Hola Amigos!
Well, I returned from the Jungle nearly three weeks ago. It was an incredibly beautiful and wonderful experience. I saw tarantulas, scorpions, boa constrictors, frogs, turtles, alligators, parrots, and crazy monkeys. There were also so many beautiful flowers, giant trees, and vibrant butterflies. The heat was intense and so was the rain. Our trip started off in Puyo at the edge of the Amazon region, we made our way to Tena on a very bumpy bus, then visited a very small secluded Indigenous community near Rio Blanco. The community was incredible, we stayed in little huts next to the river and heard the scary sounds of snakes, frogs, birds and other animals all around us. Then we took a five hour canoe ride to Misahualli, which is a small fishing town that is full of absolutely crazy monkeys. These monkeys stole my bracelets and money from my pockets. They also took Sunni’s bag of granola and banged it on the ground until it exploded and then picked out the raisins and left the rest for the stray dogs to eat. Then we traveled to Cocoa which is basically an ugly oil town that’s full of wealthy foreigners, cement buildings, and sin.
For the last few weeks I have been studying the effects that oil exploration, logging, and mining have had on the country. The complex economic and social problems that these industries have created within the country alone are horrible. The environmental effects have also been quite atrocious. I’m going to go on a little oil rant, after I saw with my own eyes some things that I am still trying to understand.
My Oil Rant- It’s the Crude
The Ecuadorian Rainforest is one of the most biologically diverse areas of the world. Within one square kilometer there are over 300 different plant and animal species. In Canada as a whole there are only 268. This seems absolutely crazy to me, as I’m a girl who grew up on the east coast of Canada where we have lots of different varieties of trees, plants, raccoons and squirrels. I honestly saw trees, plants and bugs that I didn’t even know existed just while I was making the two hour hike into Rio Blanco. I’m also a person who is not very fond of snakes or bugs, however this experience has opened my eyes and I am now starting to realize that these snakes, bugs and crazy plants have existed on this earth for a lot longer than any of us. And even though they might be huge and scary they still have the right to live in their home, which just happens to be the rainforest.
On the last day of our Jungle adventure we left Cocoa and drove for about 45 minutes in the back of a pickup truck into the forest to see the devastation that has been caused by oil exploration and oil extraction. We met a man who gave us a tour of the different pits, ponds, and lakes that are now full of tar and crude oil. He had lived in this area for his whole life, and he explained how he had seen the area change dramatically over the last 30 years. He also told us that because he was such a strong activist against the oil companies he had to sleep at different houses within the community every night. He explained that there was a price on his head of 20,000$ USD. He took us to the graves of his mother and brother who had been killed because they had been outspoken critics of the oil companies as well. This sounds like something out of movie, but its not.
When we saw the oil pits it was almost unbelievable, there were rusty barrels full of tar next to the pits, and a few small plants struggling to survive in the pool of oil. Even in pictures it just doesn’t look the same as it did in person. We saw three oil pits and one large lake that were full of oil and tar. The oil pits were about three feet deep and the lake was at least eight. There were empty, rusty barrels floating and half sunk in the lake. Security officers from the oil companies followed us the whole time, and didn’t like that we were asking questions and taking pictures. Oddly enough all of this disastrous mess was created by Texaco who was the largest oil company in Ecuador up until the 1990’s when the government took over the exportation with the national company Petro-Ecuador. Texaco left behind this truly hideous mess and now it’s the Ecuadorian government’s job to clean it up. Since Correa was elected the clean up process has begun, and although that is a positive, there just really is not anywhere to put the mess, or any real affective methods of properly cleaning up the countless gallons of oil that are slowly seeping back into the earth.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
more updates
Lisa gets robbed again
I got my wallet stolen on the bus ride from hell. We were on an overnight bus from Puerto Lopez to Quito. For part of the bus ride I was sitting in the aisle seat and I’m guessing someone took it from my purse while I was enjoying a good gravol induced sleep. I only got 65$ taken along with my Canadian ID card, health insurance card and my Ecuadorian residency card. It sucks but I’m guessing that whoever took my money needed it more than me.
Puerto Lopez
Other than that the beach was a great time. Since it’s the rainy reason in Ecuador there wasn’t a lot of sun but it was still beautiful. Puerto Lopez is this tiny little fishing town with great waves and a beautiful beach. We ate some great seafood, had some lovely pina coladas, and basically relaxed all weekend on the beach. The hostel we stayed at was lovely; it was right on the beach and was surrounded by beautiful flowers and butterflies. There was a little Brazilian restaurant in the hostel and they served organic coffee and chocolate. The owners also had a huge dog named Scooby; he was some sort of Dalmatian and other giant dog mix.
Valle de los Manduriacos (Loofas)
Last Monday and Tuesday I visited the Valle de los Manduriacos, where the loofah cooperative is. It is an incredibly beautiful community and I am very excited to start working there in December. The area is sub tropic so it is full of lush green plants and beautiful flowers. There are lots of bugs, mosquitoes, and cockroaches too. I will be working on various projects within the cooperative such as administrative things- taking inventory, and organizing and shipping orders. I will also be sorting and packaging organic grains- corn, beans, soy nuts and lentils. The community also makes organic liquor from cane sugar and fruits, and once the new roof is put on the building I will be making some rum. (I know it’s like a dream come true!) And of course I will be making a few loofahs. It was very exciting to see all of the new loofah designs that they have created. There are now loofah penguins, loofah carrots, loofah turtles, and loofah lobsters.
When I am working there I will be renting my own little wood cabin, nothing too fancy- bunk beds with mosquito netting, with a simple bathroom and kitchen. Although I will have my very own hammock and little balcony so I can relax and watch the roosters and pigs. There is also a little store that sells everything from ketchup to propane, and a small restaurant that serves simple meals like fried fish or fried chicken, rice, beans and juice for 2$.
