Jungle Odyssey

By Benak

In luxuriant and unflinching prose, "Odyssey of the Jungle" unveils the harrowing journey of four siblings (Fernando, Isabel, Sofia, and young Miguel) catapulted into the dark bowels of the Amazon following a catastrophic air disaster. Rooted in fact, this narrative transcends reality to reach a realm where courage, ingenuity, and fraternal love form the very fabric of existence, elevated by the imperative to endure in a Colombian jungle as magnificent as it is merciless.

 

Facing adversity and the intricacies of a wild environment, these young souls display unwavering determination. Their unity, the key to their survival, imbues every page with striking authenticity, captured by a masterful pen adept at distilling the full spectrum of human emotions, from terror to exhilaration. The author skilfully guides us through their daily quest to procure sustenance, maintain the flickering flame of a precarious hearth, and evade the countless hazards abounding in this uncharted world. Beyond a saga of survival, this masterpiece offers a poignant meditation on the resilience of the human spirit, enlightening the reader on the subtleties of fraternal bonds under extreme circumstances.

 

Far more than a mere adventure, "Odyssey of the Jungle" stands as a veritable ode to the human capacity for resilience and compassion. The nuances of interaction between brothers and sisters are revealed in all their complexity, adding extraordinary depth to an already dazzling narrative, rendering this book not merely essential reading but destined to become a cornerstone of the genre.

 

Masterfully evoking themes of survival, heroism, fraternity, and hope, this book proves an indispensable read for anyone in quest of truth, inspiration, and breathtaking literary splendor.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Benak
• Release date: Aug 31, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223804574

Benak

Écrivain, poète et chroniqueur, Benak est surtout un grand rêveur qui croit en la magie des mots et en leur splendeur. Porteur d’un projet d’écriture tant ambitieux que prometteur, il met sa plume au service de l’humanité pour instruire et plaire. C’est au sang de son esprit et à l’encre de son cœur qu’il nous tisse des écrits de lumière. De la fiction à la non-fiction en passant par le roman, le récit, le conte pour enfant et la poésie, il traduit son imaginaire en nous proposant une écriture de belle facture, un agréable moment de littérature. S’escrimant toujours avec les mots pour le plaisir du dire et de l’écrire, il mène une vie simple, mais pas tout à fait tranquille. En citoyen du Monde très sensible, certains événements déteignent sur sa vie en y laissant des empreintes indélébiles. Philosophe, écrivain et poète engagé, il porte en lui les stigmates de l’injustice et de l’iniquité.

Book preview

Jungle Odyssey

––––––––

Survival of the Lost Children

of

Amazonia

© Benak, 2023

All rights of reproduction, adaptation and translation,in whole or in part, are reserved for all countries.

The author is the sole owner of the rights to this book.

1.

It was late in the evening when our father, a man of impressive stature with mischievous sparkling eyes, gathered us all in the living room. The air was filled with electric anticipation. The crackling of the fireplace was the only sound disturbing the tranquillity of the room, while the shadows of the flames danced on the walls of our family home. He clapped his palm on the large mahogany table, breaking the silence and capturing our attention.

— Listen, my darlings! he began, his voice vibrating with contained excitement. I have a wonderful surprise for you.

My heart leaped in my chest. Dad's surprises were always the best. He leaned back, looked at all four of us, and spread out a map on the table. It was the map of Amazonia with a vast expanse of green - the jungle - standing out.

— We are going on a journey above the canopy here, he declared, tracing a wide circle with his finger.

Father's proud and joyful words hung in the air like musical notes. Our faces lit up, expressions of surprise, wonder, and excitement taking turns like a joyful melody. Our mother, a woman of radiant beauty and a warm smile, burst into laughter, shaking her head in disbelief and bliss. My little sisters started jumping up and down, cheering with delight.

I displayed a shy but sincere smile, while my sister Isabel felt her heart leap with excitement, as the images of the jungle, so often explored in her geography books, overlapped with reality. Sofia, the youngest, let out a cry of joy. As for Miguel, my little brother, a baby with round cheeks and curious big brown eyes, he gurgled with pleasure in our mother's arms. He cooed and clapped his hands with infectious enthusiasm, adding a note of pure joy to the vibrant energy enveloping the room. The news of the impending departure made our eyes sparkle, warmed our hearts, and filled the air with sparkling enthusiasm.

