The journey to Manu Learning Centre continued for another few hours, also stopping to watch rare white falcons and owls. Main point of the day was however a visit to a local family coca plantation to learn about growing and production of coca leaves. The leaves are collected individually and then dried in sun before they can be sold. Because of the problems with cocaine production the government set up a scheme where it buys the coca leaves from farming families. They are free not to sell them and keep for their own use. Frequent are however attempts to smuggle the leaves outside the park and try to sell it and not to be caught.

Ronnie also showed us a few plants such as coffee, fruits, cashew nuts that are grown for its flowers and not for the nuts which are paradoxically thrown away - these are quite expensive in the shops to buy. There was also a fruit that hold seeds inside. Seeds when squashed relased a natural pigment. Needless to say I got it all over my face... he he he! Check out the pictures!

We continued further and stopped at Pilcopata village for toilet brak and to call or send last messages as after that the mobile reception will be gone. A short drive after that we stopped again in front of a bridge over the Rio Madre de Dios and walked to the other side on foot. There was an mural on a small building on the other side of the river. It had someones name on it and a face. It turns out that politicians have their names painted on buildings as a form of advertisement. Ronnie shared with us another useful and interesting information that voting in Peru - democracy - is compulsory, done personally and subject to fine of $140 if person will not vote. There is no excuse, even if one lives in the rainforest.

Next step of the journey was a transfer to a boat at Atalaya and 20 minutes journey down the river to where the Manu Learning Centre is located.

First impresssion of the Centre - great! Constructed entirely of natural materials, wood and palm leaves.

...to be continued.....