Tuesday Afternoon
So for lunch today my host grandmother prepared this Ecuadorian speciality, apparently it is really popular in Guayaquil and on the coast. I should also explain that I was a vegetarian for 10 years and just starting eating meat again in August in preparation for my trip to Ecuador. So as I take my first bite, I’m thinking gee this meat is rubbery and chewy and kind of tastes weird. It was cow intestines. It took a while for me to get this out of them, at first it was just carne de res, then carne de vaca, then estomago. At first I had thought it might have been lamb, but I had forgotten the word for lamb so I just started making lamb noises, which didn’t turn out well. Luckily they weren’t offended that I didn’t like it, it was kind of like the ceviche incident all over again. Ceviche is raw seafood marinated in garlic sauce. So that’s my little take on meat in Ecuador. The chicken is delicious, as is the seafood when it is cooked and your on the coast of the country.
I am on way to pick up season one and two of LOST from this nice man that owns a bootleg dvd store. I cannot possibly explain my happiness over this! Its kind of strange the things I am missing…. my bicycle….joel plaskett cd’s…..breakfast at the pyramid café…..and LOST!!!!
I got my wallet stolen on the bus ride from hell. We were on an overnight bus from Puerto Lopez to Quito. For part of the bus ride I was sitting in the aisle seat and I’m guessing someone took it from my purse while I was enjoying a good gravol induced sleep. I only got 65$ taken along with my Canadian ID card, health insurance card and my Ecuadorian residency card. It sucks but I’m guessing that whoever took my money needed it more than me.
Puerto Lopez
Other than that the beach was a great time. Since it’s the rainy reason in Ecuador there wasn’t a lot of sun but it was still beautiful. Puerto Lopez is this tiny little fishing town with great waves and a beautiful beach. We ate some great seafood, had some lovely pina coladas, and basically relaxed all weekend on the beach. The hostel we stayed at was lovely; it was right on the beach and was surrounded by beautiful flowers and butterflies. There was a little Brazilian restaurant in the hostel and they served organic coffee and chocolate. The owners also had a huge dog named Scooby; he was some sort of Dalmatian and other giant dog mix.
Valle de los Manduriacos (Loofas)
Last Monday and Tuesday I visited the Valle de los Manduriacos, where the loofah cooperative is. It is an incredibly beautiful community and I am very excited to start working there in December. The area is sub tropic so it is full of lush green plants and beautiful flowers. There are lots of bugs, mosquitoes, and cockroaches too. I will be working on various projects within the cooperative such as administrative things- taking inventory, and organizing and shipping orders. I will also be sorting and packaging organic grains- corn, beans, soy nuts and lentils. The community also makes organic liquor from cane sugar and fruits, and once the new roof is put on the building I will be making some rum. (I know it’s like a dream come true!) And of course I will be making a few loofahs. It was very exciting to see all of the new loofah designs that they have created. There are now loofah penguins, loofah carrots, loofah turtles, and loofah lobsters.
When I am working there I will be renting my own little wood cabin, nothing too fancy- bunk beds with mosquito netting, with a simple bathroom and kitchen. Although I will have my very own hammock and little balcony so I can relax and watch the roosters and pigs. There is also a little store that sells everything from ketchup to propane, and a small restaurant that serves simple meals like fried fish or fried chicken, rice, beans and juice for 2$.
Tuesday Afternoon
So for lunch today my host grandmother prepared this Ecuadorian speciality, apparently it is really popular in Guayaquil and on the coast. I should also explain that I was a vegetarian for 10 years and just starting eating meat again in August in preparation for my trip to Ecuador. So as I take my first bite, I’m thinking gee this meat is rubbery and chewy and kind of tastes weird. It was cow intestines. It took a while for me to get this out of them, at first it was just carne de res, then carne de vaca, then estomago. At first I had thought it might have been lamb, but I had forgotten the word for lamb so I just started making lamb noises, which didn’t turn out well. Luckily they weren’t offended that I didn’t like it, it was kind of like the ceviche incident all over again. Ceviche is raw seafood marinated in garlic sauce. So that’s my little take on meat in Ecuador. The chicken is delicious, as is the seafood when it is cooked and your on the coast of the country.
I am on way to pick up season one and two of LOST from this nice man that owns a bootleg dvd store. I cannot possibly explain my happiness over this! Its kind of strange the things I am missing…. my bicycle….joel plaskett cd’s…..breakfast at the pyramid café…..and LOST!!!!
Friday, October 5, 2007
Loofahs will have to wait
Hola Amigos!
Well there have been some changes... this morning there was road blocks between Sangolqui and Quito, angry taxi drivers. The cops showed up and brought out the tear gas. My profesor was trying to drive to our school and she ended up getting stuck in the middle of it. She was going to drive us to the Intag region and the Loofah cooperative so looks like thats not going to happen till tuesday.... I´m in Quito now and I´m going to go to Otavalo tomorow. Hope things are great with everyone. Cheers!
Well there have been some changes... this morning there was road blocks between Sangolqui and Quito, angry taxi drivers. The cops showed up and brought out the tear gas. My profesor was trying to drive to our school and she ended up getting stuck in the middle of it. She was going to drive us to the Intag region and the Loofah cooperative so looks like thats not going to happen till tuesday.... I´m in Quito now and I´m going to go to Otavalo tomorow. Hope things are great with everyone. Cheers!
Loofahs and other things
LOOFAHS!!!!!
