Testimonials
Logan Orlando Testimonial
The Birthright Earth trip, in the Brazilian Amazon, is an experience for the ages, and one I recommend to anyone concerned about the future health of our planet, and interested in experiencing firsthand the wonders of the rain forest. Books may inform on the region and its complex ecosystem, filled with more diversified flora, fauna and wildlife than any other place on the planet, but nothing compares to the SEE IT to Save It mentality- to catching a baby Cayman in a late-night river ride, hearing the far-off sounds of the ever vocal Howler Monkey, or watching brilliantly colored Scarlet Macaws fly and screech in pairs across the sky. The highlights of our journey were many, each worth an essay of their own, and all will stay with me for years to come.
Herewith, some testimonials, plucked from my journal, to our incredible trip in Brazil.
The Jungle walk and waterfall swim at Presidente Figueiredo:
“Diminutive, and quick to smile, Herman is our Rasta man leader through the dense forest. Far above, the upper canopy sways as we walk, and we keep our ears pricked for the sounds of the jungle. The animals are out there, but this is their territory and they are experts at staying just out of sight. Luckily, Paulo and Herman are experts at discovering where they hide…The waterfall tumbles from far up rocks - a thin stream that grows to a powerful thrust. The sun glistens in the water as it drops to the pool below. Deep, and as we later discover, bat-filled, caves loom just beyond this glorious sight. Tim and I do not need to be told twice to ‘dive in if you want.’ In seconds we are in the cold, refreshing shower, swimming in a natural waterfall in the middle of the Amazon. It does not get any better than this.”
Planting a tree on International Day of the Water at Eco-Park: “…it was an emotional experience and I immediately felt maternal towards [the tree]….as I chose my sapling to plant, tore off the plastic around its base, and put it in the ground, filling in the space around its roots with sand, I felt a strange sense of attachment to the little guy. I wish I could watch it grow, and in some way, I felt I gave it life…. I wish it well on its long journey to adulthood. It will be on this earth much longer than I, and it will be a small part of a much larger, greater project of reforestation at Eco-Park. Maybe someday I will see it again.”
Heading to Lago Da Bin: “We cruise along the Rio Negro. The water is flat and dark. Green looms large on either side, the brush, trees and bushes getting taller and thicker as we head deeper in. Simple, often dilapidated, huts, or thatched-roofed homes speckle the banks. The occasional malnourished cow or water buffalo raises its head to gaze out as we float by …the boat-ride is peaceful and we are filled with a sense of adventure. We are in the Jungle!”
Swimming with Dolphins: “Serene and supremely peaceful, the place is a sort of haven. But the real gem, the ultimate attractions here on this floating home, are Sophia Loren, Michael Phelps, Flip, and Fred - the Pink River Dolphins that frolic, swim and blow water around the house. Feeding these long-snouted, small-eyed, pink-bellied creatures off the side of Salvina’s house is a gift and an awe-inspiring joy. …Wait, did I REALLY just feed a fresh water dolphin in a deep brown river in the middle of the Amazon?? Yup, and swam with them too!”
On the children in the square at Itacoatiara: “Before long, we were surrounded, it seemed, by every kid in the village. Faces beaming, wanting to know (and Paulo had to translate much) our names, ages, where we were from, what we did, wanting to practice their English, and then finally, wanting to get our email and even skype accounts so as to stay in touch. Such a heart-warming night and further proof that around the globe children break down cultural barriers and embrace others outright. If only everyone were so open and loving. Tim and I were local celebrities, if only for a night, and he had many a marriage proposal. A few even coaxed him into putting his contact information on their outstretched arms when the paper option ran out.”
There is infinitely more to tell about this educational, eye-opening, and utterly thrilling trip, and I am indebted to Tim and Paulo for making it happen and for letting me join in. Having been down there now, it is hard to imagine not wanting to return, and not somehow getting involved in preserving the Amazon and further empowering the beautiful people who make it their home. If you are lucky enough to convince Birthright Earth you send you, GO!!.