The anticipation of an adventure, a journey, a surprise from our father, tinged the atmosphere with promise and hope. We gathered around the map, our fingers tracing the lines and curves of our promised route, our minds already taking flight. The excitement of the unknown was enough to fill us with effervescent happiness, like bubbles in precious champagne.

Our father, Don Alejandro, was a charismatic and passionate man, with sparkling eyes and a contagious smile. As a pilot, he always had a story to tell, an adventure to share. He had the spirit of an explorer, a deep love for aviation, and an insatiable curiosity about the world. His travels had given him a unique perspective on life that he strove to pass on to us. Educated and cultured, he was steeped in knowledge. A voracious reader, he had devoured a surprising number of books, which he kept as treasures in a large library he called the sacred place. Philosopher, poet, and traveler, he had become an accomplished thinker. I loved his speeches filled with wisdom when I would sneak into his domain like a curious hunter. A diligent student, I absorbed his words, adopting his ideas with immense pleasure.

Our mother, Doña Maria, was the heart and soul of our family. She was as beautiful as she was generous, with a smile that could light up the room and an energy as contagious as Dad's laughter. She was the soothing hand in our moments of sadness, the laughing heart in our moments of joy, and the voice of reason in our moments of confusion.

Then there were my sisters, 11-year-old Isabel and 7-year-old Sofia. The eldest had inherited Dad's adventurous spirit. She always had a backpack ready for an adventure, a book about nature in one hand and a compass in the other. The youngest was a ray of sunshine with her contagious laughter and love for life. She brought joy wherever she went, and her enthusiasm was boundless.

My little brother, Miguel, was only eleven months old, but he had already won our hearts with his big eyes and gummy smiles. His curiosity knew no bounds, and every day spent with him was a small adventure.

And me, Fernando, the eldest son at 14. I was Dad's right-hand man, always by his side during the preparations for the trips, sharing his passion for aviation. It was my responsibility to look after my sisters, and I was the one who had held Miguel for the first time, promising to protect him no matter what.

The preparations for the journey were an adventure in themselves. Each family member had a role to play. Dad and I were in charge of getting our old but reliable car ready for the trip to the airport. We checked the tires, the oil gauge, filled the gas tank, and even cleaned the windows until they sparkled. Dad always told me, Good preparation is the key to success, Fernando. We can't afford to face problems on the way to the airport.

Mom, Isabel, and Sofia were in charge of making sandwiches, choosing provisions and fruits to take, and ensuring we had enough water. Milk and jellies for the baby, as well as boxes of meat and fish, were part of the provisions. Dad said we should always have plenty of food, as travel plans and itineraries are not sacred texts. Despite her young age, Sofia took great pleasure in helping, especially when it came to tasting the sandwiches to make sure they were delicious.

All of this happened in a joyful turmoil, voices intertwining in the house, resonating on the walls of our family home. The preparation was almost as exciting as the journey itself. Everyone had something to do, a role to play, and the air was infused with touches of happiness.

Meanwhile, the house buzzed with activity. The corridors echoed Sofia's laughter, the echo of tools in the garage, kitchen noises, and the sound of Mom's voice calling for supper.

The house was filled with palpable joy. The grandeur of our colonial home in Bogota came to life with excitement. The pale-yellow walls, the red tiles of the roof, the lush garden with its fruit trees and colourful flowers, everything seemed to vibrate in harmony with our enthusiasm.

Each room was steeped in exquisite pleasure, from the smell of cakes in the kitchen to the warmth of the fireplace in the living room, to the laughter that escaped from the children's bedrooms.

On the evening before our departure, we gathered around the large mahogany table, laughing, talking, and sharing stories. The lights of the house shone with happiness, reflecting the hearts filled with anticipation for the adventure to come. Despite the sadness that the future holds for us, I will always cherish these moments of happiness, these memories of our life before the journey.

Night fell like a dark veil over the house, but the prevailing excitement made sleep elusive. Our rooms, usually havens of tranquility, were now filled with laughter and whispers. Isabel and Sofia whispered in the darkness, sharing their dreams and hopes for the journey. Mom gently rocked Miguel, her sweet lullaby blending with the nocturnal symphony of insects in our garden.

Dad and I sat outside under the starry sky. The night sky is a painting of constellations and infinite mysteries, a spectacle that never fails to awe me. Our soft conversation was carried by the breeze, stories of past adventures, and plans for the journey ahead. It's moments like these, sitting under the stars with Dad, that are etched in my memory.