I am leaving tomorrow to visit the Intag region of Ecuador, it’s probably about a 2 hour drive from Quito and there are several work placements available there. On Monday I will travel another hour or so by pick up truck or donkey to the Valle de los Manduriacos where the loofah cooperative is. I am looking forward to finally meeting the women who make the loofahs. The loofah cooperative is a possible work placement for me, and I am very excited to check it out. Back in Canada, Savon Poppulaire is interested in our loofahs, and if everything goes well I should be shipping out their order by the end of next week. This is really exciting because Savon Poppulaire has many stores in Quebec, Ontario and some on the east coast. Although this shipment will only be sold in one or two stores, it’s still a great stepping stone.
Transformers are Taking Over My Life
Yes, I have seen the Transformers movie 8 times in Spanish. My host brother Alex, who is three loves this movie and insists on watching it 3 times a week. In fact we just finished watching it; or rather Alex fell asleep so I turned it off. He also recently got a new toy, a yellow transformer I don’t know what its called but it has several buttons and when you push them they makes all kinds of noise. This new toy eats with us as well; luckily it sits next to me at the table. I don’t mind it, although I did like it better two weeks ago when Spiderman was cool because then I got to wear my Superman costume when we played super heroes.
Benny el Perrito
Benny the dog has had two baths this week. He is a white mix of some sort (kind of resembles Cookie, only white and about 5 pounds bigger) and he insists on digging holes in the backyard daily. He actually likes the sweater that I got him, and he wears it all the time. We also tried to take him for a walk the other day because Alex wanted to show people Benny’s new sweater. When we opened the gate Benny just stood their terrified. He has never been outside of the gate, although he does spend a good 2 hours a day barking at the other dogs in the street. Personally I think he is scared of the street dogs and likes to be safe hiding behind the gate. So my host mother bought a leash for Benny (it’s very rare for dogs to have leashes in Ecuador) and we are going to try to go for a walk again tomorrow.
Field Trips are F-U-N!!!!!!!!!!!
This past Sunday we went on a field trip. It was very exciting, 12 students crowded into a tiny van and we went to visit an Indigenous Quechua community where our Quechua Professor is from. It was very beautiful, and we learned all about the plants that grow naturally here in Ecuador that can be used as herbal medicines. There’s this giant plant that has spikes on it, and it kind of resembles an aloe vera plant and you can drink the juice from it and eat its heart and it’s full of protein and gives you lots of energy. It tasted kind of like water and sugar with a hint of onion and a tangy after taste.
We also visited this “Casa del Cultura” that is trying to preserve the Quechua culture. The house is a community centre and it hosts weekly Quechua classes. It also has an amazing organic garden and a green house and all of the meals that are made there come entirely from their garden. We had a very delicious meal consisting of potato, quinoa, and onion soup, a tomato, lettuce and thyme salad, and a desert made from comates. There are four people who live in the house and they built it without the help of any real construction workers (and used only recycled wood) they use carbon and sea salt to brush their teeth, and they eat out of handmade clay bowls with hand carved wooden spoons. It might sound a little strange but it was really nice. They are trying to go back to their roots and live off the land, growing their own food, eating traditional meals and avoiding capitalist society. It was the closest thing I have seen to a functioning commune, and it is surrounded by the Andes. Very inspiring.
I am leaving tomorrow to visit the Intag region of Ecuador, it’s probably about a 2 hour drive from Quito and there are several work placements available there. On Monday I will travel another hour or so by pick up truck or donkey to the Valle de los Manduriacos where the loofah cooperative is. I am looking forward to finally meeting the women who make the loofahs. The loofah cooperative is a possible work placement for me, and I am very excited to check it out. Back in Canada, Savon Poppulaire is interested in our loofahs, and if everything goes well I should be shipping out their order by the end of next week. This is really exciting because Savon Poppulaire has many stores in Quebec, Ontario and some on the east coast. Although this shipment will only be sold in one or two stores, it’s still a great stepping stone.
Transformers are Taking Over My Life
Yes, I have seen the Transformers movie 8 times in Spanish. My host brother Alex, who is three loves this movie and insists on watching it 3 times a week. In fact we just finished watching it; or rather Alex fell asleep so I turned it off. He also recently got a new toy, a yellow transformer I don’t know what its called but it has several buttons and when you push them they makes all kinds of noise. This new toy eats with us as well; luckily it sits next to me at the table. I don’t mind it, although I did like it better two weeks ago when Spiderman was cool because then I got to wear my Superman costume when we played super heroes.
Benny el Perrito
Benny the dog has had two baths this week. He is a white mix of some sort (kind of resembles Cookie, only white and about 5 pounds bigger) and he insists on digging holes in the backyard daily. He actually likes the sweater that I got him, and he wears it all the time. We also tried to take him for a walk the other day because Alex wanted to show people Benny’s new sweater. When we opened the gate Benny just stood their terrified. He has never been outside of the gate, although he does spend a good 2 hours a day barking at the other dogs in the street. Personally I think he is scared of the street dogs and likes to be safe hiding behind the gate. So my host mother bought a leash for Benny (it’s very rare for dogs to have leashes in Ecuador) and we are going to try to go for a walk again tomorrow.
Field Trips are F-U-N!!!!!!!!!!!
This past Sunday we went on a field trip. It was very exciting, 12 students crowded into a tiny van and we went to visit an Indigenous Quechua community where our Quechua Professor is from. It was very beautiful, and we learned all about the plants that grow naturally here in Ecuador that can be used as herbal medicines. There’s this giant plant that has spikes on it, and it kind of resembles an aloe vera plant and you can drink the juice from it and eat its heart and it’s full of protein and gives you lots of energy. It tasted kind of like water and sugar with a hint of onion and a tangy after taste.
