Inca and Spanish ruins Wow, reading about your experience in this tiny village of ruins made my skin tingle. I remember the first time I toured ruins in Europe, you almost feel like you are being watched and when the wind blows it seems that the original inhabitants are whispering around you. If you close your eyes, you can picture a bustling market place or the last church service. I loved your description of the festival and of all of the dancers. A friend of mine attended Carnival while teaching in Brazil, they sound similar. The houses of dancers sound a lot like what Michael saw in Siena Italy, with the neighborhoods. Very different cultures, yet so many similarities worldwide. Keep writing and stay safe.
Trish,
You really sound like you are experiencing some really awesome things down there. Your kids will really benefit from your trip...and what better way to get the kids interested that with first hand info...be safe and have a great rest of your trip.
Kristi
great experience Trish-
It is very interesting to read about your experience and the culture you are imersed in. I would be lying if I said I wasn't at least a little envious. You can bring back the traditional dances to your classroom, but the beer drinking will have to be for staff development or something:) I hope you continue to enjoy your experience and have many more interesting stories to tell. Don't throw out a hip with all that dancing.
Bruce
Fascinating! I certainly hope they didn't use the plastic hammer that was used to bop non-Quechua speakers on the head on you!! Your Quechua must be getting quite good, and if an insider and local has invited you into the ins and outs of the festivities...well, I'd say you have arrived! Have fun Trish, I will miss you at the Can-Ams. But, I look forward to seeing your pictures and hearing the stories when you get back.
lisa & Buffie Hey Trisha: Buffie and I will watch your travels. Hopefully you will be able to add sime pictures too. Be safe, God's protection, and have fun. Love from Tennessee.
From La CammpiƱa del Quijos
It was very pleasant to have them among us. We will remember your visit pleasurably. You were amusing, disciplined, respectful. Congratulations to their parents and teachers. Best regards Carlos
Thank You The experience of a lifetime for this class I appreciate all the hard work you all did to make this a safe journey for them. I feel my daughter learned so much while having fun Thanks again
What a trip I just wanted to let you know how wonderful this sounds. You shared Equador with these kids through your eyes rather than what the normal tourist would see!!! Good for you!
This is excellent...I can't wait to see your pictures. I want to thank you again for taking the time to organize such a wonderful time for my daughter and giving yourself so unselfishly, when it such a busy time in your life, between wedding plans and the new restaurant.
great job Hey Trish...and everyone else....you guys rule. What a great time....what great kids, what great chaparones. I am soooooo happy my daughter got to go on this trip, with such fantastic people. I think that adventure...with safety in mind...is where life is taking us all......and I am proud that you all had the time of your lives, learned more about Spanish...and about Ecuadorian culture and learned about yourselves... As long as you all shall live, you will never forget this trip. Ya hoo. So much better to be this active and involved than on a regular "boring" tour, with too many amenities and too much controlled tourista kind of stuff. This was great! Kudos to Trish and the other two chaparones! Pattie
I will be spending the summer in Cusco, Peru as a part of the North Country Spanish Teacher's Fellowship. Keep checking back between July 11 and August 23, I will be blogging regularly in order to share my experiences!... full info
Kathleen
non-member comment
Inca and Spanish ruins
Wow, reading about your experience in this tiny village of ruins made my skin tingle. I remember the first time I toured ruins in Europe, you almost feel like you are being watched and when the wind blows it seems that the original inhabitants are whispering around you. If you close your eyes, you can picture a bustling market place or the last church service. I loved your description of the festival and of all of the dancers. A friend of mine attended Carnival while teaching in Brazil, they sound similar. The houses of dancers sound a lot like what Michael saw in Siena Italy, with the neighborhoods. Very different cultures, yet so many similarities worldwide. Keep writing and stay safe.