Above Panama
Water taxis are the main mode of transportation from island to island. This was my first time simultaneously traveling by boat and viewing mountainous jungles from afar.
Our first ever living cacao fruit sighting in undisturbed rain forest near the property of Ventura, a very welcoming and knowledgeable member of the indigenous Gnobe tribe in Almirante. I really can't say enough good things about Ventura.
Justin fears not the poison dart frog! On the contrary, he is one of the leading researchers in the field. And don't worry, he knows how to hold them so he doesn't get poisoned. I kept my distance, though.
A bird of paradise flower about to burst open into fiery flames of red and orange petals.
Drew contemplates the likelihood of bringing home the unwelcome souvenir of dengue fever...
Ventura ventured off to collect some ripe ("maduro") cacao fruits from his property for us to drool over. You suck the white pulp off each individual cacao bean, relishing in its tart, citrusy, floral sweetness.
He then generously knocked down a coconut for each of us, and proceeded to hack off the tops of them for us to eat, drink, and be merry after an exhausting trek through the jungle. This was seriously THE most live-tasting food I've ever had! Delish!
Group shot with coconuts! From left: Henry (Justin's intern), moi, Drew, Justin, Ventura, and David (another researcher intern). Fun (albeit sweaty) day all around!!!
More to come...
Sounds like you really got to taste the rainforest. What sort of place was this that you visited/stayed?
ReplyDeleteI love your travelogues! Keep 'em coming!
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