Darkness in the Jungle . . .

The power went out last night. There was darkness in the jungle and the brilliance of the stars was overshadowed by the growing moon’s light. When there is darkness here, it is truly dark. No lights, no back up generators, no battery powered Exit signs. You can actually hear the darkness as everything shuts down. Like a tribal drum, one low beat sounds and fills the night sky. Then the sound of silence, the loss of all man's technological achievements suddenly dying. Blessedly our computers switched to batter power, so their bright screens held out while we scrambled for flashlights. Finding them was a challenge especially when you can’t remember where you put them and can’t see to find them. You never realize how ingrained you get to turning on a switch until you go into the bathroom and do it. When nothing comes on you pause and then the knowledge comes flooding in and you laugh.

So what do you do with no air, no fans, no lights, and no Internet? Sing, play flash light tag till the batteries die, watch the power drain out of your computer battery as you furiously try and get everything down for your blog before the little icon flashes good bye? Yes but slowly the heat sets in and the sweat settles on your skin campground for the night. Yawning, you give in to what night was made for, sleep. The time 7:15pm. Only babies and bakers go to bed this early you think as you fumble to find your pajamas, the closet looking like a massive cave in the dark. I'll never fall asleep you reason belly flopping onto the cool sheets, still holding the last gusts of air conditioned goodness. Then stillness, a moment with your thoughts and dreams . . . .

. . . Today was a casual day, more trips to see land and encounters with Earthmovers, this time a little more friendly. Towards evening plans to dine out were made and we traveled to a quaint pizzeria. It was a small six tabled place with a warm welcoming Argentinian owner named Alexandra. We were the only ones there and she welcomed us like family with smiles and apologies. On the menu chalk board was the list of homemade pastas, the restaurants specialty, along with two desserts and drinks. Natalie dove into the challenge and ordered ravioli, while Titus and I, in search of the perfect pizza, ordered the famous Quesos pizza. With casual conversation, a sharing of backgrounds and a delicate appetizer of crispy bread with garlic spread, our food arrived and was delicious. Light, thin and flavorful each bite was savored or smeared across the face in enjoyment. Dining on the outside patio as the sun slipped away, we devoured and digested while a gentle breeze and music wrapped around us. As the evening shadows stretched across the sky, a strand of twinkling lights were turned on and flashed with memories of Christmas in March. Stuffed and drowsy, we were sent off with cheek kisses and requests of return. Driving back with the windows down, a contented stillness hugged us close. Nothing like a new place, a new meal, and new friends to end the day I say. . . .