Departure: January 16th

Ponderings from the recent non-blogger.

2007-04-09T23:01:20Z

Greetings to All,
I profusely apologize the absence of communication in recent weeks. Things continue to go well here.
Academically speaking, I very much enjoy my Conservation Biology course and very much value all that I have learned. I do not care for my Spanish and history course as they are poorly instructed and unstimulating and unchallenging. Last week marked mid-term exams which were overall okay, I do not have any really negative remarks.
I have just over 4 weeks remaining in South America and as time progresses, I have experienced a lot of conflicting emotions that have made it all the more difficult to at times fully thrive here and furthermore healthily process my thoughts and experiences. I love Ecuador, its natural beauty is unparalleled and my experiences amidst such have enriched me more than I can articulate. However, my sources of dissatifaction have caused two emotional reactions: the first of which being my longing to travel more and immurse myself more deeply in Latin American culture, the other is a longing for familiarity and the life that I once identified as my reality in the States. My notion of reality has been PLEASANTLY and POSITIVELY redefined and challenged as a result of my experiences here. When I cite my desires to return to what is innatley familiar, I am also referencing a network and an experience that has always proved to be very validating. For example, I very much miss discussions with my mother, my professors, and my gender studies friends about feminist theory, politics, and social welfare and social justice issues--that is a positive network and a familiar experience that I miss and find nourishing. A familiarity that I have not been able to successfully recreate despite multiple attempts here with my family and friends. A source of comfort that truly feeds me and constructively occupies my mind.
I find the opportunity for deep, meaningful, reflective discussions to have occured minimally and furthermore the diligence to improve one's cultural competence to be even less so. My Spanish, although has experienced improvement has not reached the level of proficiency I desired upon entering this experience.
I have met tremendous people from areas of the United States and they have been, overall, great and have certainly has made my experience more colorful, memorable, heathily testing, and have helped me reached conclusions about myself, my character, and my ability as a student, woman, and a curious young person.
I have lost weight, 14 pounds, my hair has lightened considerably, my eye brows are thicker as a result of not having the vanity concerns to pluck them as religiously, my bras no longer fit correctly, and my skin is a darker pigment of beige, other than that I cannot YET cite however, monumental alterations that have occured to my personality or character...and I find that bothersome. Although I cannot fully identify why that is, I guess I can just simply narrow it to the conclusion being that when I entered into this journey I anticipated ungergoing more significant changes, positive changes. I fear that the self-betterment I struggle to create and nurture everyday has been stagnant or even more frighteningly has regressed. I have nothing to support that assertion, I am merely expressing what I have kept internalized and worrisomely pondered over for many weeks.
So, four weeks remaining...
Within these four weeks I have VERY exciting experiences occuring. My mother and my aunt Jackie are coming this Friday!!! I am so thrilled and extremely ecstatic to share with them my life here. My classes will wind down and the final two weeks will be spent in Peru.
I am happy. I really value this opportunity to externalize sentiments and reflections that have been circulating my mind and thank you for you interest in reading them.

Ponderings from the recent non-blogger. remains copyright of the author A Burrows, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Cajas National Park and the otherwise uneventful weekend...

2007-03-20T17:30:00Z

Greetings Readers!
Although it appears as though I have been negligent in updating my blog, I gotta be honest and report that I have had a pretty uneventful past couple of days. The exception to this was our time spent in Cajas National Park on Saturday. Cajas National Park is located 30 minutes west of Cuenca. Declared a National Park in 1996, Cajas is locally operated but nationally funded. This characterisitic is neat because many of the employees of the park have a long family history with this region. Cajas provides Cuenca 60% of its water supply and is situated 2 miles above sea level...it is consistently quite cold and this past Saturday was no exception. Cajas encompasses two separate eco-systems: mountain cloud forest and Andean shrubby high altitude grassland known as paramo in Spanish.
Cajas is home to beautiful forest areas that remind me of scenes from Lord of the Rings...hehehe, gorgeous! Other interesting factoids about Cajas National Park include, in the 1980´s music artist Cindy Lauper produced a music video there, but perhaps the more notable "event" of the 1980´s in Cajas occured in 1989 when an upper-middle class teenage girl claimed to have been visited by the Virgen Mary while camping in the park. Monthly pilgrimages to the sanctuary are still made by people from all over Ecuador. In the last decade the young girl´s story has been discredited by the Ecuadorian media (rightfully so, our guide who knows this woman asserted that her story is quote, "a crock of shit"). Nevertheless, the site is still revered as important, religiously and spiritually.
Our 5-6 mile hike was challenging, intense, cold, rainy, but SO FUN! Cajas is a truly stunning area and quite unlike the landscape of the area around itself. Unfortunately my camera was not working properly and therefore I have no pictures of my own however, do hope to have some copies to share in the future.
The remainder of my weekend was rather quiet and uneventful, I read and did plenty of homework. I really enjoy my Biology course, as I think I have mentioned before, the other courses being Latin American history and Spanish grammatics I could live without. The latter are poorly instructed and evoke no passion to learn, sadly.
This weekend will bespent entirely in the village of Saraguro. Saraguro is an indigenous community 3-4 hours south of Cuenca, apparently it is one of the most enjoyable weekend trips that our group takes!

Cajas National Park and the otherwise uneventful weekend... remains copyright of the author A Burrows, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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The Curse of Ecuadorian Oil

2007-03-14T22:42:18Z

Every Wednesday academic lectures are held by the executive director of CEDEI Steve Wille. This week's lecture was based on the economic and environmental consequences of Ecuador's oil reserves as well as other cultural and socio-poltical issues, globally. I found the lecture to be really fascinating and thought I'd share with you some facts.

-oil drilling began in the 1970's this caused the birth, rise, and eventual demise of the Ecuadorian middle class, public income quadrupled in 3 years
-during the 1970's Ecuador's debt sat a low 200 million dollars, now the debt is close to 13 billion
-social programs that thrived during the 1970's as a result of the increase of wealth that was derived from the oil industry are now non-existent
-educators' salaries have suffered the most as result of Ecuador's economic decline
-during the wealth boom of the 1970's, taxes were donw away with and have since never been re-implemented
-Ecuador has had little success with a democratic, the citizenry consensus is based in the promotion of a return to a militaristic rule
-Texaco bought off and bribed government inspectors so that they did not have to abide by Ecuador's strict environmental policies protecting primarily the Amazon rainforest
-China currently owns 1/3 of Ecuador's oil pipelines
-The industrialization of Ecuador has caused the obliteration of several indigenous tribes, their languages are no longer spoken
-3,000 indigenous cultures have been lost within the past fifty years--world wide
-Social Consequences of the Ecuadorian Oil Industry:
- more poverty
- more concentrated areas or populations of wealth
- higher inflation
- indigenous cultures are disappearing
- creation of roads, colonization--destroying rainforest
- oil dependence has harmed agriculture, the development and transfer of technologies

One question that was posed during the lecture was the notion of...Is a culture's attempt to adapt really disguising or promoting their demise?

Ecuador does not utilize it own oil and although the current president of Ecuador just instated a ban on oil exploration in the rainforest it is doubted that his policy will be maintained because ultimately, Ecuador does not have the resources to NOT be oil dependent.

Another interesting topic addressed today involved the Chevron-Texaco billion-dollar lawsuit that alleges that Texaco dumped more than 18 billion gallons of toxic waste directly into the rainforest over a 26-year period of time. This damage is thirty times larger than the size of the Exxon Valdez disaster. In addition to the billion dollar lawsuit, the people of Ecuador are also demanding an additional 6 million dollars to cover the cost of clean up.

So yeah, interesting stuff, I thought.

The Curse of Ecuadorian Oil remains copyright of the author A Burrows, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Galapagos and Beyond!

