Getting To Know The Neighbourhood

All EMs get a chance to get to know the surrounding areas on various trips out from base camp in the first few days. A visit to the local communities of Puerto Rico and Aguas Santa prove exciting outings as they are the local metropolis for shopping. Puerto Rico is not only the place where EMs head to for a spot of TEFL teaching, but also has a local shop for emergency supplies and welcome treats. Aguas Santa has an exciting weekly event - the local market. Saturdays see the surrounding communities making their way there as an opportunity to stock up on locally grown produce, amongst other goodies, as well as catch up on the weekly gossip. EMs get the chance to experience this first hand and get a little taster of what community life is all about. Finally a short hop across the river in canoe takes them to Yachana Lodge and a chance to meet Douglas, the founder of the Yachana Reserve where the GVI base is located. He gives a fantastic introduction and insight into the work that he has been doing in the vicinity over the 15 years since he has been based here and how GVI fits into that programme. The EMs are rewarded with refreshing fresh tropical juices and smoothies as they gaze up the Rio Napo and contemplate the experiences that are ahead of them in the weeks still to come.

Getting To Know The Neighbourhood