeleteTry drinking Matea de Coca tea for the headache. It is also good to drink before you go to sleep...and sleep with a crack in the window....a little fresh air is always good.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great side trip! Loved seeing your interaction with the local critters. Did not know about Mark Lipinski being in the hospital. Will hold him close in thoughts and prayers too. Hugs, Allison in Plano, TX USA
ReplyDeleteTry the Cocoa tea, it's meant to help with the altitude sickness (headaches, funny tummy).
ReplyDeleteCusco is amazing. Enjoy
Bonnie, what is that animal that looks like some sort of turtle? Love traveling vicariously though you. Sending good vibes Mark's way.
ReplyDeleteWow! Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteOh my what a wonderful trip you are having...hope your headache continues to dissipate, 12,000 ft. is some elevation, be easy w/you.... and yes, prayrs for Mark Lipinski, i never met him except thru his mag and FB, maybe a candle at that elevation can get the attention he needs... <3
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