2007-03-13T16:46:23Z

Many Warm Greetings from Cuenca!
Indeed I have returned to Cuenca after an absolutely incredible week in the Galapagos Islands. As a result of having minimal communication mediums while on the Islands, I was unfortunately unable to update my blog. I ask in advance for you to bear with me as the following account of my experience will be lengthy but nonetheless chronologically detailed. When I last left you, I shared with you the first days of our spring break. The remainder of Monday was spent first on a speed boat that transported our group from the island of Santa Cruz to the island of Isabela, the largest island of the Galapagos. As you my recall, Santa Cruz and Isabela are the only two inhabited islands of the islands. Santa Cruz has a population if 14,000 and Isabela with about 1,000 residents. The 2-hour ride from Santa Cruz to Isabela at 60 MPH, although beautiful was rough and for some, induced motion sickness. We arrived on Isabela at 4:00 PM, packed into the backs of pick up trucks to our hostal, the Belleza Azul, owned by a Swiss woman who moved to the Galapagos after visiting in the early 1990’s. Dora was a wonderful host. Each student shared a cabin with two other students directly located on the beach. The remainder of the evening was spent walking along the beach, swinging in hammocks located near each cabin, and eating a wonderful home-cooked meal prepared by our host. One was able to see plenty of sea lions, pelicans, crabs, and iguanas from our cabins, not to mention stars for the first time since arriving in Ecuador! The following morning we rose early, jumped into the backs of pick up trucks to go to the Sierra Negra area of Isabela Island. Sierra Negra is a concave volcano that last erupted on October, 22 2005. It is this eruption that has caused what is now the second-largest crater in the world. On horse back, for an hour and a half, we traveled to this crater. It was almost surreal to arrive at the site of this crater, it was almost as though one just comes upon it and suddenly it feels as though you on the moon. We got off our horses and took a two hour hike in and around in this crater. Although the land itself is relatively absent of life it was uniquely beautiful and truly felt galactic…I had to step back and really question, “where am I?”, “am I really in the Galapagos?” The islands consists entirely of volcanic soil and due to global warming, the land mass of the islands is expanding each year. It is predicted that in approximately 25 years, 8-10 new islands will be created as the tide continually recedes. Additionally, the Islands also continue to make movement inland, so who know perhaps in 1 million years the Islands will no longer be such…
Following this hike (which ended up being very wet, it down poured the entire way back to our horses) we returned to our horses and rode back to the arrival site, returned to our hostel and spent the remainder of our day on the beach basking in the sun. We had, for the most part, really agreeable weather. I am the proud holder of a fully bronzed body…well slightly sun burned as well 
I should share that we learned so much about the ecology of the Galapagos Islands…I experienced occasional guilt knowing that it is because of the activity of my species that is slowly causing the demise of the purity of the Galapagos. It is incredible how challenged one is to always remain HYPER-AWARE of their role of their respective eco-system and the cultural, environmental, linguistic, and consumeristic relativism that one must continually try to grasp especially while traveling and exploring their world. It has really been a challenge and has really tested what I once valued as my reality. A small example of such would be the learning of the eradication of cats and dogs on the Islands of the Galapagos. It is because of introduced species such as livestock, domesticated animals, and rodents that has threatened the species of many precious life forces isolated only to the Galapagos…such introduced species are largely of European descent. I don’t know what I am trying to fully articulate but ultimately and simply, I find myself often frustrated and saddened in my position as a privileged White, American, English-speaking female…I am inadvertently/advertently perpetuating and or least promoting so many behaviors that are causing the demise of so much life, sustainability, and environmental purity… these thoughts are of course not concentrated to my experience in the Galapagos…but nonetheless a meaningless a digression…anyway, returning to Wednesday of last week.
The morning sun of the Galapagos is undoubtedly the most intensely warm, this never stopped us from rising early and beginning our excursions so that we can make the most of each day. Wednesday morning we made a brief stop at a flamingo conservation area, we unfortunately only saw a few flamingos---very cool even still. We then went to an amphibian and reptile conservation area reserved for primarily marine and land iguanas and turtles. I have never had the pleasure of seeing such large in my life-really beautiful creatures! We also entered the confines of the Giant Turtle conservationary. The Galapagos was once home to 14 species of turtles however, that number has since dwindled to 11. The island of Isabela is especially rich with turtles however it is actually from the island of Pinta that the majority of the turtles of these conservationary originate. It was absolutely amazing, baby turtles as young as a few days old to seeing turtles as old 75 years old have created homes here. I learned so much about these really incredible creatures. Turtles can go for up to two years without consuming food and water, sex of turtles is not determined until 25 years of age, and most male turtles do not reach their sexual peek until the age of 70. Female turtles are significantly smaller than males and often sustain injuries during the reproductive process because males mount the female turtles in a way that can damage their lungs or even break their shells. Shells consist of keratin and it is actually common but not necessarily fatal for turtles to roll over onto to their backs. Depending upon their size, some turtles can take as long as 6 hours to flip back over on their bellies. Following this tour of this complex, we went to the site of “The Wall of Tears”. “The Wall of Tears” was constructed in the 1950’s by Ecuadorian prisoners convicted of, what was considered, the most severe crimes against the state. Before I explain further, the site of “The Wall of Tears” was initially a large prison complex constructed by the US government during WWII to harbor prisoners of war. Their goal in constructing this prison was to achieve complete isolation from the outside further preventing escape by the prisoners. Following WWII, the United States government abandoned Isabela Island and turned it over to the Ecuadorian government. The Ecuadorian government then utilized it to hold, as previously stated, individuals who were considered the worst criminals. These individuals were demanded to create a wall as a method of diversion. Although the prison compound no longer exists, the wall does. Although the wall itself is not anything spectacular, the history behind it is certainly interesting. We returned to our hostel for lunch and then took a few hours of our afternoon to snorkel. Thursday marked our dreaded return to Santa Cruz Island, dreaded only due to the boat ride that proved to be not-so-fun. Fortunately, I had the enjoyment of riding in the front outside of the actual seating quarters which at least made the 2 hour ride more interesting and certainly more aesthetically pleasing. We arrived back in Santa Cruz, really pumped for our afternoon. “Our”…referring to my friend Kelsey and I who were preparing for scuba diving! We went to the scuba shop to try on gear and were instructed to return to an hour later for our departure. If only we knew what lied ahead of us. To condense this story, the guides neglected to pack our wet suits and did not provide us with adequate air in our tanks. Although I attempted to dive, I only reached fifty feet because Kelsey lost her weight belt and had to re-surface. So ultimately although we did not reach the desired depth, I suppose I can say that I indeed dive in the Galapagos unfortunately just not with results I initially desired. Thursday we held a farewell cocktail to mark our departure on Friday. We did however, have one last activity Friday morning which touring the largest lava tunnel in the world. Lava tunnels are caused by layers of dried lava that form a hollow center. This particular hollow center which formed this tunnel was approximately 50 feet high and a mile and half long…and very, very dark. It was very cool to not merely see this natural phenomenon but actually walk through it, however difficult it was. We departed for Guayaquil around 1:00 PM and arrived at three.
The only unfortunate news to report is the illness of a good friend of mine, Jenn. Jenn began to feel ill immediately prior to boarding the plane for Guayaquil on Saturday. During the 2-hour flight Jenn vomited three times and proceeded to do following the flight. Upon arriving and checking into our hotel our program coordinators contacted a doctor and she was administered two shots, one to prevent further vomiting and the other to diminish the pain, both were only minimally helpful and her symptoms did not subside. Saturday morning arrived and she did not feel well enough to even get out of bed, she was flown back to Cuenca from Guayquil and was immediately admitted into the hospital with suspicion of meningitis. She was tested on Sunday for meningitis and test results did conclude that she had indeed contracted meningitis however; the strain of her meningitis was not going to be determined until late yesterday. In the event that it is viral our entire group would be asked to take medication to prevent from contracting it. It is very scary, especially because she is not allowed visitors. I am hopeful however, as our program coordinators and her doctors seem confident that she should begin her recovery process soon. While Jenn was left to fight off illness, the remainder of the group took a guided walking tour of Guayaquil. I find that the more time I spend in Guayaquil, the more I really enjoy it. Anyway, we spent time in various cities parks (all really lovely and well kept) and also took a walk along the River Guayaquil, visited the Botanical Gardens, toured an Ecuadorian Navy ship…all very cool elements of our tour. One especially notable incident that occurred while on our tour was a stop a city park home, like most grassy areas in Guayaquil, to a species of green land iguanas. Our guide compared their population to the population of squirrels in the Midwest. (Our guide in the Midwest of the US for sometime) The iguanas were friendlier than the squirrels with which we share our land. The guided instructed me to sit and I was given a piece of banana. Within seconds I was surrounded by these beautiful yet HUGE iguanas! I had iguanas perched on my lap. When I extended my hand however, to feed one, it accidentally bit down on not only the banana but also my left ring finger. Although iguanas do not have teeth, the edges of the mouths are serrated, causing my finger to bleed for a good 30 minutes…I finally asked to stop to grab a band aid…it was surprisingly really painful actually but nonetheless added to the adventure!
After the tour was complete our group departed however I, along with two other students from my group stayed behind to spend more time in Guayaquil which ended up being a great decision. We had a really nice lunch near the river, with a really neat view of the river walk, saw a movie at the IMAX theatre, and ended up eating at this really quaint little café that served us not only a great meal but also popped in the movie “The Departed” in English. It was an awesome movie…so random, but so neat.
We woke up the following early to catch a bus to the city of Villamil. Villamil is a pretty downtrodden, poor community but still was home to a really beautiful beach jam packed with locals. I swear there had to have been thousands of people concentrated to this relatively small beach. Because the warmest time of the day is morning it was perfect. We took the two-hour bus ride, got to Villamil around 9:30 and stayed until about noon and left to return to Guayaquil. It was great! I am developing a fondness for bus travel and its inexpensive nature; I really appreciate public transportation, especially while living in South America.
We returned to Guayaquil to get onto another bus that then took us to Cuenca. Although the bus ride was long and slightly uncomfortable, it is always a pleasure to travel and have time to just think, dream, and ponder. We arrived back into Cuenca around 8:30-9:00ish. It was really nice to see my family again. I realized that I missed them and I value Cuenca in a way that only comes after growing acclimated…after living in a location long enough to be able to recognize a community’s strengths and beauties, while also recognizing your less-than-satisfying observations. Cuenca is indeed my home at least for now and it was not until my return last night that I was able to embrace that.
Classes began today and I think I will most certainly enjoy them despite their intensity. I am taking three courses: Biology/Ecology/Environmental Science of the Andes, Latin American History, and Spanish Composition and Conversation. This weekend we are spending time in the Las Cajas National Forest just twenty minutes from Cuenca. I am looking forward to it as it will be a camping outing!

