My Ecuaventure

May 11, 2010 So during the swearing in ceremony, we had 2 speeches from volunteers: one from NRC and one from Ag. In one of the speeches, Ross (the NRC representative) ended with a list of things he had learned thus far in training. I’ve decided in an effort reduce the amount of UPDATE YOUR BLOG emails I get from certain people (Mom and Sarah, I’m looking at you), to follow in Ross’s footsteps and every so often bring you a list of things I have learned or observations I have made that have stuck out for me. So without further adieu, I bring to you: Rachel’s Observations of Ecuador (I know, I know the title needs a little work, but titles have always been the hardest part for me. Well, titles and introductions if you want to get specific). 1. Not all blue and white UNIDOS buses stop in Cebadas. While this may mean little to you guys, let me tell you that it’s worth it to double check with the driver if the bus you’re boarding is going to be going all the way to your final destin...

Ah, where to begin. This past month has been a whirlwind. First there was Easter with the family in Ayora, then the 2-week tech trip around the Central Sierra, and finally swearing in at the Ambassador’s house in Quito. Oh and then I almost forgot the most important part, arriving and settling into my new home, Guayllapishi. I guess I’ll start at the beginning, my final week in Ayora. It was Semana Santa which is basically a week long Easter celebration. Seems pretty standard, right? Well, this is Ecuador, so of course it wasn’t your normal Easter celebration. Instead, we ate this soup like dish called Fanesca for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the entire week! In case the soup wasn’t enough to fill you up, there was also another dish that came with every meal- a huge plate of mashed potatoes, avocados, a piece of cheese, and a slice of a tomato. On the first day, I liked the soup so much that for the first time since I had been there, I ate my whole bowl. Dolores shouted ...