Our Amazon expedition began with days of preparation in the sweltering town of Mitú, Colombia. Equipped with a modest dugout canoe and essential supplies, we set off, only to face an immediate disaster when our overloaded canoe capsized in the Rio Negro. This brush with death prompted us to enlist a Brazilian boat captain, but plans took a twist when we found ourselves abandoned in the remote community of Tainá. Surviving on minimal food, including worm-infested fish, we navigated rapids and encountered frequent checks by Brazilian soldiers. Awaiting the aid of a seasoned pastor from São Gabriel, we learned invaluable lessons in resilience and adaptability. Despite the hardships, the true essence of our Amazon adventure was just beginning.

The beliefs that arose from a mix of religions and ethnicities, combined with the nations' history of colonialism, created today's Guyana. It is these that I have found fascinating and wanted to share. Myths, legends and folktales provide continuity in culture, bringing stability and a shared understanding of what life and death appear to be to any group that shares the same ideas. They help build on concepts that we teach our children, often inspiring obedience or common sense. Think about the familiar British tale of the boy who cried wolf, a morality tale that suggests that you should not mislead people or they will stop believing you.

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