I apologize for the absurd length of this entry however, I hope you an understand that these accounts and disclosures are also for me and my reflections…I just hope you are able to gain a bit of knowledge, perhaps cultural sensitivity, and insight into living and studying abroad. Thank you.

Galapagos and Beyond! remains copyright of the author A Burrows, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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The First Few Days of the Galapagos Islands

2007-03-05T18:23:09Z

We departed Saturday afternoon from Cuenca, taking a bus from Cuenca to the coastal city of Guayaquil. Guayaquil although known as the most dangerous, humid, (of Latin America) and most populated city of Ecuador. I found Guayquil to be beautiful. Immediately upon arriving I was reminded of my fondness of large cities and more cosmopolitan environments. I found Guayquil to be refreshing and positively different from the architecture, people, and social dynamic of Cuenca. I am looking forward to next weekend, as we will be spending time there upon our return to the mainland. We woke up early Sunday morning for our 9:00 AM departure for the Islands. The Galapagos Islands are located 900 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the flight was an hour an a half, however, we gained an hour because the Islands are located in the Central Standard Time Zone. There are over 20 islands that make up the Galapagos but only two that are inhabited by humans. The islands of Santa Cruz (14,000 people), the island on which we are currently staying and Isabel, the largest island, holds about 1,000 residents. Upon arriving yesterday morning we took a short bus ride to the dock on to which we loaded on our boat. We took an hour and a half boat ride to the islands of North and South Plazas where we were greeted by a large group (about 50) sea lions! Sea lions are gorgeous creatures, really quite cute, and extremely curious creatures. We also got a peek at red sea crabs, and pelicans. We took a small hike around both islands, both are relatively small, and returned to the boat. We then anchored out farther from these islands and snorkeled! It was then we got to spend more time with these sea lions, more intimately. Sea lions are incredibly playful and do not object approaching you.I cannot even describe how surprsing yet thrilling it was to be swimming and suddenly looking to your left and seeing a sea lion charging playfully towards you! During this snorkeling experience we also had the chance to see beautiful, colorful fish. After our snorkeling time we hopped back in the boat, sun bathed on the roof and took a two hour to Santa Cruz where we stayed last night. This morning, we got up and headed to the Darwin Center which was created as a conservation project in 1998. It was here that we learned a lot about conservation projects led my various groups of scientists and learned more about threats to the Galapagos. For example, the greatest threat to the Islands´ecosystem is outside species of plants and animals being introduced such as livestock, domesticated animals, and rodents, also plant life such as blackberries and guava are dangerous for certain native animals to ingest. Also at the Darwin Center we had the pleasure of meeting Lonesome George. Lonesome George is a 94-year-old pinta tortoise who is the very last living being of its species. George absolutely massive at 300 pounds and absolutely beautiful. We also were allowed to enter the Center for Galapagitos, the center for infant endangered animals that are being bred and supervised in order to preserve its species.
The last part of our tour of the Darwin Center came when we came very up close and personal with various other species of turtles. The saddle back turtles mate only once a year and we had the bizarre privilege of observing this event! Additionally, we were also allowed to enter a part of their living space and litteraly come within inches of them. These tortoises are just huge but absolutely majestic, it was so fascinating to witness them move, eat, and interact...
Anyway, as you can see I already have a lot to share, I will do my best to keep you updated as the week progresses.
I am already sunburned despite applying several coats of sunscreen. This afternoon we are taking a boat to the island of Isabel, the largest island in the Galapagos where we will be staying at least for tomorrow evening.

The First Few Days of the Galapagos Islands remains copyright of the author A Burrows, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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In preparation for the Galapagos Islands.

2007-03-02T16:55:17Z

We are Galapagoing!
We are departing for the Galapagos Islands tomorrow early afternoon from Cuenca. We are taking a bus to Guayaquil, the largest city of Ecuador located on the western coast. We will arrive in Guayaquil tomorrow around 6:00 PM, spend the night in Guayaquil and rise early Sunday morning for our flight from Guayaquil to the Galapagos. We will spend the remainder of the week there until Friday the 9th at which point we will return to Guayaquil and spend the weekend there, returning to Cuenca on Sunday.
I could not be more ecstatic for this experience.
Because communication mediums at this point are unknown, I am uncertain as to whether or not I will be able to correspond via internet while away. In the event that I am not, I will do my best to promptly share my experience in full detail upon my return to Cuenca.
Our travels will include boat travel, hiking, volcano exploration, scuba diving, horse back riding, and seeing incredibly wildlife...AGH! I can barely stand the excitement!

In preparation for the Galapagos Islands. remains copyright of the author A Burrows, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Giron

