Demarcation Diaries
17 September 2001
Sometimes I wonder if the Deni will become one of the most
multicultural Indian tribes in the world. We are learning their
culture, as they are learning ours. This evening I taught Mavahali how to
write his name in Chinese. He wrote it very carefully, trying to follow
every stroke. If he lived in my society, Mavahali might become a
linguist or writer. He is very curious and enthusiastic about learning and
teaching language. Whenever I am writing in my notebook, he comes to
my side and watches without disturbing me. Two days ago, he borrowed a pen and
a few pieces of paper from me, sat down, and wrote in Deni for two hours.
I didn't understand anything he wrote, but he wrote with great
concentration and precision. He is also responsible for teaching Deni to
the people from CIMI. After a day of good rest, it was our turn to work in
the field today. The Amazon sky was cloudy all day, and there was a little
bit of rain from time to time. It was actually the best kind of weather we
could have: it was cool, and most mosquitoes were gone. It would have been
better if my boots were not hurting my ankle, and if I don't have allergic
reaction to the mosquito repellent. We finished another 800 meters today.
We were not making as much progress as we wanted to, because it took us
quite some time to get from Comte Savio to the spot where the other team
stopped the previous day. As we are making progress everyday, it takes us
longer and longer to get to and from the field. But soon we will be
camping in the forest, so things will go more smoothly. I enjoy the cool
weather, but last night it became so cold that it felt like winter in Hong
Kong. Hope
the weather will not be too hot or too cold when we sleep in the forest.
Kontau
Find out about the different
volunteers on the demarcation project.
|
|
