Hola a todos:
Sorry for not updating in 2010...and half of 2009. I'll start where I left off:
In December, Mom, Dad and Michael came down for about two weeks. We spent a few days in Quito touring the Old Town, bartering for goods in Otavalo, visiting the 'middle of the world,' taking a gondola up an extinct volcano to take int he views of about five snow-capped volcanoes surrounding the city, eating good food, celebrating the holiday and spending time together. After a week in the busiest city I've ever been in, we boarded a bus and made our way to the jungle. The hosteria we stayed at reminded me of summer camp. It's a huge island that rescues monkeys and other jungle animals and rehabilitates them. We spent the weekend there and relaxed a bit and then I sent them to a hostal in Tena (the only one with air conditioning!) We visited the caves, the zoo, walked around Tena, took a trip to the Super Tia, hung out with Tena cluster, and enjoyed each other's company. it was a really great trip and I guess it was fun to be a tourist/tour guide for a bit. My family enjoyed their trip but did comment on how poor the country is - something I think I've started not to notice since living here.
I moved into a cute, safe new house in the city and had to give Nina (the bigger white dog) away. She's with a good family a few towns over and so I know she's happy. Beso is still small and awkward and most likely not going to grow more and is a good dog. My neighbors and the people in my barrio are extremely nice so I've made some good friends here in town. January went by quickly and we moved into February: Carnaval. Ecuador has more parties and holidays than the United States will have over a period of twn years. Carnaval is probably the craziest holiday. We had over 700 people at the caves one day over the long weekend and the last day we got to play. Carnaval = water balloons, silly string/shaving cream, mud, flour, etc. It wasn't much fun trying to wash flour out of my already wet hair but I will say that joking around that day with everyone, pushing people in the pool, throwing flour, etc. was one of the best days I've had here so far, although I did somehow lose my shoes...
March has arrived and with it some big changes in my Peace Corps life. I no longer work at the caves and have shifted my attention to wokring with kindergarteners in the mornings and Fundacion Runa in the afternoons. Working with the kids is incredibly fun - it's like having 70 automatic best friends that all want to hold your hand. I teach environmental education and English. You would not believe how hard it is for a three year old to distinguish between 'apple' and 'purple.' In the afternoon, I head over to the offices of Fundacion Runa (http://www.runa.org/) It is so nice to be in an office setting and use the skills that I came here with. The people I work with are all great and I'm so happy with my 'new life.' Last week, all the kindergarten teachers in the area had a soccer tournament. My team lost 2-1 but that one point on the scoreboard was all thanks to yours truly! It made me realize I actually enjoy playing soccer. Strange, I know. After the match I headed to Quito/Cayambe for our 'little brother/sister' picnic with Omnibus 103 - what a fun group of people! A good time was had by all and it was great seeing everyone from 101 as well. This week I get to help translate for some dentists that are coming to the smaller Kichwa communities to give check - ups and perform surgeries. We'll see how much dental vocab I can cram in before Thursday! At the end of April, my friend Jaime from training is coming to visit, then it's May which means...HOME! I'll be back in the states May 13-26th so I expect to see all of you there!
Much love,
Sarita
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