this, as the song goes, was the time of my life. 7 days spent inside the amazon forest. words and pictures cannot capture the essence of this magnificent living organism, for the forest is alive. it breathes, it sings, it plays, it accompanies, it seduces. i have always loved nature, but this was different. this was a kind of communion with an environment of overwhelming beauty and complexity, a true feeling of being close to something which is 'mother' earth.

i begin this story by introducing you to my guide, indio francisco. francisco was born in the forest, but moved to manaus early in life. his family started a small tour operation which takes tourists into the heart of the amazon. they run their little business from a small room above a warehouse in a delapidated section of manaus. i found him via the local newspaper and instantly recognized his honesty and passion for the forest. we agreed on a price for the excursion, and i went back to my hotel room skipping and jumping with giddy excitement. 2 days later we boarded a bus in the early morning, and spent the next day making our way into the amazon, first by bus, then by boats, then by canoes, and finally unto the staging area for our exploration. this trip was the greatest gift i have ever given myself. whatever else i do in my life, i find quiet happiness knowing that i met this wonderful environment which so redefined my love for earth.