I knew the hallacas we made Sunday were to be wrapped in banana leaves but I didn't realize how much we would have to process them. We started with whole banana leaves straight from the rainforest. The leaves are about 4 feet long. They are cut to small squares or strips then rinsed and cleaned. Next they are patted dry.  Finally they are filled with the hallaca ingredients, folded up, tied shut, and boiled in a giant pot. Return tomorrow to see the final product.