I am walking through this little village at kilometer 35 on the road from Puyo to Arajuno. It is this tiny community without a name and undiscoverable in Google Earth, which allows me to be part of the Ecuadorian life.

Although there are probably more differences than similarities between the jungle-culture and the European lifestyle I feel really welcome and at home here in the middle of the jungle.

`Hola Corinna!´ Someone is calling from next house. ´Would you like to have Chicha?` Shortly after I am sitting in the kitchen of this tiny little house, which is build affectionately out of wood and emanate such a cordial and lovely ambiance.

We are all sitting around open fire in the kitchen and the sweet smell of chicken fulfills the room. The father is chilling in his hammock, swinging from one side to the other while his son is walking around proudly with a small monkey on his head. In the back they are busy with cooking and dishwashing. We are just talking about the last weekend when they hand me the first cup of chicha. With pride they are watching me how I take the first sip of this traditional alcohol.

Later on that evening there is a small party. Together we are walking down the three small wooden steps and the whole family hit on the road. From a distance we already can hear the music. It is so specific South American. So genial and inviting. As we arrive we are welcomed by a smile and I am happy to meet all those people who are good friends by now.

I've only just arrived and I am asked for a dance and suddenly I found myself dancing amidst a happy crowd. While I am dancing in my Wellington Boots and the darkness is lived up with music I have to think about the last weeks I spent here. Trips in jungle, evenings that I spent with these families. Many little fiestas where everyone is so much welcome. The little school and all those kids who won my heart with just one smile.
However of capital importance are with no doubt the close friendships which made the life in a foreign culture, in a special way, to an unforgettable experience.

Corinna Berner