Los Tsachilas

This morning started in true Ecuadorian style when William (my host dad&pastor) banged loudly on my door at 9.03 and shouted "ready to go?" No I was not ready to go! I had got up a whole 60 seconds earlier (had been unwell so up all night.) Today we had planned to visit the Tschilas Indians at 10 but as usual time isn't important 9 is the same as 10 or 11 or even 3pm. There should be an Olympic event in getting ready fast because I have to be in there with a chance; I managed to get dressed, do my hair &make-up (yes even in the jungle mascara is vital!) pack a bag and make a frantic phone call to speed up Amy and be out my room in 5 minutes.


   Once we were all dressed, fed and then suitably delayed we were off! We drove out of town to some gorgeous and lush forests where the indians have their communities. The Tsachilas are an indigenous people to this region hence the name Santo Domingo de Los Tsachilas. 

The visit was fascinating; we were shown round by Emmanuel who is the shaman and one of the leaders of the community. He showed us various herbs they use as traditional medicines, hallucinogenic plants (no we didn't have a try) and how they capture snakes and preserve them in oil again for healing purposes. Apparently if anyone has a bad back then don't bother with Paracetamol it's pickled Coral snake oil you want! 

Crushed Achiote seeds which they pain their hair with

We saw an underground mini temple/sweat lodge thing and ended up with a few of the indians playing music and dancing. Was lovely until they dragged us up and made us join in. 4 blushing Brits bouncing on the spot and pretending they weren't really there-slightly lost some of the native mystic!

us having a try

P.S For anyone who has written to me and wondered what or who the Tsachilas in the address was-hope this clarified ;)