At the dig site....

This is me with a big ol' wad of coca leaves in my mouth. I had a small handfull and chewed them up into a nasty grass tasting clump. Then a small needle-like applicator covered in lime powder is inserted into the center of the wad to activate the alkaloids. I chewed it for a few hours, my mouth was numb the whole time. Coca leaves are used to combat altitude sickness and they also allow the blood to soak in more oxygen. Everyone chewed coca before we began our climb to the dig site. The spot where were are is one of the only places in Peru where coca can be grown. Don't be mad Momma! It's safe...