The river that didn't flow (Carnival Part II)

The previous day, we had already decided that today we would walk to the river. We woke up around 7:30. My parents went to the port to buy fish, and I took the opportunity to go jogging around the house. The doctor had told me to get some sun because I was pale, so what better way than jogging early in the morning?

Then, I had breakfast—boiled eggs, a slice of bread, and a cup of tea.

At 10:40, the sun was shining. We started walking... and walking until we came across a river (not the main one).

How did we cross it? By walking through it. We ended up wet up to our knees.

We walked a lot, and when we finally got there, the river wasn’t flowing at all. The worst part? I was dressed in black (I loved my outfit!), but I think that’s why a lot of mosquitoes attacked me at that moment. So, my sister and mom sprayed me with perfume to keep them away.

In the end, we ended up tired, bitten, wet, and disappointed.

Honestly, writing too much about it feels tedious, so just watch the reel on my Instagram.

@yelenalejandro

In the afternoon, after deciding I’m a city girl, we went to a beautiful spot. It was a small beach, and in the distance, we could see a lighthouse. We even saw a heron trying to catch a fish.

Later, we came across a fair, and I took the chance to buy some earrings and a fridge magnet that said "Chanduy." Then, we went back home to rest and get ready to go to the town center, where all the activities happen, because tonight there was a festival.

It started at 9 p.m. Three dance groups performed:

• The first performed a dance dedicated to nature.

• The second did salsa choque and Mapalé.

• And the last one... amazing. Unforgettable. They danced to Highland music, wearing traditional outfits, and put on a whole show—even a guy who breathed fire as part of the choreography! Their performance lasted 10 minutes, with every step executed perfectly, full of coordination and energy.

At the end, before they changed outfits, my mom took a picture with them. She was the only one who did that—I loved it.

We didn’t stay long because it was late, but I think we saw enough. We headed home and got ready for bed. It was a great way to end our last day here.

P.S.: Guess how many mosquito bites I got on our little adventure?

Fifteen.

It’s a miracle I didn’t catch dengue.