PALMERAS ii
06
"...but this year we made it a goal to deepen our connections by introducing ourselves, making eye contact, and shaking their hands."
two days in the yagua indigenous community
We spent two days at Palermas ll, greeted by smiling children and adults who brought energy to us all. On the first day, we traded clothes and shoes for handmade crafts. This was our first time trading this year, so seven of us were more experienced than the other seven, who felt more uncomfortable and didn't know what to expect at first. Due to the language barrier, the most difficult part was communication. The interactions can feel cold, but this year we made it a goal to deepen our connections by introducing ourselves, making eye contact, and shaking their hands.
As time went on, our interactions felt more personal as everyone became more comfortable, and it was as if we could communicate and understand them, although we couldn't directly speak to them. I was inspired to see their use of customary resources and the different aspects of nature used to create these crafts. We received hand-woven baskets and animals, beaded necklaces, wooden objects, etc.
We also gifted the village coloring books, crayons, and chalk, which we used to play hopscotch with the kids to create mazes on the pavement. Working through our exchanges between adults and kids, we pushed ourselves out of our comfort zones. We learned the importance of leading life with an open mind because it will allow these encounters to fully enrich and immerse ourselves in this cultural experience.
by ELLA BRENNER