When I finally went to bed, the moon shone through the window, casting luminous patterns on the floor of my room. My mind was still full of the excitement of the day, the images of the upcoming journey. Despite my palpable joy, sleep eventually overcame me.

In my dream, our small plane glided above the lush jungle. I could see the green canopy below our little aircraft, like a rippling carpet of trees and vegetation. Rivers snaked like silver ribbons through the forest, and exotic animals emerged from the shadows. It was a dream of exploration and wonders, a glimpse of what awaited us.

However, the dream took a sudden and unexpected turn. The plane started shaking, a deep rumble emerged from the engine, and we began to fall. The ground was rapidly approaching, and I could hear the screams of my family. I tried to reach the controls, to stop our descent, but everything was out of reach.

I was awakened by the sound of my own heart pounding. I lay in the darkness, trying to catch my breath, to chase the nightmare from my mind. I glanced at the window, where the stars still shone, peaceful and distant. I tried to reassure myself, to convince myself that it was just a bad dream, that everything would be fine. Eventually, I managed to fall back asleep, but it left a mark, a lingering worry that persisted until morning.

2.

As dawn broke, the soft light seeped through the curtains of my window, gently caressing my sleeping face. Awake, my heart raced with excitement, fueled by the prospect of the adventure that awaited us. On the screen of my watch, the hands pointed to six o'clock, the hour of the beginning of our day.

Leaving my little nocturnal kingdom, I joined the others around the breakfast table. As usual, Mom was already bustling about, preparing a comforting breakfast of scrambled eggs, fresh fruits, and strong coffee. The delectable aromas from the kitchen wafted through every corner of the house, heralding the dawn.

The laughter of Sofia and Isabel echoed as they bounded down the stairs, dressed for the journey, their eyes sparkling with excitement. Dad, with little Miguel nestled in his arms, joined us, his face radiant with joy. Together, we shared this precious moment, amidst laughter and stories, savoring the serenity before the imminent hustle of departure.

After enjoying our breakfast, we set about the task of loading the luggage into the car. Each of us double-checked the contents of our suitcases. Isabel and Sofia had filled their backpacks with books and toys to keep themselves entertained during the flight. While Dad arranged our belongings in the trunk, I took charge of the lighter bags and handbags.

Each carefully placed bag in the car trunk brought us closer to our expedition. Even in this preparatory ritual, a genuine joy and a growing anticipation manifested, buoyed by the bustling city awakening around us.

Once the loading was done, we headed towards the airport. Our home and our everyday life gradually faded in the rearview mirror as we glided on the asphalt, carried away by the call of the journey. Conversation in the car buzzed with excitement, fuelled by our expectations and hopes for what lay ahead. The enthusiasm was palpable, with each kilometer bringing us closer to our adventure.

The airport, that colossal structure of concrete and glass, stood proudly on the horizon, marking the beginning of our wanderings. As we entered, the vastness of this bustling place engulfed us. The atmosphere was electric, with every movement, sound, and smell amplifying the symphony of our anticipation.

With surprising ease, we passed through security checks, greeted by airport personnel displaying professional smiles. On the other side, our Cessna patiently awaited us on the tarmac, ready to transport us to the mysteries of the Amazonian jungle.

Dad, with a determined stride, led us towards the plane. We followed, dragging our equipment behind us, the wheels crunching on the rough asphalt. The roar of planes around us created a constant melody, punctuating our progress.

Arriving at our Cessna, Dad embarked on a meticulous inspection, scrutinizing every detail of the aircraft with his expert eye. I watched him, admiring the precision of his movements, and his perfect knowledge of the machine. Nothing was left to chance: every element was checked, every lever tested, every button pressed.

After giving his approval, Dad opened the door of the plane, inviting us to board. With gleaming eyes of wonder, Sofia and Isabel settled in the back. Mom took her place with Miguel, cradling him tenderly, while I sat in the front, next to Dad, ready to assist the pilot.

In the cockpit, I watched with fascination as Dad performed the pre-flight checks. Every action was precise, every gesture thoughtful. In that cockpit, he was the master, and the sky was his kingdom.

3.

Dad put on his helmet and adjusted the microphone in front of his mouth.

His voice sounded calm and confident:

— Control tower, this is 'Papa India Lima Oscar Tango.' Requesting take-off clearance for runway two-niner.

The response came promptly.

