Thursday, March 6, 2008

First trip to the jungle


On February 27, I was informed that I would be going to the jungle the next day. I had fears. Fear #1: the plane. As you can see from the photo, the planes we fly on are not big. They fit up to 6 people, but only 800 lbs of weight not counting the pilot, so this is a very small plane. Plus, it is a nonpressurized cabin. My only experience, up to now, with a nonpressurized cabin had been in a helicopter and I did not like that at all. I could only imagine that this would be worse, we would be higher and flying over vast areas of nothingness where if something did happen (a crash for example), no one would find us for days.
Fear #2: The jungle. I have never been to the jungle, have only seen it in movies (and we all know everything in movies is reality). I did not know what bugs to expect, what to expect from the people, would they feed us, and if so, what would it be? I have heard many stories about the food in the jungle, boiled grubs, cold piranha soup. Our plans were to just go for the day, but if the weather didn't cooperate with us, we would have to stay overnight. Where would we sleep, there is no electricity, so what bugs, or other critters, would climb into bed with me while I was sleeping?
Fear #3: being the doctor. What illnesses would they have that I have never seen before, will I know how treat them? If someone is really sick and needs to be flown out to the hospital, will I recognize that patient? What if they don't speak spanish (which they didn't, but I had a translator), how will I know what is wrong with them?
28. The ride in the plane was fine, it was very smooth and I was not afraid aSo with all these fears, I set out for one day in the jungle on Febt all. The community was very welcoming, it was a very small community of about 15 people, we were able to see everyone and treat all their ailments, which were very mild. No one was really sick, no one had anything that I didn't know how to treat. There was a storm in the afternoon, but it cleared in time for us to leave that day. We didn't eat anything while we were there. I didn't see any scary creatures, only some beautiful birds.
Overall, it was a great experience. In and of itself, it was not a very productive trip, but for me it was. I am now over my fear of the jungle, so when I have to go for 3 days, sleep there, bathe in the river, eat the food, I won't be so afraid. I now have had a taste of what to expect, and I enjoyed myself.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Love it! I can 'hear' you describing all your fears about bugs and food and such...wimp!!!

Lee said...

I enjoy your blog, too! It's neat to hear your stories and see what amazing things you're doing. And yes, it is amazing!!

Kristin Baker said...

Wow, Becky the jungle woman!