We also visited this “Casa del Cultura” that is trying to preserve the Quechua culture. The house is a community centre and it hosts weekly Quechua classes. It also has an amazing organic garden and a green house and all of the meals that are made there come entirely from their garden. We had a very delicious meal consisting of potato, quinoa, and onion soup, a tomato, lettuce and thyme salad, and a desert made from comates. There are four people who live in the house and they built it without the help of any real construction workers (and used only recycled wood) they use carbon and sea salt to brush their teeth, and they eat out of handmade clay bowls with hand carved wooden spoons. It might sound a little strange but it was really nice. They are trying to go back to their roots and live off the land, growing their own food, eating traditional meals and avoiding capitalist society. It was the closest thing I have seen to a functioning commune, and it is surrounded by the Andes. Very inspiring.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Hello All! Here is a blog that I wrote on September 28th, which would have been....Friday. So when you read it please imagine that it is Friday since I don´t want to go back and change things to past tense....
The Rainforest
One of my professors gave an amazing lecture about the ecology of the Ecuadorian Amazon. In a few weeks I will be visiting the area for the first time in my life. I had avoided going there the last two years because I really dislike snakes. Still I am very excited and looking forward to the adventure.
My professor explained that the climate in the Ecuadorian Amazon is very different and complex compared to the climates of the other areas of the Amazon that exist within Colombia, Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia. Long story short, because the Ecuadorian Amazon is so close to the Andes, when it rains the water from the Andes run down into the Valleys in the Amazon. Because of the area’s close proximity to the Andes the soil is more fragile and less fertile than in other areas of the Amazon in South America. In most Rainforests it takes on average around 20 to 30 years for the soil and land to regenerate after it has been clear cut. In the Ecuadorian Amazon it takes 65 years. Ecuador’s Rainforest is disappearing due to logging at the second greatest rate in the world. (Philippines’ Rainforest holds the top spot.)
My Professor also showed us a slide show (using old school slides, and a projector), and it was interesting to see the negative effects that the logging, oil, and mining industries have had on the Ecuadorian Amazon. It’s something that I haven’t focused a lot on before. The slide show affected me much more than the previous lectures. It really is quite sad. When you realizing how many diverse plants and animals live within the Amazon region, it seems crazy that it is just being destroyed for lumber, oil and gold.
Things get even more confusing when you factor in that the mining, timber, and oil companies have brought a lot of jobs to the region. People who work in these industries make on average 30% more than what they would make working at other more traditional jobs in the region. So to steal the words of George Michael from Arrested Development, it really is a tricky grey area. I think a lot of times it is easier for us to pass judgment on what is happening because we are not necessarily in the middle of it. I hate the fact that the Rainforest is being destroyed for capitalist gain, but at the same time I don’t want all of the families living in the region to loose their jobs. I’m not an expert by any means, but I think we need to try and find a more permanent solution to the problem.
On a lighter note, here is a conversation between my Professor and I regarding Anacondas:
Prof: “If you are next to one it will not be a problem. If you go swimming in the river and it is hungry, then it will eat you.”
Me: So first it wraps around you and it suffocates you, and then it opens up its mouth and sucks you in and then swallows you?”
Prof: “Yes, that is the idea.”
Prohibition Weekend
The election for Ecuador’s Assembly (Congress) is on Sunday, September 30th. Over the last few weeks there have been all kinds of parades, rallies, and people dressed in bright colors standing in the middle of the street telling you what political party to support. It sure has been an interesting sight. Alvaro Noboa (the banana tycoon and richest man in Ecuador) is running for party #7. The party of the President Rafeal Correa is #35. In total there is something like over 1000 candidates. And in Ecuador it is a legal obligation to vote. You won’t get thrown in jail if you don’t vote but you won’t be able to get a passport, renew your driver’s license or residency card, or even pay your power bill without getting in trouble and paying some hefty fines. Needless to say this Sunday is going to be quite chaotic in Ecuador.
Oh, another little fun tidbit of information, from noon on Friday to 12am on Sunday there is no consumption of alcoholic beverages in the country. That’s right it’s a dry weekend. All of the stores that sell alcohol which is every corner store, ice cream parlor, internet café, hardware store and grocery store in the country, is not allowed to sell any alcoholic beverages. All of the bars are closed, and if anyone is seen drinking or drunk in public the police will arrest you. The fine is only 40 cents, although you must spend 48 hours in jail. It kind of makes sense though (the prohibition on drinking, not Ecuadorian jail) because the government doesn’t want any crazy riots, or for political candidates to bribe voters with beer or rum.
The Rainforest
One of my professors gave an amazing lecture about the ecology of the Ecuadorian Amazon. In a few weeks I will be visiting the area for the first time in my life. I had avoided going there the last two years because I really dislike snakes. Still I am very excited and looking forward to the adventure.
My professor explained that the climate in the Ecuadorian Amazon is very different and complex compared to the climates of the other areas of the Amazon that exist within Colombia, Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia. Long story short, because the Ecuadorian Amazon is so close to the Andes, when it rains the water from the Andes run down into the Valleys in the Amazon. Because of the area’s close proximity to the Andes the soil is more fragile and less fertile than in other areas of the Amazon in South America. In most Rainforests it takes on average around 20 to 30 years for the soil and land to regenerate after it has been clear cut. In the Ecuadorian Amazon it takes 65 years. Ecuador’s Rainforest is disappearing due to logging at the second greatest rate in the world. (Philippines’ Rainforest holds the top spot.)
My Professor also showed us a slide show (using old school slides, and a projector), and it was interesting to see the negative effects that the logging, oil, and mining industries have had on the Ecuadorian Amazon. It’s something that I haven’t focused a lot on before. The slide show affected me much more than the previous lectures. It really is quite sad. When you realizing how many diverse plants and animals live within the Amazon region, it seems crazy that it is just being destroyed for lumber, oil and gold.
