After what seemed like an eternity we have finally arrived at the Iquitos Airport. Once we got off the airplane and walked along the tarmac we got a taste of the humidity that Peru had to offer. None the less though, we were all relieved to finally be there. Once we got our bags we met up with Guillermo, our guide, who arranged 3 taxis for us to get to our hostel. On the way to the hostel we got a glimpse of Iquitos, although it was brief it was an amazing experience that signaled to us that we were finally here. After two days of staying in Iquitos it was finally time for us to make the trek to our home for the next 6 weeks, Santa Cruz. In order for us to get to our boat we took a Moto, or half motorcycle half cart, to the marina. Once we arrived at our boat, after months of waiting, we were finally able to put a face to the name of Devon Graham. It seemed like the whole boat ride to the city of Mazan was a Q&A session for us to put our minds at ease. Once in Mazan we then took another Moto for about 15 minutes to a boat that would be our transportation for the duration of the trip, the Yucandero. Now that our minds were finally at ease, we were then able to soak in the amazing sights that the Amazon River had to offer. Right when we were loading the Yucandero we actually saw a grey river dolphin. The boat ride to Santa Cruz was roughly 30 minutes, but felt like 5 because we were so excited to finally be there. We stopped to see our worksite and the school, just to get a feel of what is to be expected, and then ventured off another 10 minutes down the river to our actual campsite. If we did not already know the humidity by the time we got to the campsite, the 1.1 mile hike through the rainforest got us acquainted real quick. After the hike our once dry shirts were now soaked, but that is okay because the feeling of being here is amazing. We each picked our Tombos and got settled in. Now that we had everything in line, we waited, and anticipated what was ahead on our 6 week journey into the Amazon. We are all happy to be here, but anxious to start working.

• John Rodriguez