Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Welcome to TARAPOTO, Peru

So here is a little introduction to what in the world I am doing at this current moment.
For the last two days I have been living and resting peacefully in Tarapoto, Peru at an eco-village of sorts, called "Yaccumama". The beautiful couple who own and run this place are known as Aubrey and Dionisio. Aubrey owns her own herbal product company called "Qori Inti" where she creates amazing potent products from Amazonian herbs while infusing the products with the flair of Ayurveda. Dionisio is originally from Spain, but grew up in France, and is the father of this beautiful four acre reforestation project. My partner Phoenix and I were fortunate enough to hear an almost three hour story of how he even came to be an Ayawaschero, and how he came to be living here in Tarapoto for the last 25 years. WOW. Mind-blowing, humbling, and fascinating story! Basically we both already know that Dionisio is a very, very, very pure-hearted man and is able to lead deep transformational aya journeys purely through the space that he can hold. Together Aubrey and Dio hold retreats around the world combining their expertise in Ayurveda, Yoga, and Plant Spirit Medicine!

How did we end up here? Well Phoenix was invited last September via a random email from Aubrey, because she had heard about what an amazing and self-taught teacher he is, to come down to the Amazon and teach her the art of Spyagrics. Since that email they have been corresponding, and we haven't wanted to get our hopes up too high because nothing was ever finalized until a few months ago! And lo and behold, now we are actually in the heart of Peru living out some sort of strangely organized, divinely guided fate. Phoenix has dreamed of going to Peru for a very, very long time. I have also always seen myself in the Amazon rainforest in one way or another, since I was about 13 years old. So for both of us, the honor is extremely great that we get to experience this side of the world, let alone together!

So at the moment, we haven't done all too much. We arrived in Tarapoto Sunday night, after almost 24 hours of traveling, and waiting in airports. Dio picked us up at the airport, but he arrived on his motorcycle and we took a "motocarro" (a tri- pod motorcycle that has a bench where 2-3 people can sit and be shuttle around Tarapoto for minimal cost). What a culture shock, being driven on a motorcycle thing through the streets of Tarapoto at night time where we can see the locals just hanging out in front of their houses on plastic lawn chairs. the city is nothing like I imagine India to be, as far as dirtiness goes, but still compared to the streets of USA and major cities, Tarapoto is pretty run down. Still, the people seem very content, peaceful, and enjoy loved ones' company.

Our living situation is pretty large and spacious. We are staying in the guest house meant to sleep 12-15 people and we have it all to ourselves! Everything on the property Dionisio built himself and had help with. Pretty impressive to hear as well, that when Dio bought this property there was absolutely nothing on it, it was BARE, maybe one or two trees that is it. After 25 years of hard work, love, and dedication this land is thriving with many various species of plants and about 4 living structures plus a few extra structures.

Also, as the city has been growing, Yaccumama has been encroached on. It is an interesting mix to hear construction, motorcycles, and other people all day long admist the songs of crickets and jungle lore.

Tomorrow Phoenix begins teaching Aubrey! I am curious where my time will be spent. I have various connections to study tradition in the town. I am also very interested in various natural healing methods used in this part of Peru. My heart is open, and my mind is receptive. So far so good.

Blessings be
Norianna

2 comments:

  1. It's so neat that you two have embarked on this journey together! What an opportunity!

    I enjoy hearing about your travels…. definitely keep posting (:

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