2007-02-28T16:29:25Z

This past weekend was pleasantly eventful due to self-initiative and curiosity. Friday, as a group we had dinner together at a location called, Wunder Bar with a really subdued and youthful atmosphere...it was really nice. We then spent the remainder of the evening at a discoteque. Lit, one of the two larger discoteques in Cuenca, was congested with people by midnight. Although it was enjoyable to dance and spend time with my friends in a more clubish atmosphere, I found that I was not all that impressed with it...it was unreasonably expensive and I would have preferred spending time socializing in a location in which yelling to cvonverse was not necessary. The following day, my friend Kelsey and I looking for something new and alternative to sleeping in and relaxing on Saturday went to Mall del Rio. This mall was constructed in 2002-I believe)...it is absolutely massive and I momentarily forgot I was in Cuenca as a result of its completely Westernized architecture and store selections. It was really enjoyable...refreshing to spend time in a- part of Cuenca with which I was unfamiliar and even more refreshing to see and experience a different side of Cuencan social dynamics. From this mall Kelsey and I went to Millenium Plaza, another shopping center that also included a movie theater. We saw, unfortunately, the movie, Lady in the Water. Although a less than satisfying cinematic experience, it was still so much fun to do something I have not been able to do since my departure from the States. Kelsey and I then met up with our friends Margarida and Katie for dinner at a cheap Mexican restaurant in downtown Cuenca. I realized then how much I enjoy spending time with my peers in a smaller group setting, I grew so much more acquainted with all three of them and the more intimate setting afforded us the opportunity to have more frank discussions about our experiences and feelings about our travels.
On Sunday we, as a large group met at CEDEI to prepare for our day trip to Giron. Giron is located about 60 miles southwest of Cuenca. This region holds a lot of historical significance to Ecuador as it is the location of the 1829 Battle of Tarqui which gained Ecuador its independence from Peru. Ecuador, at that particular time was referred to as Gran Colombia and it was in Giron where the Gran Colombians and Peruvians signed a peace treaty at the Casa de los Tratados which now act as the city´s historical museum commemorating this battle. We visited this museum and then travelled just outside of the town to the chorros or waterfalls of Giron. The remainder of our afternoon was spent hiking...hardcore hiking. The hike to the waterfalls was about 4-5 miles and the first mile or so was spent acclamating oneself to the intensity of the terrain, very rocky and all uphill. We stopped and had lunch and then continued on. Upon FINALLY reaching the waterfalls we were are so proud, relieved, exhausted, but exhilerated! The waterfalls were absolutely stunning...I cannot wait to share photos. The hike back down was arguably as intense as the hike up, certainly harder on one´s body...making sure you sustained your balance and footing. My thighs hurt quite a bit Monday.
This week is a stressful one. This week marks the final week of the first session. I have a final exam on Friday for Spanish, for which I am most concerned and also a presentation on Thursday for my service learning class. I have not eaten as consistently with my family because of my busy schedule this week. In addition, to my studies, my decision to get a haircut last night also preoccupied my time. I have not had my hair cut since the latter part of December, so my friend Kelsey and I thought, why not, we were both in need of one, so we went to a peluqueria, a salon, near CEDEI. After much persuasion from Kelsey I decided to color my hair, she chose to have blond highlights and I chose brown highlights. Considering how inexpensive salon services here are, again we thought, why not...what a mistake...
The two women working on our hair accidentally switched the colors around leaving me with bright blond highlights and Kelsey with dark brown. Upon making this discovery, I politely demanded that they rectify their error. They agreed, promising us that they would not charge us more for their labor. It is a common occurence to find Cuencanos who assume that American women are unintelligent and easily maipulated, this was certainly the case in this circumstance. After four hours in the salon I left with still ugly hair but at least less so than that its condition two hours earlier. My current hair color...well it´s kind of a kaleidoscope of colors...black on the bottom, a darker brown on top and still reminscence of the blond underneath the dark brown...so unattractive...
Nonetheless, this was indeed an experience...and unethically they ended up charging me more for their error, I was less than pleased and visably perturbed when I left.
On a completely positive note this weekend we depart for the Galapagos. We will be there for 6 days and return to Cuenca next Sunday after spending the weekend in the coastal city of Guayquil. I am so thrilled for this once in a lifetime experience. I am ecstatic and cannot wait to further share...

Giron remains copyright of the author A Burrows, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Information for my 3rd Grade Friends!

2007-02-27T17:06:36Z

Greetings Mr. Burrows´ 3rd Grade Class and other blog viewers!

In each blog entry I try to always include information pertinent to not only my travels but the city, country, and continent in which I am travelling, studying, and living. Enclosed is this blog is a more concentrated presentation of facts about Cuenca and Ecuador. I always welcome and encourage questions and comments. Thanks so much for your continued interest, the world belongs to you, explore it and you will love it even more!

FACTS:
- Cuenca is located at 8,400 feet above sea level
-As a result of this high altitude and its proximity to the equator the sun is more intense
-Most crimes in Ecuador are of a non-violent nature. In fact, most crime is related to theft and drug abuse.
-Cuenca, as a city is especially conversative, Cuencanos dress conservatively, use conservative language, and are very connected to their Catholic faith
-In Latin America lunch is the most important and largest meal of the day
-Breakfast usually consists of tea or coffee, bread and fruit
-Lunch begins with creamy soup, followed by a dish of meat, vegetables, and white rice
-dinner is much lighter and usually rice with vegetables are served
-Because the sewage system in Ecuador and most parts of Latin America cannot handle toilet paper therefore toilet paper has to be placed in a waste paper basket near the toilet after use
-walking barefoot outside of one's bedroom is perceived as unacceptable, additionally it is rare to find people walking in open-toed shoes
-Ecuador is just smaller than Nevada, it is located on and named after the Equator
-Ecuador's population is 13.4 million and growing 2% annually
-Spanish is the official language of Ecudor however, Quichua is spoken by indigenous groups of Ecuador, it is not considered an official however
-80% of Ecuadorians are Catholic, the remaining percentage are religiously unaffiliated or are members of other forms of Christianity or Jevoah's Witness and Mormons
-A common trait among all Ecuadorians is the value of the place on familial relationships and responsibilties
-Greeting are usually kiss exchanges on the cheek, between men hand shakes or embraces are more common
-1/3 of Ecuadorian population is employed in agriculture, producing fruit, coffee, sugarcane, corn, potatoes, and rice
-Ecuador is the largest banana exporter
-Education: beginning at the age of 6, children attend 6 years of mandatory education
-The school day lasts from 7:00 AM to 12:30 PM
-Students wear uniforms regardless of what school they attend
-There are 21 universities in Ecuador, the largest being in Quito, Cuenca however, is known as a city of scholars because there are four large unviersities and several small secondary institutions

I hope you enjoyed this brief entry and I hope you were able to learn a bit more about this very special country!

Information for my 3rd Grade Friends! remains copyright of the author A Burrows, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Carnaval and all that was!

2007-02-22T21:31:33Z

I have so much to share regarding my expereince in Ambatos and Banos this past weekend in celebration of Carnaval. I will account my experiences in chronological order I anticipate that will be helpful in conveying my thoughts more vividly.
We took a bus from Cuenca to Ambatos, Ecuador Friday evening, literally speaking early Saturday morning. The bus ride was a long 6 hours. We arrived in Ambatos at 6:30 AM Saturday morning after a sleepless night in a terribly crowded bus. We immediately checked into our hotel located near the bus terminal and slept until noon, although that amount did not fully suffice it was at least able to re-energize for Saturday's activities. We then made the decision to head to Banos, a community an hour south of Ambatos which is one of Ecuador's primary tourist destination during Carnaval. Banos is the site of natural hot springs, plenty of touristic activities, in which we partook. I, along with 3 other girls went to a set of natural hot springs that more closely resembled a public swimming pool, of course the exception being the natural hot springs. It was really enjoyable, crowed, but fun to witness so many people concentrated to one destination to celebrate Carnaval. We left to meet up with our remaining group members who had been in downtown Baños shopping. We spent the rest of the evening hanging out in various bars, watching the parade, and scheduling the various activities in which we would be partaking the next three days. We returned to Ambatos and retreated to bed early. We rose the next morning to prepare for what would be a very busy and exciting day! The Sunday of Carnaval in Ambatos is very special, as Ambatos is host to the largest Carnaval parade in the country...and what a parade it was! Native dancers, marching bands, stilt walkers, and impressive floats all constructed from raw food filled the streets, as did over 80,000 spectators. Following the parade my friends, Kelsey, Megan, Katie, and I all loaded a bus to Baños where in a few hours we were scheduled to bungee jump! For 15.00 per person we reserved an opporunity to bungee jump off a bridge located about 10 minutes outside of Baños. The jump site was gorgeous...like a scene out of Jurassic Park...so green, forested, and mountainous. We took a cab to the site to find close to twenty other individuals waiting for either their own turn or there to spectate. My friends were reluctant and not desiring to go first. I glady obliged! Despite my excitement and enthusiasm, I did experience a bit of anxiety when asked to climb over the ledge of the bridge onto a seperate ledge connected to the side of the bridge. I was much too short for this and had to be hoisted over the ledge by the "bungee jump expert", he then had to strap me in while standing over a rocky river, with plenty of rapids to catch my potentical fall...hahaha. I was supported atthe waist by my gear not at my feet which is the more common method of bungee jumping. He told he was going to count to three and release his grip...uno, dos, tres...I jump! My hands are trembling as I type this...recalling this experience. It was so exhilerating!...After initial fall, I opened my eyes and was able to more fully appreciate how fun, adventurous, and totally mind-blowing it really was!!! I watched as the remainderof my group member followed and took photos of their jumps...agh, it was so neat...
We returned to Baños mid-afternoon to grab dinner and headedback to Ambatos for a quiet, less exciting evening. The following morning we rose a 6:00 AM to catch a 6:30 bus back to Baños for our rainforest tour which was to take place near the town of Puyo, almost three hours southeast of Baños. Despite the long trip, our experience on Monday was absolutely my favorite part of my Carnaval experience...the Amazon Rainforest!!!...our tour began with a two hour hike, then a stop at a waterfall for a swim, another hike that led us to our lunch site, then an hour canoe ride....so amazing! Ecuador continues to overwhelm me and surprise me with its natural beauty. I have never seen such beauty...the land is just incredible!
On the tour, we were introduced to plants used for medicinal purposes, I ate lemon ants whose extract is used by natives in juices and for seasoning purposes, I saw the most beautiful butterflies I had ever seen before, our faces were panited using a flowering plants also used by indigenous tribes as "war paint"...Gosh, the list can extend much farther!
Our day ended in the jungle, we returned to Baños wet, exhausted, sweaty, but so enlightened and so excited to share our experience with our families in Cuenca! We returned to Cuenca Tuesday afternoon. Classes re-commenced yesterday and finals take place next week.

