 
People (in particular my parents) ask me "why in the world did you build a lodge in the Amazonia some 5,000 miles away from your home in Seattle?" It's a difficult question to answer unless I'm talking to someone who has experienced this magnificent ecosystem and all of its fascinating inhabitants. Then I don't need to explain a thing; they intuitively understand.
The exotic, magical sounds of both nightfall and sunrise. Swimming
in the Amazon with the pink river dolphins. Trekking through the jungle at night to
capture the reflecting red eyes of alligators in the beam of my flashlight. Talking
to the howler and squirrel monkeys. Fishing for piranha and walking fish. Or
just quietly canoeing into uncharted lakes that are singularly mine for that moment in
time.
My guide also sat with me through two nights of the ayahuasca ceremony where he served as my translator with the Shaman. It was during this ceremony that I saw the brightest, whitest light that I had ever encountered and a "voice" that told me that it was the light of love. Hence, the name of our lodge. Now, I haven't heard voices or seen lights since the 60's. And I can attest that this was entirely different from those sojourns. A very spiritual ceremony, the ayahuasca gifted me with a great deal of clarity and insight. And I came away from all of this wanting a connection with this beautiful, primitive land, a reason to return again and again. Building a lodge seemed a perfect answer and my guide had mentioned that he knew of a stunning spot on the Yanayacu River (which means "black water;" not dirty, but so clear you can see the river bottom during the dry season) where there were enormous lakes for fishing and where civilization came to an abrupt end but where the river kept on flowing. So, nine months later, and voila: a spectacular jungle retreat with many gifts to offer. The Loving Light Amazon Lodge. But in reality it wasn't quite that simple. Thirty of the hardest working, most devoted craftsmen, carpenters, and artisans worked through El Niņo, heat, and more than a few mosquitoes to make it happen. They dedicated their efforts to making this the "best lodge in all of Peru." And I believe that they have accomplished nothing less than that.
In protecting this precious rainforest ecosystem, it was initially suggested that we ask our guests "to take only pictures and to leave only footsteps." But actually our purpose is greater than that. There are three villages located down river from the Loving Light. San Juan, Ayacucho, and Junin. The villagers haven't much in the way of material possessions, but they play a mean game of soccer and can outfish the saltiest of us. They also have very little in the way of medical and dental care. Medical supplies are also in high demand. School supplies and books for the village schools would also be gratefully accepted. Your help is greatly appreciated.
The Loving Light staff invites you to explore the splendor and magic of the Loving Light Amazon Lodge and all the beauty of the Peruvian jungle. We will do all within our power to make certain that your visit is one of the most memorable outings of your life.
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Amazon Lodge · contact Dan for information · danm@junglelodge.com |