Things get even more confusing when you factor in that the mining, timber, and oil companies have brought a lot of jobs to the region. People who work in these industries make on average 30% more than what they would make working at other more traditional jobs in the region. So to steal the words of George Michael from Arrested Development, it really is a tricky grey area. I think a lot of times it is easier for us to pass judgment on what is happening because we are not necessarily in the middle of it. I hate the fact that the Rainforest is being destroyed for capitalist gain, but at the same time I don’t want all of the families living in the region to loose their jobs. I’m not an expert by any means, but I think we need to try and find a more permanent solution to the problem.
On a lighter note, here is a conversation between my Professor and I regarding Anacondas:
Prof: “If you are next to one it will not be a problem. If you go swimming in the river and it is hungry, then it will eat you.”
Me: So first it wraps around you and it suffocates you, and then it opens up its mouth and sucks you in and then swallows you?”
Prof: “Yes, that is the idea.”
Prohibition Weekend
The election for Ecuador’s Assembly (Congress) is on Sunday, September 30th. Over the last few weeks there have been all kinds of parades, rallies, and people dressed in bright colors standing in the middle of the street telling you what political party to support. It sure has been an interesting sight. Alvaro Noboa (the banana tycoon and richest man in Ecuador) is running for party #7. The party of the President Rafeal Correa is #35. In total there is something like over 1000 candidates. And in Ecuador it is a legal obligation to vote. You won’t get thrown in jail if you don’t vote but you won’t be able to get a passport, renew your driver’s license or residency card, or even pay your power bill without getting in trouble and paying some hefty fines. Needless to say this Sunday is going to be quite chaotic in Ecuador.
Oh, another little fun tidbit of information, from noon on Friday to 12am on Sunday there is no consumption of alcoholic beverages in the country. That’s right it’s a dry weekend. All of the stores that sell alcohol which is every corner store, ice cream parlor, internet café, hardware store and grocery store in the country, is not allowed to sell any alcoholic beverages. All of the bars are closed, and if anyone is seen drinking or drunk in public the police will arrest you. The fine is only 40 cents, although you must spend 48 hours in jail. It kind of makes sense though (the prohibition on drinking, not Ecuadorian jail) because the government doesn’t want any crazy riots, or for political candidates to bribe voters with beer or rum.
Monday, September 24, 2007
update
Well things are still going great, I have just been busy and frustrated with the slow slow Internet Ecuador so I have not posted or written any emails in a while. Send me emails people, its nice to hear stories from back home. The weather here is lovely. Its 11am and its 24 degrees Celsius. Also I am missing Arrested Development like crazy. I have found the first season of MacGyver on DVD, but I am still looking for Arrested Development. If anyone feels like mailing me a burnt copy please do. I am going through Withdrawl.
Mi Familia en Ecuador
The family I am living with in Sangolqui is very nice. My host mother Patricia owns a hair salon downtown in the main square. My host father Carlos works at the airport in Quito. I have two sisters, Daniella and Gabriella. Dani is going to the Universidad Central and is studying Psychology Gabriella is married and has a 3 year old son Alex. Alex really likes all of the super heroes, and he has a Spiderman costume that he wears out in public to the mall or downtown at least 2 times a week. There is also a 4 month old puppy named Benny who will never be a good guard dog. When people come to visit he gets excited and jumps around and pees on them. Sometimes in the evening Alex and I pretend to be Spiderman and we tie up Benny with imaginary spider webs. And we all live in this really beautiful house. My room is nice and I even have my own bathroom. Something I have never had before in my life! My host mom bought me some slippers, I am used to walking barefoot but she is concerned that I will catch a cold. I tried to explain that Canada is about 8 times colder than Sangolqui but I like the slippers so everything is good.
School
School is great, though there are so many readings. It seems like I am reading more for these three classes than I read for my entire third year at Saint Mary’s. We have 3 “guard” dogs at school. Norman, Balto, and Mamma. Mamma and Norman are blind, and Balto is crazy. Mostly they spend their days running around, eating and having their belly’s rubbed. Not much guarding going on. The school is about a 15 minute walk from my house which is nice. The computers at the school are just silly. There are six of them and only one of them has a USB hook up. We also have a dot matrix printer. It took me 8 minutes to print one page this morning. Haha.
My work placement
Yes, my work placement is something that I really have to start thinking about. I have about 3 weeks to figure out what I want to do and where I want to go. I kind of what to work with the women in the loofah cooperative since loofahs were a giant part of my life this summer. I have even have another business in Canada that would like to place an order. Ah, its a bit tricky to think about where I want to spend 4 months of my life. Still I am incredibly excited to get back out in the field and actually start doing things again.
Other random things
-I bought myself an adult sized superman costume. I know you are all very jealous.
-I saw my first tarantula about 2 weeks ago. It was dead and being carried away by a gross bug. It was still kind of scary, it was all hairy and gross.
-I cooked dinner for my host family yesterday afternoon. It was the first time I ever made chicken, coming from a girl who was a vegeterian for 10 years I think I did a pretty good job. Still marinating the raw chicken was very gross. I was so scared I was going to give them all salmonella poisioning, luckily I did not.
-I cut all my hair off while I was in Banos last weekend. I like it but I kind of have a rat tail and I feel a bit like Pat Benatar.
-I also bought a soccer uniform for our dog Benny. Viva Ecuador!!
