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The forest provides more than just food. Abelardo pointed
out different vines and plants. His knowledge of the forest was impressive.
He said: "This is good for hepatitis," or "this is good for
snake bites." The forest, with all of its diversity, is a medicine
chest. It can be a dangerous place too. We saw poisonous snakes, frogs,
and even poisonous army ants. There are trees with sharp spikes and thorns,
and plenty of biting insects and disease-carrying mosquitos. It's no wonder
that Francisco de Orellana, who was the first European to visit the Amazon
in 1542, called it "Green Hell."
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Looking back on the experience, I can't say I agree with Francisco.
Had I been around 450 years earlier, traveling through an uncharted, hostile
land perhaps I would have agreed. However,
my
memories of the "Green
Hell" are anything but hellish.
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Discovering the Amazon:
Suggested Reading List
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