Carnaval and all that was! remains copyright of the author A Burrows, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Orphanage accounts

2007-02-16T16:01:40Z

Not a lot has occured since my previous blog entry. I received my Spanish test back to find that I did not performed as poorly as anticipated however, am still not terribly satisified, however I am still learning...ever so slowly.
This week at the orphanage has been so enjoyable! On Tuesday the girls had Valentine visitors from an all boys school located near the orphanage. Each boy presented a Valentine gift for each girl...it was quite darling. As names were called, each girl approached the front of the crowd of students to bashfully embrace their Valetine. It was so adorable...but also interesting. Because the girls and boys otherwise engaged in no further interaction with one another. Music was played and it was not until myself along with the other student volunteer from CEDEI, Arthur, got up and startd dancing that they were comfortable doing the same.
On Thursday when I arrived all fifty girls were busily washing clothes by hand. All were lined up sitting next to their on pile of clothes, each given one bar of soap and a wooden board on which to wash their clothes. There were two hoses spouting cold water from which to rinse soapy clothes and all wet clothes were placed on clothes lines to dry. It was surprising to see 6 year old girls washing their on clothes, this was very laborious. To wash one shirt took me close to 30 minutes. It was incredile to witness this process being conducted so quickly, so efficiently, so whinelessly
It was an excellent learning experience and certainly one that enhanced my appreciation my relatively labor-free existence.
Tonight we depart for Baños Ambatos for Carnaval. We are taking a bus that departs at 12 midnight, we arrive tomorrow morning around 9:00 AM and stay until Tusday afternoon. I am so thrilled!

Orphanage accounts remains copyright of the author A Burrows, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Thunderstorm and Earth Quake!

2007-02-13T22:20:04Z

I realize I already wrote an entry today however, I wanted to share something rather exciting that happened today! Early this morning Ecuador experienced an earthquake, I was uninformed and completely oblivious to this until my papa told me at lunch today. Apparently earthquakes are common in Ecuador however, thunderstorms are not, however we were also the recipient of one of those as well today! I had mentioned in my previous entry that it was especially warm today, by 1:30 PM clouds had moved and we began to hear thunder while eating lunch. My mama was startled, she reported that thunderstorms are rare. I one the other hand, was thrilled. It hailed, there was beautiful lightening, and loud booms of thunder...I was reminded of Midwest humidity and the storms that often result. It was great, two weather phenomonens in a 12 hour span!

Thunderstorm and Earth Quake! remains copyright of the author A Burrows, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Takin´ it to the Streets

2007-02-13T17:52:58Z

Today has been the warmest day since my arrival, it is close to 90 degrees and the sun seems especially bright and warm!
I wanted to share the experience I had while walking on the street three blocks from my home this morning. I came upon a group of over 5,000 people marching and protesting for the implementation of a new constitution, one that would more closely reflect the political ideologies of the current, newly-elected president Rafael Correa, a leftist radical that won the election by a 30% margin in early January. The current constitution reflects the ideals and pursuits of the former Ecuadorian president, Alfredo Palacio, a conservative. Anyway, it was really quite interesting to witness this. I am not accostumed to witnessing citizens as poltically galvanized in the States as they are in Latin America. Unlike the in United States, countries such as Chile, Argentina, and Ecuador it is a legal mandate to vote, as a result the citizenry is much more active, aware, and involved in the political process. With this being said however, I should indicate that my host family appears to be pretty politically neutral, they rarely watch the news and choose not to engage in political discussions, much to my shagrin. In fact, this morning while I was watching the news, there was a feature on Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. My mama asked me, "do want the woman or the negro to win?"...
I was slightly taken aback.
When attempting to discuss Ecuadorian politics with my family, they appear to know little about the corruption of certain previous politicians...
Anyway, just thought I would take a minute to share...

Takin´ it to the Streets remains copyright of the author A Burrows, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Week of Carnaval...wet, wet,wet...

2007-02-12T17:55:13Z

This past weekend was a ball! Friday the 9th marked the 21st birthday of group member of our´s and friend, Jennifer. She is originally from Albany, NY and is an education major, she has become a good friend of mine. To celebrate we spent Friday evening at Baños de Cuenca. Baños are a set of hot springs surrounded by the hostel in which we stayed for an inexpensive 14.00. This stay also included relaxing in the steam showers, a wonderful birthday dinner, breakfast in bed, and dancing at a nearby discoteque! It was so enjoyable and so beautiful. it located near downtown...15 minute cab ride from my home. We returned Saturday afternoon. Gualeceo and Chordeleg, two neighboring villages about 45 minutes north of Cuenca were the destinations of our Sunday day trip. On the way to Gauleceo we stopped briefly to look at the aftermath of a devastating landslide that took place in the mid 1990´s. Although it took place over ten years ago, it is apparent that nature is still slowly reconstructing itself. The landslide was caused by a number of reasons: the region immediately north of Cuenca is a gold and silver mining area, such industry can be really hard on land, making it very loose and vulnerable to nature´s toll, excessive rainfall that year, additionally that land being histoircally volcanic made it especially unstable.
We proceeded to a small village, specifically to a home owned by a family of weavers whose specialty was the creation of clothing products such as sweaters, scarves, and belts... beautiful hand woven materials, realy, really impressive we were also able to see a five-minute demonstration. I purchased three items as gifts. We then went to Gualeceo, a larger town of 30,000 people with a large open-air market. On Sundays, most families do not spend time preparing meals and therefore will go and purchase all their food for that particular day fresh. This market was massive and included and area designated for fresh fruit, vegetables, wheat, rice, and mote (large white corn used as a condiment in almost all helpings of soup). These products could be found on the bottom floor, on the top floor one could find the meat market...oh my jeepers, how does one even begin to describe this. Okay, so I reached the top level, I look to my immediate right and I see the full body or shall I say carcass of a pig. There were rows upon rows, upon rows of these pig carcasses. At each station were women preparing meals or dishes from each pig. I can´t wait to share photos...as there were also stations in which butchers were presenting their finest beef products. Dead cow carcasses, legs, ears, feet all in tact and clearly distinguishable as to what it was one was looking at.
If any of you are aware of the book the Jungle, written by Sinclair in the 1920´s it was this relived in more vivd form. I have never wanted so deperately to revert to vegetarianism, unfortunately that has to wait until my return in May. We left the market and went to Chordeleg, a neighboring town famous for its silver and gold distributors, I purchased a few gifts. We spent an hour there and quite frankly there was nothing much more notable than that...it has just evolved into a tourist destination or at least a destination for those in search of quality silver, gold, and other gems.
We returned to Gualeceo for lunch and then headed back to Cuenca.
I spent the evening studying for my first Spanish test...AGH!!! I am reluctant to even write about it...it was upsetting...intense and long...more so than any exam I have ever had the pleasure of taking in college!
So today, Moday, marks the week of Carnaval, a Catholic-realted tradition. As mentioned in my previous entry Carnaval is a four-day national holiday that falls over February 17th-20th. Although Carnaval festivities take place all throughout the month February, the week leading up to Carnaval is especially intense and wet. I cannot tell you them number of times I have had to run from small children carrying water balloons or children equipped with small water guns. Yesterday, infact, while on my way home from our day trip was pelted with a water balloon by an on-coming car. It was painful! Of course those types of circumstances are nearly unpreventable as they are quite sneaky...it seriously left a welt on left part of my chest.
Fortunately, the location to where we are travelling, Baños Ambatos only throw perfume and flowers to celebrate Carnaval. We depart early Saturday morning by bus and will return to Cuenca on Tuesday.
Here´s some more information on Carnaval:
-Carnaval is an indigenous tradition, it originated long before the arrival of Catholicism and the Spaniards
-Carnaval was originally called Pawka Raim, to honor "Mother Earth"
-The throwing of water symbolizes the celebration of the abundance of water, crops, the purity of Mother Earth
-By throwing a water balloon one is really sharing the happiness of Earth´s productivity
-Four days of feasting on the abundance of crops before the Lenten fast...Ash Wednesday is the day immeidately following the end of Carnaval.
Also this week is El Dia de San Valentine, Valentine´s Day, in Ecuador however, it honored more often as El Dia de Amistad, The Day of Friendship, it is not as romantically focused here and it is overshadowed by the excitement of Carnaval. It simply is not as huge of a deal here however, we are exchanging cards and small messages between our group of friends. In is customary to present a small gesture to your parents as well.
Until next time...