— Papa India Lima Oscar Tango, this is the control tower. Clearance granted for take-off on runway two-niner. Have a good flight.

—  Thank you, tower. Papa India Lima Oscar Tango is taking off now.

The long-awaited moment had finally arrived. The roar of the engine intensified, and with a sudden jolt, we were in motion. The landscape passed by faster and faster. My stomach jumped as the plane ascended into the air. The ground receded, giving way to a mosaic of fields and forests as we soared into the sky. Through the cockpit windshield, I watched the city quickly fade away. Cars became mere specks, buildings turned into colourful blocks, and the city transformed into a tapestry of streets and parks. Lights sparkled like stars, outlining the city beneath the morning sky.

— Look at that! I exclaimed, drawing my sisters' attention to the spectacle.

Both of them were frozen, their faces pressed against the window, their eyes wide with wonder. Even Miguel, in Mom's arms, seemed mesmerized by the view.

The sensation of flying was simply incredible. A lightness, a freedom that I had never felt before. I was like a bird, floating above the world, free from all constraints. It was pure ecstasy.

As we left the city behind, the peaks of the Andes appeared on the horizon. Sharp ridges, steep summits, and lush valleys spread out before our eyes; a natural majesty that seemed almost unreal.

The Andes stretched as far as the eye could see, an immense natural barrier covered in a mosaic of green and white. Snow-capped peaks shimmered in the sunlight, while the valleys below were carpeted in dense vegetation. We could see rivers meandering through the landscape, and sinuous silver ribbons unfolding in the greenery of the jungle.

— Look at the mountains! whispered Mom, pointing her finger out of the window.

Sofia and Isabel's eyes widened even more, while Miguel babbled and tapped excitedly against the glass.

I looked at Dad, absorbed in the spectacle. A peaceful smile graced his face, his eyes sparkling with wonder. It was a sight he had seen hundreds of times before, but one that, I was certain, never ceased to dazzle him.

The Cessna continued its course, climbing amidst these majestic mountains. We flew so close to the peaks that I felt like I could reach out and touch the snow. The mountains almost seemed alive, their slopes exuding mist and their summits gleaming with light.

Every second spent above the Andes was a moment of pure wonder. It was like a waking dream, a spectacle of such intense beauty that it seemed unreal. But this was just a taste of our journey, a mere introduction to the true adventure that awaited us.

As we flew over the Andes, the vastness of space and the monotony of the journey began to weigh on my sisters. Miguel, on the other hand, had peacefully fallen asleep in Mom's arms, oblivious to the world passing beneath him. It was at that moment that I found a way to entertain Sofia and Isabel. To do so, I invited Mom to take my place. Once she did, I took hers among the girls.

— Look at the clouds! I suggested, pointing to the sky beyond the cockpit windshield.

Impressive white clouds lazily floated in the sky, like huge balls of cotton suspended in the air.

— There's a game my father and I like to play, I began, capturing the girls' curious and sparkling eyes.

— We look at the clouds and imagine what they could represent. For example, this one, I said, pointing at a particularly large cloud, looks like a castle, don't you think?

Sofia and Isabel started to gaze at the clouds with newfound interest.

— I see a dragon! exclaimed Sofia, pointing at a long, wispy cloud.

Isabel, on the other hand, saw a large mermaid swimming across the sky.

The game of clouds continued throughout the flight over the Andes. Every fluffy mass became a character in our imaginary tale, and every shape in the sky added a new element to our story. It was a welcome distraction, a way to turn a simple journey into a real adventure. And for a moment, everything seemed perfectly normal. We were just an ordinary family, playing an ordinary game on an extraordinary trip.

We had left the mountains behind, and our plane was now flying over the jungle. It was an endless sea of green, a canvas of shades of green stretching as far as the eye could see below us. Trees stood like giant miniature broccoli, their canopies forming a continuous cover obscuring the ground beneath.

My father adjusted the controls, and the Cessna glided with majestic grace, like a bird of prey soaring above its prey. The hum of the engine provided a soothing background noise in the cabin's serenity. Although over an hour had passed since we took off, there was no fatigue or boredom.

Occasionally, rivers and streams appeared through the jungle, sparkling water snakes under the sunlight. Glimpses through the canopy occasionally revealed bursts of vivid colors, perhaps flowers or fruits, splashes of red, yellow, and orange mingling with the lush tableau.

The jungle was both awe-inspiring in its vastness and frightening. It