Ingrid Cosma from Rumenia and UK with the Tzachials

Two weeks in Tsachilla My stay in Chiguilpe has been a mixture of adventure, learning, working with the community, and exploring new dimensions. Oral Hygiene talk to school kids The talk was aimed at increasing Oral Hygiene awareness amongst kids studying at the local school. With the fantastic help from one of the dentists in Santo Domingo, Dr Luis Sanchez, who brought instruments from his practice, the talk was followed by a session of removing badly decayed milk teeth for those kids who needed it. The event was generously supported by who promptly donated boxes of toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoos and conditioners for the kids. Very warm thanks to all who contributed, and I hold high hopes that this little session will have some long term positive effects on the health awareness of the village kids. Medicinal plants There is a wealth of knowledge in the community regarding the curative merits of various plants. Whilst even the ubiquitous yucca and cocoa were interesting to my untrained mind, the herbal bath certainly seemed to have heavenly properties! Yucca plant Cocoa plant Sauna, Tsachilla style Lecture to third year Dental Students at the Colombia University of Santo Domingo ´Odontología y Ortodoncia in Inglaterra´. The University is small and relatively newly born. There are thirteen students enrolled in the Dental School, who study by night between 6-10, and work in the day to support themselves. Given their gruesome working schedule, and my tentative Spanish skills, I was expecting a peacefully snoring audience and a very quick exit towards my awaiting steaming bath. Surprise! I encountered a very interested audience, eager to learn and understand more. Only managed to get away explaining there’s an awaiting shaman who’ll be sending them bad energy should they ask any more questions! Cockfight, Armadillo, and the little snake One way of spending Saturday afternoon… Well, it seems to be true, an armadillo cannot be held in captivity…Exciting trying to though… An unfortunate visitor… Urusona and ayahuasca In Tsachilla legends, Urusona is a beautiful and brave woman, now represented by a stone in the middle of the river. Given Urusona´s strong character, the site is a powerful inspiration and center of energy for Tsachilla ceremonies. The ayahuasca baptism, at night, in ´Urusona´s headquarters´, although not for the faint- hearted, made for an eerie experience. Urusona camping site Balancing the forces of nature Shaman in action Urusona offerings The ayahuasca effect And finally…. It’s been a great experience; I’ve made fantastic friends and learned a great deal about so many things, whilst hopefully I left something behind for the community… …..Hasta luego, Chiguilpe!

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