Week of Carnaval...wet, wet,wet... remains copyright of the author A Burrows, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Cuenca Factoids

2007-02-08T18:00:53Z

I thought I´d share information outside of my personal experience, enclosed is a few interesting facts about Cuenca that I have acquired since my arrival.
-Cuenca was virtually cut off from the rest of Ecuador geographically until 1950´s at which point roads were constructed, however ,to this day there are fewer than ten roads that stem from Cuenca that are paved.
-Cuenca´s primary industry is the weaving of Panama hats, like the women from Principal whose community´s livlihood is based in this practice...such hats are worngfully referred to as Panama hats because it from Panama where the original intermediary, corrupt middle men originated and historically took all profits from Ecuadaorian making and manufacturing these hats
-Cuenca was founded long before the arrival of the Spanish and long before the Incas although there is plenty Incan historical architectural influence, Cuenca was actually founded by the Cañari people, a group of indigenous individuals who originally named Cuenca, Guadpondeleg.
-Most business establishments close between the hours of 1:00-3:00 to observe the lunch period and take a "siesta". This meal is the largest of the day and is typically shared with not only one´s nuclear family but also members of the extended are invited to join in the daily feasting
-Most business establishments are closed on Sundays as well, as Ecuador like the rest of Latin America is fervently Catholic and Sundays are spent resting and observing and attending at times multiple church services
-My host parents like many others have a small shrine to the Virgin Mary in their bedroom, equppied with candles, several portraits of her, two Bibles, and incense. They pray before her each after dinner.
-Cuenca is the third largest city in Ecuador with 350,000 inhabitants, Guayaquil is the largest city and Quito, the capital is the second largest.

Cuenca Factoids remains copyright of the author A Burrows, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Carnaval, Classes for next session, Los Baños

2007-02-07T21:48:02Z

I apologize for the most recent blog entry. After reading it over today I found it to be rather negative in nature. I did not intend to vent about any frustrations.
On a more pleasant note, plans have been finalized for Carnaval. Carnaval is a four-day national holiday. This year it falls on February 17th-20th. Carnaval was originally established as a four-day feasting period before Ash Wednesday, similar to Madri Gras in the States. To celebrate, I along will 11 other group members are going to Baños Ambatos. A resort region 4 hours north of Cuenca, equipped with natural hot spring, rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping, and hiking. We will be there from Saturday until Tuesday. On Sunday of Carnaval Ambatos hosts a parade with entails getting very wet and very flowered. Flowers and water are the two primary elements featured in this parade. I am really, really excited for our trip!
Although classes just began I just chose classes into which I will be enrolling next session. I will be taking a Latin American history course and a Spanish Grammatics course as well. Both of which will be taught in Spanish and will be apparently be much more intensive then my current classes.
On Friday the 9th a group member and friend of mine is turning 21. To celebrate her birthday we, as a group are going to the Baños de Cuenca, similar to the Baños Ambatos, Baños de Cuenca is also an outdoor get-away with natural hot springs, pools, and free food! We are really excited and looking forward to this inexpensive trip outside of Cuenca!
I unfortunately have to cut this short as I have to head to Vanessa´s house. I tutor her from 5:00-6:00 on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday...it is going so well, she is so, so kind, and so eager to learn, it´s a great deal!

Carnaval, Classes for next session, Los Baños remains copyright of the author A Burrows, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Principal

2007-02-06T19:58:22Z

Wow, what a great weekend! Principal, small town two and a half hours northeast of Cuenca is home to women who establsihed a farming, trout, and weaving cooperative in 2001. Our visit there began with a two-hour hike around the town. The hike was gorgeous. Principal is situated at a significantly higher altitude than Cuenca, so directly in the mountains was where we were placed. I will hopefully photos soon. Then we we were treated to a huge meal of trout, vegtables from their garden, fruit, and fruit smoothies...all products from their land. Although we did not have the opportunity to see much of their garden coopaertive as a result of the rainfall received the night before, we did have the pleasure of seeing products made from their weaving work. Baskets, hats, placemats, lampshades...you name it they made it beautifully. The original intention in creating a weaving coop was to remove the intermediary, the middle man who supplied the town with the plant and the dye used for their projects. This intermediary would take the majority of the profits leaving virtually no monetary reimbursement to the women of this town. I purchased four items, three small basket and a larger own as well. We departed from Principal extremely exhausted but really enlightened by the women we met. After we arrived into Cuenca, I was ravenous! When I become hungry I become slightly irritable. The majority of my group was returning to their homes for dinner, this held little appeal. You see, over the past two weeks, I have grown increasingly disenchanted with the food. Although I adore my host family, I have yet to experience a meal that I have found fully satisfying or a meal that has held strong appeal. I often feel like I have to give myself internalized pep talks as I am eating, "okay, you can do this, two more bites" or "how can this dish relate to something I have eaten before?" "I wish I could plug my nose". I realize the candid nature of my thoughts and realize their potential to be perceived as disrespectful, ignorant, impatient, and highly insensitive. I have tried and successfully eaten EVERYTHING on my plate that has been served to me. It is difficult to avoid eating meat when it is served with almost every meal, I rarely eat meat in the States so the transition to eating it as often as I am obligated to leaves me feeling less then thrilled to partake in meals with my family. Which is incredibly unfortunate, as it is designed to be a special time for connecting. So getting back to the original story, I returned from Principal on Saturday to find only a few students not intending to return home for dinner, I asked them if they wanted to join me for dinner elsewhere and fortunately they obliged. We found this GREAT Italian restaurant where I ordered a huge bowl of pasta alfredo...I ate it rapidly and didn´t look back...it was absolutely delectable.
I know I am terrible person for disclosing this...but you know something I don´t care, hahaha, becuse truthfully if anything it has granted a heightened understanding and value of food. I have never been in a position in my life in which I have had no control over what I am consuming and how much I am consuming. This experience has challenged my patience, flexibility, appetite, and weight. I have lost 10 pounds since my arrival.
In addition to the Italian meal I had on Saturday, some friends and I went to a sport bar located about 20 minutes from my home to partake in SuperBowling! It was so much fun despite the Bears´loss to the Colts. I there also chose to order a large meal and despite my usual emotional response being guilt to such circumstances and to such disclosures of frustration, I am choosing otherwise.
I now have to head to the orhanage...
Thank you for allowing me to share.

