Different world

Two weeks in the North Rupununi. Slowly blending in. I exchanged my bottled water for rain water and well water (unfiltered, since there is no industry of any kind around it is save to drink).
Where I only used to eat filet I now eat fresh fish, fried, with the hands, for breakfast.
I won’t let any tarantula chase me out of the pit latrine anymore.
I eat the limited variety of products that are locally available. Sometimes multiple times a day.
I appreciate the occasional lime juice or drinks made out of cassava or potato instead of drinking only water.
Where I was concerned about worms and parasites when wading through mud and shallow water I am now going through it without a thought, with or without sandals.
I am adding more and more remarkable animals to my wild life list, numerous birds, monkeys, caiman and iguanas the size of alligators.
I hop into the back of pick up trucks, stand up, feel the wind going through my hair, feels like flying. Hold on tight, bumps can make me fall.
I have taken over the slow pass of the day, the getting up early and going to bed early.
I am amazed by the bright moon and thousands of fire flies, which provide me with enough light to find the way back home in the dark.
I enjoy special happenings. The yearly celebrations of Amerindian Heritage and my first work visit to Rewa, an idyllic village on the river. An astonishing boat trip, I absorb all smells, sounds and colours.
I learn from all the amazing people that I meet. Visitors as well as villagers, who are humble, balanced and friendly.

Rewa village
Obtaining of knowledge under the mango trees. The villagers are seated on wooden benches, elders, youth, mothers with their children. New bourns are being swayed and breast fed. Skinny dogs and chickens are walking about through the sand and the dry leaves.
A village on the river, people live from and with the water. Fish is being caught and prepared. Fish that are not known to me. Enormous, so much larger than the fish in my homeland waters.
Life is simple, goes back to the source. Not much is needed. Family is the corner stone of society.
Living as one with nature. Howler monkeys announce the beginning and ending of the day.
Houses are being build with wood and the roofs are made out of dried leaves.
Families are large, mothers young. My age, already eight children.
Such a different world.