Synchronized Rioting of the Jungle

Matthew Stonestreet
West Virginia University College of Law, 2L
Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Calling the group’s experience in the Amazon overwhelming would be a drastic understatement. The excitement and suspense involved in seeing anacondas, boa constrictors, sloth, cayman, piranha, tarantulas, exotic birds, and other rain forest creatures provides an unforgettable adrenaline rush. Without question, the lush terrain has inspired adventure seeking and an unrelenting exuberance among the group. This exuberance has been expressed in various ways including humor, competitiveness, and intellectual dialogue.

As part of the agenda today, the groups embarked on four hour treks through the Amazon rainforest that were infinitely enthralling. One of the more thrilling adventures on the trek began when Bernie “Hawk Eye” Worley spotted a Rainbow Boa Constrictor just off our tree and vine covered path. After the group recoiled, our guide Agi quickly hacked down a limb with his machete and made a tool to hold the head of the snake firmly on the ground. Attempting to escape, the nine foot snake fought violently shifting its tail and body through the leaf litter. Agi then asked if anyone wanted to snatch the slithering boa up off the jungle floor. I couldn’t resist. Barely thinking, as I often do, I quickly lifted the boa near its head and stood in the middle of the Amazon awestruck. Little did I know that within the first three days of the Brazil excursion I would hold wild snakes in the jungle, climb gorgeous exotic trees, jump off a riverboat into the Amazon River, fish for piranha, see and smell unknown flora and fauna, and hear the soft synchronized rioting of the jungle late at night.

Under the watchful eye of our tour guide Agi, Matthew Stonestreet seizes (and then releases) a boa constrictor that crossed the path during one of the many jungle treks

Experiencing all of this inevitably inspires a passion to understand the mass deforestation, vast reduction in native tribes, and the plethora of critical environmental issues currently facing the Amazon rainforest. During the lectures, the group explores the tensions that exist between the indigenous tribes, Brazilian government, large corporations, commercial farmers, and illegal loggers. In particular, the lectures focus on the concept of environmental justice. Environmental justice is based on the idea that all people should be protected against environmental hazards and the impending detrimental effects. This concept recognizes the pivotal connection between human rights and environmental protection. The readings, lectures, and discussions all take place within the setting of a star filled sky and surrounding jungle. In the end, the intellectual dialogue is complimented perfectly with the adventure filled days.

One of the most shocking experiences of the jungle was witnessing the carnage of a certain law professor’s fishing style – hilarity ensued. Rusty hooks raked through the water ripping the gills and eyes of unsuspecting innocent piranha. The culprit grinned and said “That was fishing straight out of Compton!”

Not surprisingly, a healthy competition has grown between two factions in the group (the good guys and the bad guys). Virginia Shumate, a bad guy, claims to have caught the most fish despite the fact that the total weight of her catch is less than your grandmother’s goldfish bowl. If any tiny magical fairies from Fern Gully appear, Virginia will be well equipped to provide a small snack for them. Of course, the fairies will have to escape the frantic hooks of professor bloodlust first. Keep in mind, I caught zero fish and harbor absolutely no resentment because of my grim failure.

In reality, the group has bonded amazingly well. Tossing over twenty people into hammocks on top of a riverboat in the rainforest forges a special sort of unity. Most members of the group did not realize how amazing and unique this experience would be. There is little doubt that the suspense, intrigue, curiosity, and fascination of the Amazon has captivated the West Virginia University College of Law study abroad crew.

Our Amazonian riverboat home for six days, the “Roque”