Love is in the Air

The community that I'll be staying with are Quechua (Kech-u-wa) indians. They descend from the Incan culture and maintain their own language and traditions. The Sani's live on the Napo river and Isla Sani tranlates to "Violet Island". If you're interested in learning more - check out these links: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quechuas and http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/cultural/southamerica/quechuan.html

One of the things I'm most excited about is attending a traditional wedding between Mari (friend formerly from London) and Patricio (a leader of the Sani's). Think dancing, singing, beads, native costumes, (do I rent a full traditional outfit for $25, or just decorate my own?), guys with spears, and headdresses - not quite sure how to properly measure my head (I've been asked). Mari has drawn a line at some of the traditions - there will be No monkey sacrifice and the macaw feathers will be dyed.

Photo: Mari and Patricio, December 2009