Exploring Iquitos

Today was our first day in Iquitos. We didn't have clinic, so they organized a tour of the city. We met at the AP office and from there took the motocarros (motorcycle front with golf cart like back), which is one of the few forms of transportation in the city, to the main market. There are some cars, but they are quite rare, and a few buses. There are also motorcycles, but we won't be taking those (and I would never so don't worry). The market was really cool with fresh piranha and river catfish, real grubs (look exactly like the ones in the Lion King), fruits, etc. we also got to see where the two rivers join to make the Amazon, which was pretty cool. Sadly I didn't bring my phone or camera, since they said things could get stolen, but everyone else brought things and I'm 100% positive I would have been fine if I made sure to pay attention. All of the pictures are courtesy of Caitlin.

Grubs

Various fruits and vegetables

Us by the water at the market

The boats near the market

After the market we went to the marina to see some of the boats that take people on multi-day journeys down the river and bring goods as well. They cram tons of people in and I'm sure it's not the most comfortable journey! We then went to the Belén neighborhood and took some boats on the river to see the area. The neighborhood is quite poor and has an open sewage system, but it was neat to see. We will have our first clinic say there tomorrow. 

Some of the boats that transport people up and down the river

In Belén

Taking a boat ride around Belén

Belén

After Belén we went back to the AP office for lunch, which was cooked by the chef Nancy and tasted delicious. We are very lucky to have her cooking for us during the trip, including when we are in the jungle. We had a fried rice type dish, plantains, a mango salsa, yucca, beans, and an amazing salad with avocado. We then had a brief overwork of the trip and a few very short lectures, including what we know about Zika. 

After lunch we walked around the area with Patty, who created the organization, and she showed us some places we could eat while in town. We then went back to the hotel and rested for a bit before Lindsey, Stephanie, Caitlin, and I walked around more ourselves. Today was the celebration of Carnival, so we saw the people dancing around this pole the put up that is decorated with baskets and colorful stuff that they chop down and grab like a piñata. It looked like they were having a lot of fun. 

When we got back to the hotel we met the rest of the group and went to Ari  Burger for dinner and to watch the Super Bowl! I had paiche, which is a huge river fish, with plantains, rice, and a small cabbage salad with passion fruit juice. It was all delicious! We stayed until just after half-time and then walked back. A few of us got some street churros for 1 sol (about 30 cents-ish) which were phenomenal, and then came back to the hotel where I got ready for bed and am not watching the final 3 minutes of the Super Bowl in my room. Lucky we have cable! Almost time for bed, but have to watch there last few minutes!