The organist librarian

As always the RI Christmas lectures are fascinating and fun. Watched New Year Bake off and Steven won.  Amazon programme. Only connect and University challenge. The family set off for home tomorrow - looking forward to seeing them especially as Sean has had a haircut. 

Breakfast on the skiffs with plates at the confluence of the two rivers and the start of the Amazon itself. Rain then to village to but basketwork and instruments and handed over more pens and pads to the teacher. Duck for lunch and farewells. Drive to manatee centre where we fed them - saw caiman and turtles.Liz in pain walking. Drive round Iquitos centre and flight to Lima - wheelchair and front row thanks to Remi. Marissa very concerned and called nice doctor so had injection at 1 a.m. $120. Thursday 15th up at 4.30 a.m. Marissa called she was late waking up - not surprising really. Quick breakfast and to airport. Used last soles to buy a llama from streetkids shop and chocoaltes at Brittshop. Very nice LAN flight ro Guaquyil and sat at front watching "Boychoir". Liz was better. Farewell to Marissa who has been brilliant. It's a pity we have only seen Marriott hotel in Lima!

Sunday 11th a long day. Liz still in pain. Mark and Joanne gave up their seats so we could sit together on the plane to Lima - Marissa did her best but 2 couples were split up. She herself is very unwell. On the second flight to Iquitos we were together. Long drive to get to the Delfin II for the cruise. Monday 12th Up in the night - Liz pain in back and legs. Early morning skiff trip saw monkey, iguana and lots of birds. Saw paramedic who suhhested Electrolite for potassium and sodium and painkillers. Drawing and reading. The room is comfortable and spacious. Afternoon 4 p.m. skiff saw birds, iguana, dolphins at sunset. Another nice meal. Tuesday 13th. Up at 5.45. 6.30 saw macaws and then jungle walk in wellies. Lots of mud - saw trees, ants and termites. Talk on Amazonian fruits by Luis. Fish for lunch. Had a rest and Liz went kayaking with Paul which she enjoyed. Saw monkeys, caught piranha (red) and a catfish. Liz did not catch any. Nightfall and saw caiman. Great meal and danci...