Ecuador

I remember going to Ecuador when I was really little so my memory is not that clear of what I really did here. But what I do remember is that people make some type of a piñata and on New Year, the whole neighborhood on the block places their piñata in a big pile and then burns them. I think it symbolizes that they are burning away the old year and welcoming the new year. I remember watching it from a balcony but it was really interesting.

I’m going!!! Leaving June 23rd. Totally last minute but a group of friends were heading down for a month and I decided to squeeze myself into the free week I had available to go… even though I know it won’t be nearly enough time. Spending the whole time in Quito with a few sporadic day trips.

I would like to become fluent in Spanish and dive the Galapagos while teaching English to children.

Ever since I heard about the Saints (Steve, Nate, and Rachel) I’ve wanted to go to Ecuador. I more so want to go visit the Woadoni indians. They use to be the most voilent people group in Ecuador but because of these missionaries they are peaceful. I think it would be beautiful.

We went to Galapagos, spending about a week on a boat while touring it. We also checked out Guayaquil (just like any other S. American city.) My favorite part was the jungle. I did an entry in it in the Amazon section. If you are interested in the rain forest you should look there.

Spend as much time as possible everywhere else in the country besides Quito. Galapagos is unbelievable. So is La Selva and so are the empty beach towns.

The Galapagos Islands, need I say more?!

Quito is my favorite City in South America! If you go stay at Hotel Quito and get a room facing the valley. One of the best mornigns of my life was the first morning I woke up to see the mist flowing across the valley behind Quito!

And you have to go to the world famous Otovalo market. I brough so much I had gifts for two years! There is also a very great leather market nearby!

I need to go back to go to Guyaquil!

Paz, Alegría y Éxito,

It just goes to show that even surrounded by poverty, kids will be kids. This picture is from “Semillas de Mostaza” an after school program for kids in Arbolito- Duran, Ecuador

I traveled to Ecuador in Feb 06. 2/22-3/1 It was coincidentally also Carnival week there. There were lots of fun events to see.

I started in Quito, which is where my old college was born and currently resides. We then went to Baños, Puyo, and some other cities, and even went into the jungle!!

It was such a photogenic country. i wish i could spend a lot more time there. The weather in Quito was mostly cloudy while i was there. The architecture was neat, and some amazing churches are in Quito. The cars and buses are horrible though!! they spew dark exhaust, its like they dont have emissions testing and regulations. that is sad…...and unhealthy to breathe. one funny thing during the carnival week is that they throw water and spray foam at each other as a fun prank.

in the lowlands of the “oriente” the weather was warmer than Quito and much wetter. We got poured on in the jungle (see attached photo). It was pretty awesome to eat wild Guava in the jungle, soooo sweet. It was sooooo thick and wet and muddy in the jungle. anyway if you have more questions just ask.