Day 1: We come together, Val, Myself, the 3 Cornell students - Derrick (Specializes in herps and learning GPS/GIS), Hans (graduated a horticulturist) and Shern (anything that moves is his, especially if it has 6 legs), with Chief Isaias and his extended family. We talk about the 2 weeks of work ahead. The plan: finish the community map; finish research and data collection for a school book illustrating and explaining - in Spanish and Yekuana - the common plants and animals of the land and their significance; putting Hans's expertise to use in sowing some anti-malarial plants, consulting with Isaias on farming of fruit trees and, last but not least, a solar oven workshop with the women. Hut! ... Two days into the program, the students' resolve is rewarded with the Yekuana re-baptizing them with Yekuana names: Hans becomes Anedai (crocodile), Shern Yadiwe (gator), Derrick Wasahede (the black racer). Touchdown!
Image (c) Val Druguet.
