First there was the beach....

Kristin and I headed out of Quito last Wed on a 7 1/2 hour day bus ride to check out two beach towns - Same and Atacames. The car bridge had in fact collapsed so in order to get to Same, we had to take a ´taxi´ (basically, a cart attached to a motocycle). When we finally arrived, practically everything including our hotel was closed. We had to bang on the door and they finally let us in.

Our search for food was successful after walking around town for a while. In our quest for food, we made friends with a dog. This dog turned out to be our protector for the whole time we were in Same - he followed us everywhere, slept outside our cabaña, stayed with us on the beach, and barked at anyone that came near. The beach was gorgeous and quiet - only the locals were there on a Thursday. Fine by me!

Off to Atacames on Thursday evening. Now for those of you that don`t know, Atacames is the party beach in Ecuador. Every weekend, tons of people pour in and it`s suppose to be crazy. Since we were there on a Thursday night, it was a little tamer. We stayed at this gorgeous hotel with a pool, hammocks, and great food, and we each got our own room!! We ate pizza, danced salsa, and got a good night`s rest. Ah, and only one minor problem - while I was walking around town, my bathing suit broke on Friday (thankfully, I was wearing a t-shirt over it and then my parents arrived on Saturday with a new one).

We flew back to Quito on Friday afternoon so I could get back safely and prepare for my trip to the Galapagos. That posting to follow soon (later this week after classes start)...

Vacations Commence...

I have just turned in my grades for my 3rd cycle of teaching and now the vacations begin. Kristin and I are heading to the beach in an hour for some R&R (or so I hope - heard that the bridge to the beach collapsed). Then on Saturday I´m meeting my parents to go to the Galapagos (whoo hoo). Will definitely follow-up with a full report on all the adventures.

Name That Place

Can you name a place where you can buy all the following leather products for $110:
- 2 jackets
- shoes
- shoulder bag/briefcase
- purse
- 3 belts
- hair tie

The name of the place is the town of Quisapincha, and it`s located in Ecuador, just outside the city of Ambato. I day-tripped there yesterday to pick up some leather goods and really enjoyed it. The main street of the city is lined with shops and the people are extremely helpful. (I seem to have abnormal long arms and must have tried on 60 different jackets before I found one that fit.) I highly recommend a visit to Quisapincha if you are coming to Ecuador!

Attending Mass

I went to my first mass on Saturday morning. Two years ago on March 2nd, my host sisters and brother lost their mother to cancer. One year ago on March 3rd, their grandmother passed away. I attended mass with them because I felt it was a way I could be there for them during this time. During the mass, both their mother and grandmother´s names were read. I can´t even begin to imagine how difficult it must be for them. But they continue to put on brave faces. This blog is dedicated to the memory of their mom and grandma.

Was it Bound to Happen? Why Me?

At the beginning of my jungle adventure, my bag with all my clothes, medicines, jacket, sandals, etc. was stolen. I am really trying to make the most of the situation and not hate Ecuador so much (bastards). Of course, I was lucky cuz no documents, cameras, and other really personal belongings were not taken. Everything is replaceable, more or less.

It all began with a horrible bumpy night bus ride. Would NOT recommend the bus ride from Quito to Lago Agrio to anyone. We arrived early morning to L.A. so we ate a long breakfast. Around 10, the van to take us to the jungle arrived and we all put our things inside. The driver went to go buy sandwiches for us for lunch and we went to go pick up our bus tickets for the return bus to Quito (not my first choice but no other options).

We returned to the van and everyone´s bags except mine and two others including the driver and another Ecuadorian were there. They went and got the police and as if the criminals were going to be walking around the streets, we drove around the neighborhoods for 20 minutes. I guess it´s just to show some kind of sympathy.

I was ready to go back home to Quito but the driver insisted that they would buy me whatever I needed. Well, the normal body type of an Ecuadorian is a lot smaller than me so I had my doubts. But we were able to find a few basic necessities and off I went to the jungle. Also, with the willingness to help from some of the other travelers, I was more confident about going (so what if I would wear the same clothes for 4 days - we are in the jungle for goodness sake!).

The following 3 days were really nice. We rode in canoes, saw animals including monkeys, went hiking and swimming, met an indigenous community (ate casabe, bread made from yuca), fished for piranhas, and stayed in great cabañas with a fabulous chef. I made the most of my trip and hopefully, I can go back in June to see more.

(PS I posted some more pictures from last Dec. I am still trying to get caught up.)