Principal remains copyright of the author A Burrows, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Orphanage, Tutoring Opportunity, and Photos

2007-02-02T18:00:54Z

Yesterday marked the beginning of my internship at Miguel Leon, an orhanage near my home that serves fifty girls between the age of 6-18. I will tutor girls between the ages of 8-12 from 3:00-5:00 two-three days a week. I think I am going to love it! Although incredibly heart-breaking, I found my experience there already inspiring. I know little personal information about the girls with whom I work but they were eager to ask me questions about myself, play with my hair, hold my hand, paint my toenails. I will tutor them in math and English...fortunately I can manage elementary math.
They are so beautiful, so precious...
One devastating experience of yesterday's visit there occured while I was helping them complete an English assignment. They were to draw a picture of their family and name each member of their family. Furthermore, they were to construct sentences such as, "my mom has blonde hair", my dad has a beard", "my house is white"...clearly they had no point of reference, they were left feeling confused and frustrated. It was so heart-wrenching, how do you describe the notion of family when such a concept has been absent since birth?
On a lighter note, yesterday morning while walking to school, I was randomly stopped on the street and questioned by a man and his wife about the opportunity to tutor his 9-year-old daughter Vanessa in English. They know my host family relatively well and apparently heard me speaking English to one of my classmates. I agreed immediately, they seemed incredibly nice, they also have an older daughter and an infant son who might I add is ADORABLE! He asked if I could stop his house around 5:00 yesterday afternoon and I agreed, this gave me the opportunity to meet Vanessa, who is a charm...so polite, intelligent, and quiet yet eager to learn. I begin tutoring her today and will do so 3-4 times a week, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and sometimes Sunday. I will be paid 3 dollars each session. I am really excited, I this will be a really cool opportunity to enhance my Spanish abilities...however, I wanted to throw out a question to those reading my blog. If you would like, send me teaching suggestions or effective dynamics for learning a new language...this especially goes for Matt, Ellie, Jane, B, and Dad and anyone else that would have some insight!
Lastly, I finally uploaded photos, I was thrilled as now you can actually visualize some of the things I have been sharing with you!
Enjoy and take care!

Orphanage, Tutoring Opportunity, and Photos remains copyright of the author A Burrows, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Eye-opening lecture

2007-01-31T22:49:27Z

Steve Wille, the director and dean of CEDEI hosts meetings/lectures on a weekly basis. This week marked the first of the 12 in his series. Today's subject was regarding the tumultuous history of Ecuadorian presidencies.
If I may, allow me to share some fascinating information gained from this lecture.
- Ecuador just elected and inaugrated a new president two weeks ago, Rafael Correa.
-Correa is anti-U.S. and anti-U.S./Ecuadorian relations
-Correa is good allies with Venezuelan president, Hugo Chavez
-Ecuador returned to a Democracy in 1980
-65% of Ecuadorians live in poverty
-30% of Ecuadorians live without running water
-Rafeal Correa, is a socialist and his campaign platform was to remove power and wealth from the elite, he is claimed to a warrior of the poor
-In Ecuador there is no checks and balances over the military, the military has a limitless budget
-Jaime Roldo the president of Ecuador from 1978-1981 was a socialist, it was his presidency that marked the end of military rule over Ecuador and a return to Democracy.
-He was assassinated in 1981, his death was largely coordinated and supported by the US government and CIA
-Ecuadorians do not vote for someone, Ecuadorians vote against the person, instituition, or ideology they are against
-the thesis of Steve Wille's lecture was based in the notion that political tension is caused by disparities and differences in top and the bottom NOT tension between the right and left....something to ponder, political tension caused more by class and economics...
-the constituition has changed 30 times since 1980!
-corruption of banks, Treasurer, and governmental financial offices led to the end the currency of the sucre and the beginning of U.S. dollar--at this time the sucre was valued at 25,000 sucre to 1.00--extremely devalued---causing the current state of poverty in Ecuador

...so yeah, some interesting factoids about Ecuadorian political history!

I begin my internship tomorrow afternoon. After much deliberation and investigation into several agencies, I resolved to working at an orphanage quite near my school as well as my house. The orphanage, Miguel Leon, serves 50 girls between the ages of 6-18 whose placement in the orphanage has been caused by multiple reasons ranging from sexual abuse, parents' death, parental abondonment and crime. The orphange is operated by a group of 20 nuns. I, along with two other students from my group will be tutoring the girls 3 afternoons a week for two hours each day. I am so pumped!
Tonight, being Wednesday evening is "Ladies Night" at the Eucalyptus Cafe 6 blocks from my house. Our group will meet there for a few hours for "hang out" time.

Eye-opening lecture remains copyright of the author A Burrows, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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The Weekend

2007-01-29T23:15:40Z

Friday, following my morning classes we, as a group attended a merengue dance class-so much fun! We put our dance lessons to use later that evenng when we went to Fuzzion, a small live-music club...so much fun! We danced with Cuencanas and learned additional dance moves! I returned home and went to bed feeling great. I woke up suddenly an hour later feeling nauseous. To condense the remainder of this story, I spent the night sleeping or attempting to sleep on the bathroom floor until 7:00 AM. I took some Pepto and I was finally able to return to bed and slept until 10:00 AM. I felt fair for the remainder of the day. I assumed that my brief bout of illness was caused by drinking a beverage with ice in it. No Ecuadorian tap water is advised to be consumed.
Later that afternoon I went with my mama and papa to a birthday party hosted by a family friend. My mama's sister is also the host mother of a student in my group so it was even more enjoyable to spend that afternoon with a familiar face. Birthdays in Latin America are a big deal, regardless of age. I have never witnessed such a high concentration of drunken adults in my entire life, hahaha. All the men present at this gathering held an apparent appreciation for my eyes. As I left a line of 14 men was created to take photos of strictly my eyes...oh jeepers.
Katie and I (the girl whose host mother is my mama's sister) spent the remainder of that afternoon touring the city, window shopping, and cafe interneting. It was an early evening as we had to prepare for an early departure for Incapirca on Sunday. Incapirca is the site of an Incan ruin 2 hours north of Cuenca. Remaining from this ruin were structures to represent the sun, moon, the moon's cycle, seasons, and the summer and winter equinox (June 21 and December 21). It was so fascinating to stand on ground that was designated to honor universal elements such as the planets, sun, and moon and conceptions of time long before the influence of Galleleo and Colombus were introduced. Clearly these structures embodied much more advanced notions than that of European influence. Clearly these natives were much more precocious and mindful of the presence of something greater long before any other civilization. Incapirca spreads over about 3 acres of steep and rugged terrain so our day was spent hiking-a lot! Incapirca is really rural and 3,000 feet higher than that of Cuenca's altitude so sun exposure was especially strong. It was gorgeous, clear day and despite my application of sunscreen, my face and neck are quite red! The area of Incapirca is absolutely stunning, mountainous, green, rolling hills, and surrounded by a small river. We had a picnic lunch half way through our hike, finished the remainder and headed back to Cuenca. I had a little bit of homework last night and tried to go to bed early. I was so exhausted!
Today marked the beginning of a new week, with plenty to accomplish. My Spanish grammatics class is really challenging and really thought intensive, not that classes shouldn't be but this class especially leaves my brain hurting
This afternoon, we toured a museum in central Cuenca which holds ethographic artifacts of each indigenous tribe in Ecuador. It was really fascinating...among these artifacts included musical instruments, clothing, masks, and human heads found in aftermaths of warring tribes.
I am just about to head home for dinner at 7:30 and spend the remainder of my night doing homework.
I am still working hard to upload photos. I have made progress in that I have been able to download them onto my Kodak Easy Share program however, am having difficulty transferring them onto a file in "my pictures". If any of you have any advice regarding this matter-let me know! In the meantime, take care!

