Jungle Chronicles #2: LANDING

I have arrived in Quito early morning. As soon as the plane has opened the door, I could smell the warmth of the asphalt we landed on. I could see green all around me. I could see a simple airport that reminded me of how things used to be in Croatia. I often miss those simple buildings without all the plexiglass and steel, cold fake glamour as I sometimes call it. 

 So here I was, on the other side of the world, stepping on the ground that I know with the enormous joy and gratitude to be there, as well as my introduction to the land, saying hello and a prayer to Pachamama of Ecuador to welcome me. 

Xavier waited for me with a big smile a plate with my name on it, and took me to our ride. I wasn’t allowed to carry any of my luggage with him, and appreciated so much the masculine welcoming me in this way. Xavier is an incredible human working close with our accommodation for the next two days, Cultura Manor, and being connected with the Foundacion Pachamama for about 20 years. My ride was amazing. Seeing the tall trees and green everywhere I could lay my eyes on, learning more about the history of Ecuador, talking about politics, nature, animals here, about reciprocity and our relationship with food, about living conditions in Quito and the life of incredible artist, Oswaldo Guayasamin, who not only painted incredible murals of the struggles of indigenous people, but was a true man of the people - helping whenever he had a chance. 

What a beautiful welcome. I reached Cultura Manor an hour later and was blown away by the beauty of the place. I was told that the space used to be a club where people would come to play poker and many other games. Maybe that’s the reason why I’ve been feeling so mischievous here. :)

I spent that day and the following one slowly landing, meeting people, including Pedro, incredible chef of the kitchen whose daughter and son also work at this place. Such an honour to be received in such a way, with big smiles, open hearts and so much love and care. 

Our group has started to gather, and meeting some of my closest friends and my teachers here brought this sense of things being incredibly surreal but incredibly ordinary at the same time. 

Jungle is awaiting and we started our preparations - meeting, sharing, setting our intentions and just enjoying a moment of landing in this incredible part of the world. And landing… it takes time. It takes a while until spirit roots itself back to the body, roots it self to the ground.  And having friends with us... definitely helps. 

So much to share, but more than enough for now. 

Until soon, 

K.