Mi Familia en Ecuador
The family I am living with in Sangolqui is very nice. My host mother Patricia owns a hair salon downtown in the main square. My host father Carlos works at the airport in Quito. I have two sisters, Daniella and Gabriella. Dani is going to the Universidad Central and is studying Psychology Gabriella is married and has a 3 year old son Alex. Alex really likes all of the super heroes, and he has a Spiderman costume that he wears out in public to the mall or downtown at least 2 times a week. There is also a 4 month old puppy named Benny who will never be a good guard dog. When people come to visit he gets excited and jumps around and pees on them. Sometimes in the evening Alex and I pretend to be Spiderman and we tie up Benny with imaginary spider webs. And we all live in this really beautiful house. My room is nice and I even have my own bathroom. Something I have never had before in my life! My host mom bought me some slippers, I am used to walking barefoot but she is concerned that I will catch a cold. I tried to explain that Canada is about 8 times colder than Sangolqui but I like the slippers so everything is good.
School
School is great, though there are so many readings. It seems like I am reading more for these three classes than I read for my entire third year at Saint Mary’s. We have 3 “guard” dogs at school. Norman, Balto, and Mamma. Mamma and Norman are blind, and Balto is crazy. Mostly they spend their days running around, eating and having their belly’s rubbed. Not much guarding going on. The school is about a 15 minute walk from my house which is nice. The computers at the school are just silly. There are six of them and only one of them has a USB hook up. We also have a dot matrix printer. It took me 8 minutes to print one page this morning. Haha.
My work placement
Yes, my work placement is something that I really have to start thinking about. I have about 3 weeks to figure out what I want to do and where I want to go. I kind of what to work with the women in the loofah cooperative since loofahs were a giant part of my life this summer. I have even have another business in Canada that would like to place an order. Ah, its a bit tricky to think about where I want to spend 4 months of my life. Still I am incredibly excited to get back out in the field and actually start doing things again.
Other random things
-I bought myself an adult sized superman costume. I know you are all very jealous.
-I saw my first tarantula about 2 weeks ago. It was dead and being carried away by a gross bug. It was still kind of scary, it was all hairy and gross.
-I cooked dinner for my host family yesterday afternoon. It was the first time I ever made chicken, coming from a girl who was a vegeterian for 10 years I think I did a pretty good job. Still marinating the raw chicken was very gross. I was so scared I was going to give them all salmonella poisioning, luckily I did not.
-I cut all my hair off while I was in Banos last weekend. I like it but I kind of have a rat tail and I feel a bit like Pat Benatar.
-I also bought a soccer uniform for our dog Benny. Viva Ecuador!!
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
dreamer
I´m at an internet cafe right now listening to Jenn Grant music on cbc.ca radio 3. I don´t know why they call them internet cafes. There´s usually not coffee. maybe some fanta and chocolates for sale but that´s about it. I´m starting to kind of miss aspects of Canada. But for the most part things have been going great.
About 100 pictures that I had taken my first week or so in Ecuador some how got erased from my camera when I was transfering them to my lap top. So as usual I am disliking technology. Hopefully sometime in the next two weeks I will be able to go back to Riobamba and Chimborazo and take more photos.
On Friday we move to Sangolqui and meet the families we will be living with for the next four months. I´ve had a meeting with the program coordinator and she has said that she has a fairly easy going family for me. Which is good, because I must admit that I feel a bit silly that I´m 23 years old and I will be living with a family again. Hopefully it will be a positive learning expierence. Haha.
We visited Sangolqui today. It seems like a nice place about a 35 minute drive to Quito. More trees and less trafic than in the city. It´s kind of like a suburb. The housse which has been transformed into our school looks really nice. A couple of classrooms, a kitchen, bathrooms, library, offices and 3 guard dogs. I´m doubting the guarding ability of these dogs. They are German Shepards however they seem happy to play fetch and have their belly´s rubbed.
I have met my three teachers and they all seem very nice. I also met the Canadian Ambassador to Ecuador. He seemed like an interesting guy. Our group bombarded him with questions about mining practices in Ecuador, Canada´s relationship with the new Ecuadorian government, and the Canada´s involvement in Colombia and Haiti amongst other things. He works for the Canadian government and has a fairly well paying awesome job. He defened Canada´s involvement in basically every situation they have ever been in as far as foreign affairs go. He does seem to dislike George Bush´s government which seems like a small plus.
hasta luego amigos.
About 100 pictures that I had taken my first week or so in Ecuador some how got erased from my camera when I was transfering them to my lap top. So as usual I am disliking technology. Hopefully sometime in the next two weeks I will be able to go back to Riobamba and Chimborazo and take more photos.
On Friday we move to Sangolqui and meet the families we will be living with for the next four months. I´ve had a meeting with the program coordinator and she has said that she has a fairly easy going family for me. Which is good, because I must admit that I feel a bit silly that I´m 23 years old and I will be living with a family again. Hopefully it will be a positive learning expierence. Haha.
We visited Sangolqui today. It seems like a nice place about a 35 minute drive to Quito. More trees and less trafic than in the city. It´s kind of like a suburb. The housse which has been transformed into our school looks really nice. A couple of classrooms, a kitchen, bathrooms, library, offices and 3 guard dogs. I´m doubting the guarding ability of these dogs. They are German Shepards however they seem happy to play fetch and have their belly´s rubbed.
I have met my three teachers and they all seem very nice. I also met the Canadian Ambassador to Ecuador. He seemed like an interesting guy. Our group bombarded him with questions about mining practices in Ecuador, Canada´s relationship with the new Ecuadorian government, and the Canada´s involvement in Colombia and Haiti amongst other things. He works for the Canadian government and has a fairly well paying awesome job. He defened Canada´s involvement in basically every situation they have ever been in as far as foreign affairs go. He does seem to dislike George Bush´s government which seems like a small plus.
hasta luego amigos.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Rio Rio Riobamba!