The Weekend remains copyright of the author A Burrows, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Classes and other reflections

2007-01-26T17:47:01Z

My classes began today. Although they offically commenced on Wednesday, due to my delayed arrival I was not able to attend the first set of classes. My Spanish grammatics course will be INTENSE, homework intensive, facilitated by a professor who demonstrates no mercy for those who cannot keep up. I feel slightly overwhelmed but have confidence that it will be entirely beneficial for my pursuit of language proficiency. My second course, service learning theory and community action and development should be academically easy however, the internships atteached to this class should be challenging. Initially I was encouraged to research a position at an orphanage however, it now appears as though I will be placed in one of two positions: A women's health center OR a women's prison...
I have heard both locations would prove to be a challenge however, I am actually really forward my visits to both locations next week. I am now done with classes for today and spending my free time prior to lunch responding to some emails and updating my blog (clearly). I will return home for lunch and then come back to school for a dance class at 3:00. Because my arrival was delayed I was not able to purchase any textbooks needed for my classes...therefore am having to pay money to the entirety of both books copied. Fortunately, it is only 1 cent per copy and it should only cost me about 15.00 for both books.

Things that I love about my experience thus far:
-my mama and papa, their warmth and their affectionate nature towards me
-the fact that my mama when speaking to me always holds my hand
-the beautiful view of the entire city from my rooftop
-consistently warm temperatures
-the smell of rain in the afternoon
-all of the females of my group
-walking everywhere
-feeling completely secure and safe
-las panaderias (little bakeries) on every street corner
-the architectural antiquity of the city, including the cobblestone streets
-the fact that I don't have to worry about my passport being stolen because CEDEI keeps them all in a safety deposit box, I just have to carry copies
-our German Shepard, Whiskey
-speaking Spanish until I reach the point of not wanting to speak English
-the educational resources and facility of CEDEI
-interacting with natives
-quaint little cafes that we frequent
-the inexpensive prices of EVERYTHING
-the entire staff-they are so helpful
-plenty of natural light in all buildings

Things I don't care for:
-the odor of exhaust when walking down the street from all the vehicle traffic
-taking cabs with directionally-impaired drivers
-the whistles, honks, stares, and sexual remarks received by the majority of Ecuadorian men
-chaos of traffic and the concept that pedestrians to not have the right of way
-cigarette smoking is permitted in all locations, including classrooms

On Sunday, as previously mentioned in my last blog entry we are headed to Incapirca the site of an Incan ruin two hours north of Cuenca.
Other girls in my group have been trying to upload photos and were haveing difficulties as well so perhaps e can out our brains together and see wat the issue is. I really do hope to have them uploaded soon!

Classes and other reflections remains copyright of the author A Burrows, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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No photos today...

2007-01-25T20:38:21Z

I am so sorry, I experiencing technical difficulties and could not upload my photos. I will try to correct this ASAP so that you may have some visuals to accompany my mess of words

No photos today... remains copyright of the author A Burrows, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Soy una Cuencana!

2007-01-25T20:22:18Z

I write to you from the computer lab of the university at which I am currently studying, CEDEI, an acronym for Center for Interamerican studies. I am currently enrolled in two courses: Spanish Grammar and Syntax which meets on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for two hours and Service Learning Theory, a class which focuses upon community development technique, service learning, cultural competence, and social justice through social programming. Accompanied by this class will be an internship, ideally involving women and children however, my professor noted that there is greater need in child care and orphananges. I will not bee place in my volunteership until next week. Because my arrival was delayed into Cuenca I was not able to attend class on Wednesday, therfore tomorrow will mark the first day of my studies. I suspect that I will have quite a bit of catching up to do--although I am not too terribly concerned. I really enjoy all of the faculty and staff that work here at CEDEI, they are so great in helping to adjust quickly yet smoothly. The facilities are quite modern and class sizes incredibly small. I have four students in each of my classes. This is largely related to the size of our own group being only 13, ten women, and three men. There will not be another group of international students studying here until March. I really enjoy all of my group members and had the pleasure of going out with them last night at a popular cafe called Eucalyptus. I took a cab to return home for 1.00! I feel incredibly safe. My home is equipped with a gorgeous and sweet German Shepard (named Whiskey), one locked gate, two entry doors, and an alarm system. I live in a very safe neighborhod as most host families do. Speaking of host families, I have the absolute delight of living with Rebekah (mama), Jacinto (papa), Leonor (the maid), and their son Francisco who is 27. They have two other sons who are married so no longer live with them. Santiago, the middle son and his wife Vivian join us for lunch everyday and Pedro, the oldest son lives in Guayaquil with his wife and daughter. My mama and papa are SO, SO kind, loving, and accomodating. They consistently greet me with a hug and a kiss on the cheek and are inquisitive as to my life in the States. My papa is an economist, previoulsy owned two car dealerships: Toyota and Mitsubishi (spelling questionable), but currently sells and distributes restaurant supplies, crystal, and silver from his home with his son, Francisco. They have a beautiful home, quite large for Ecuadorian standards. I have a bedroom to myself, with a double bed, my own television, bathroom, and patio that overlook my neighborhood. My family has problem keeping me stuffed. I will never go hungry here. They, as a family do not care for Guinea pig so I am pleased to report that I don't anticpate trying it--at least in my home. I live 15 minutes from school by foot. You walk everywhere, it's great! I posted photos on my blog of the inside of my home and captions of street dynamics in Cuenca.
This weekend (Sunday) we are taking a day trip to Incaprica, a site of an Incan ruin, two hours north of Cuenca.

Soy una Cuencana! remains copyright of the author A Burrows, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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An Ecuadorian Welcome

2007-01-24T05:44:10Z

I have the pleasure of writing to you from Quito, Ecuador where I just arrived this evening. I am currently staying in Hotel Quito and departing early tomorrow morning to Cuenca via plane. I will arrive around 8:15 AM, my host family will be present to greet and welcome me there! My travels went quite well and relatively uneventfully (this is positive) considering last week`s first attempt.
From what I can gather Quito is quite beautiful, rolling foothills, cosmopolitan, un-polluted, and incredibly friendly! I am sorry that I will not have the opportunity to further explore it--at least for now. The hotel in which I am staying is quite nice, and although I am feeling lonely and anxious with uncertainty, I am hopeful that these feelings will subside by tomorrow when I arrive into Cuenca. I will be picked tomorrow morning at 6:00 by a man who acted as a tour guide for the group of students (with whom I will be studying this semester) last week during their stay in Quito...so he is well familiarized with my program. I had the pleasure and comfort of calling my boyfriend, Mike this evening from the hotel...I wanted to also try to call my parents however, due to the time change I knew that it would be too late. It was so wonderful to be able to speak to him, I found it so settling, comforting, and put me at great ease...I can go to bed not feeling so alone.
That, I´m araid is all the update I have for you...I can`t wait to share tomorrow`s experiences, as it is sure to be an eventful day!
xoxo-Lex

An Ecuadorian Welcome remains copyright of the author A Burrows, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Cuenca, Ecuador, here I come!

2007-01-22T18:51:08Z

Hello, Hello, Hello!!!
I am now fully equipped to go to Ecuador, I have a new passport, visa, and place ticket!
I will depart tomorrow (Tuesday) morning from Chicago at 10:35(CST) and arrive in Miami around 2:30 (EST). I will then depart for Ecuador around 5:00 PM. I will arrive in Quito at 9:00 and spend the night, wake up early and take a small jet to Cuenca. My host family will meet me at the airport and we shall go from there!
Although my time in Chicago as been a true delight, my accomodations:posh, and my experience: self-affirming, I am so ready to proceed!
Once again, thank you to all who have sent their warmest regards, it has been what's kept me going!
I love you all!
Lex

Cuenca, Ecuador, here I come! remains copyright of the author A Burrows, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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I got my passport!

2007-01-19T22:10:22Z

Yay Yay Yay!!!
Jubilation and elation! I just returned from the Chicago passport agency where I successfully retrieved a new passport after nearly three hours of waiting. My initial appointment to get my passport was at 1:00 but did actually receive it until around 3:40...I am so thrilled. The only unfortunate thing was that by the time I received my passport, the Ecuadorian Consulate was already closed and therefore I must wait until Monday in order to get my passport stamped with a visa. No worries, I should be able to make my flight deadline which is on Tuesday morning.
So for the time being I am just taking advantage of my time in Chicago as a "mini-vacation".
..will continue to keep you posted!

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