I visited Trevor in Chimborazo and it is a very beautiful community. It was about 11200 ft. which is higher than Esperanza. My lungs had a pretty good work out as we hiked around. The community was built on an old hacienda, and some of those structures still exist, such as a bull fighting ring. The architecture of it was amazing, very detailed. Hopefully I will be able to figure out how to post pictures on here sometime soon. Yesterday morning when we woke up Chimborazo (the mountain- extinct volcano) was covered in snow, and some of the other higher peaks in the community were as well. It was an incredibly beautiful sight. I have been lucky enough to see both Chimborazo and Cotopaxi many times, but I was never this close to one of the highest peaks in South America.
World Vision has an office in Chimborazo and it works with about 15 different surrounding communities as well. It was interesting to see the office, it is where all of the sponsorship of local children is organized, as well as local development projects, such as nutrition and education are also organized. The community is trying to develop eco-tourism as a way of bringing money into the area to help establish some sustainability. I have a website and some other information that I will post when I am back in Quito.
I spent most of the day yesterday in Riobamba which is one of my favorite cities in Ecuador. Its a little more quiet than Quito or Banos, not so touristy. They have an amazing pizza and pasta restaurant here, as well as a great artisan mercado. I had my first really hot shower since I arrived in Ecuador and was able to catch an episode of Law and Order en espanol. Now I am on my way back to Quito, I will be meeting two other girls from my program at the airport tomorrow night, and the rest of the group arrives on the 31st. Also if anyone would like a postcard and I don´t already have your address, just send me an email. Oh a parade supporting President Rafael Correa just started! Exciting. Hatsa Luego amigos.
World Vision has an office in Chimborazo and it works with about 15 different surrounding communities as well. It was interesting to see the office, it is where all of the sponsorship of local children is organized, as well as local development projects, such as nutrition and education are also organized. The community is trying to develop eco-tourism as a way of bringing money into the area to help establish some sustainability. I have a website and some other information that I will post when I am back in Quito.
I spent most of the day yesterday in Riobamba which is one of my favorite cities in Ecuador. Its a little more quiet than Quito or Banos, not so touristy. They have an amazing pizza and pasta restaurant here, as well as a great artisan mercado. I had my first really hot shower since I arrived in Ecuador and was able to catch an episode of Law and Order en espanol. Now I am on my way back to Quito, I will be meeting two other girls from my program at the airport tomorrow night, and the rest of the group arrives on the 31st. Also if anyone would like a postcard and I don´t already have your address, just send me an email. Oh a parade supporting President Rafael Correa just started! Exciting. Hatsa Luego amigos.
Friday, August 24, 2007
landed
I arrived in Quito last night just before midnight. Everything went smoothly.....no delays with the planes and my luggage is here also. It is so nice to be back. I forgot all of the little things about this city that I love. Twenty five cent bus rides, lunches for three dollars, and mora juice.
My host family from the last two summers has opened a cafe. It is really nice, coffee, tea, juice, breakfast, lunches and snacks. Elizabeth took me to get a cell phone today. It was very exciting! So I am now a resident of Ecuador, well for a year at least.
I am going to meet Trevor in Riobamba on Sunday and we are going to go to Chimborazo. And I am very excited to see the mountains again. Although I do have a beautiful view of the mountains from where I am staying right now. It will be nice to be in the mountains again.
My host family from the last two summers has opened a cafe. It is really nice, coffee, tea, juice, breakfast, lunches and snacks. Elizabeth took me to get a cell phone today. It was very exciting! So I am now a resident of Ecuador, well for a year at least.
I am going to meet Trevor in Riobamba on Sunday and we are going to go to Chimborazo. And I am very excited to see the mountains again. Although I do have a beautiful view of the mountains from where I am staying right now. It will be nice to be in the mountains again.
Monday, August 20, 2007
56 hours to go...
Wow, 56 hours does not sound like a lot of time. Around 9pm last night it hit me that I am leaving very soon, and I am not quite ready. As far as packing goes, its a task that I dislike more than going to the dentist, and I really dislike going to the dentist. I'm not sure how much space the medical supplies will take up since I won't be picking them up until about 9 hours before I leave. Haha. Right now I am picturing myself waddling through Newark Airport lugging two back packs and a suitcase. Its the first time I have flown this far by myself, and I don't think its quite occurred to me yet that for the first time I won't have Trevor there to help me carry all of my stuff. Haha. What are best friends and travel buddies really for? Carrying my stuff.
Once I get slightly settled in Quito I am going to visit Trevor in the Chimborazo area. He is working on an internship with CIDA (Canadian International Development Association) and World Vision. He is working on a community development project in a rural community that is about an hour away from Esperanza, the community that I first volunteered in during the summer of 2005. I am incredibly excited to get back out in the mountains, away from cell phones, computers, busy streets, and concrete.
On a slightly more personal note I would like to say how grateful I am to have such a wonderful support system around me. My family and friends in both Canada and Ecuador have been incredibly supportive of me from the very beginning. I really don't think I would be able to participate in the exciting opportunities that have crossed my path without them and their support. Muchas Gracias para todos!
Once I get slightly settled in Quito I am going to visit Trevor in the Chimborazo area. He is working on an internship with CIDA (Canadian International Development Association) and World Vision. He is working on a community development project in a rural community that is about an hour away from Esperanza, the community that I first volunteered in during the summer of 2005. I am incredibly excited to get back out in the mountains, away from cell phones, computers, busy streets, and concrete.
On a slightly more personal note I would like to say how grateful I am to have such a wonderful support system around me. My family and friends in both Canada and Ecuador have been incredibly supportive of me from the very beginning. I really don't think I would be able to participate in the exciting opportunities that have crossed my path without them and their support. Muchas Gracias para todos!
Friday, August 10, 2007
the journey thus far
Well, my travel visa came through and now I'm just waiting on my student loans... I've added several links to this page, and if you have time you should check them out. They are all sites that are quite interesting and many of the programs and projects are ones that have influenced me a great deal, and have helped me get to where I am today....12 days away from what will undoubtedly be a wonderful year and learning experience. I've included some brief summeries of my selected links below. :)
Ayuda Directa is a wonderful non governmental organization. Its founder is a man named Michele who was formally a banker from Italy. I first met him in the summer of 2005 when I was working on a service learning project in the community of Esperanza in partnership with Saint Thomas University, Universidad Catolica, and Ayuda Directa. This organization focuses mostly on grass roots community development projects, focusing on improving sanitation, water quality, education and health care within rural communities of Ecuador.
CONAIE is La Confederación de Nacionalidades Indígenas del Ecuador. It is an organization that supports the rights of Indigenous people within Ecuador. The majority of those who live in poverty in Ecuador are Indigenous persons who have been mistreated by their own government. This organization has been very influencial in attempting to establish rights and equality for Indigenous people within Ecuador.
The Ecuador Project is a project that is a partnership between Saint Thomas University and Universidad Catolica in Ecuador. I was a participant in the project during the summer of 2005, and I was a coordinator for the project in the summer of 2006. The website has not been updated in a while, but there is a lot of useful information about Ecuador and past projects on it. I hope to help bring back the Ecuador Project in the summer of 2009.
Manduriacos Solidarios- this is the website for the women's cooperative I am involved with.... the loofahs! Yes this community cooperative makes much more than just fair trade organic loofahs. There is information about other products that they produce and also provides information on where the profits and donations go to.
Trent in Ecuador Program is the program that I am participating in this year. There is information about some of the different field placements that past participants have been involved in, and some information about Ecuador and the program in general.
UNDP Report- Ecuador 2006 is a country profile report done by the United Nations Development Program. There are some interesting statistics on this site.
Ayuda Directa is a wonderful non governmental organization. Its founder is a man named Michele who was formally a banker from Italy. I first met him in the summer of 2005 when I was working on a service learning project in the community of Esperanza in partnership with Saint Thomas University, Universidad Catolica, and Ayuda Directa. This organization focuses mostly on grass roots community development projects, focusing on improving sanitation, water quality, education and health care within rural communities of Ecuador.
CONAIE is La Confederación de Nacionalidades Indígenas del Ecuador. It is an organization that supports the rights of Indigenous people within Ecuador. The majority of those who live in poverty in Ecuador are Indigenous persons who have been mistreated by their own government. This organization has been very influencial in attempting to establish rights and equality for Indigenous people within Ecuador.
The Ecuador Project is a project that is a partnership between Saint Thomas University and Universidad Catolica in Ecuador. I was a participant in the project during the summer of 2005, and I was a coordinator for the project in the summer of 2006. The website has not been updated in a while, but there is a lot of useful information about Ecuador and past projects on it. I hope to help bring back the Ecuador Project in the summer of 2009.
Manduriacos Solidarios- this is the website for the women's cooperative I am involved with.... the loofahs! Yes this community cooperative makes much more than just fair trade organic loofahs. There is information about other products that they produce and also provides information on where the profits and donations go to.
Trent in Ecuador Program is the program that I am participating in this year. There is information about some of the different field placements that past participants have been involved in, and some information about Ecuador and the program in general.
UNDP Report- Ecuador 2006 is a country profile report done by the United Nations Development Program. There are some interesting statistics on this site.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
the countdown is on
Well, I'm leaving for Ecuador in 14 days. Some friends of mine suggested that I start a blog about my travels and experiences while in Ecuador, and it seemed like a good idea. I'm going to post updates and photos about the different projects I'm involved with....as well as some funny stuff that I'm sure will happen.
I'm bringing some medical supplies that the QEII hospital in Halifax has so generously donated and giving them to medical clinics in rural areas around Riobamba.
I'm going to be meeting up with Michele and the gang from Ayuda Directa, my host family, Eli and Sarita, and of course don Trebor who is working in Riobamba. I'm also excited to see Meche, Lisha, and Marisa, and her baby!!!
I'm going to visit the ladies of the Manduracios Solidario (who make the loofahs along with many other wonderful products) and give them the profits from the loofah sales.... and start working on a new partnership... perhaps fair trade rum?
And of course I am going to visit Esperanza and my wawas!! and San Miguelito also. I will post new pictures of the finished projects.... the community centre in San Miguelito and the new bathrooms in Esperanza.
Alright I think that's it for now. Thanks for everyone's support with the loofahs and whatnot. I'm a lucky girl to have the friends and family that I do. Chao Amigos.
I'm bringing some medical supplies that the QEII hospital in Halifax has so generously donated and giving them to medical clinics in rural areas around Riobamba.
I'm going to be meeting up with Michele and the gang from Ayuda Directa, my host family, Eli and Sarita, and of course don Trebor who is working in Riobamba. I'm also excited to see Meche, Lisha, and Marisa, and her baby!!!
I'm going to visit the ladies of the Manduracios Solidario (who make the loofahs along with many other wonderful products) and give them the profits from the loofah sales.... and start working on a new partnership... perhaps fair trade rum?
And of course I am going to visit Esperanza and my wawas!! and San Miguelito also. I will post new pictures of the finished projects.... the community centre in San Miguelito and the new bathrooms in Esperanza.
Alright I think that's it for now. Thanks for everyone's support with the loofahs and whatnot. I'm a lucky girl to have the friends and family that I do. Chao Amigos.
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