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Published: February 12th 2007
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Traditional highland dress
In Zuleta in traditional highland dress Hello to all friends old and new.
Thought it was about time I gave you all an update on how things are going in life, work and travel here in Ecuador. I did intend to maintain a blog throughout my time here, but with limited access to (slow) computers, and with lots of work to be getting on with, time has not been on my side.
I arrived in Quito at the end of November (luckily with only mild side effects from the almost 3,000m altitude), spent a couple of weeks taking some much-needed Spanish lessons and getting to know Quito, then began working in an orphanage there (playing games with the children, teaching English and generally helping out). It was difficult to get into a routine as so many things were happening around Christmas, but it was a rewarding experience and I was very sad to leave the children and move on.
I am now living with a local family in the countryside near the town of Cayambe (north-east of Quito). Literally living on the equator - the monument is just outside the house. The family are lovely, but worry about me a lot every time
With my Ecuadorian "parents"
In Zuleta, with my Ecuadorian "parents", Blancita and Oswaldo. I go out, which is funny as I´m so used to living on my own and coming and going as I please.
The countryside around here is beautiful, and the absence of traffic jams and pollution is very welcome after suffering 6 weeks of cough and cold - inducing fumes in Quito (which is otherwise a great city).
I am teaching English in two country primary schools here. The children are very sweet, and the older ones really want to learn (most of the time!) which is great, but it´s very hard with the younger ones - I spend a lot of my time putting the "malcreados" in the corner or outside. Still, I have made some progress, and hopefully it will help the children when they go to secondary school (the primary schools in the cities and towns have regular English teachers, but the country schools can´t afford them so their pupils apparently really struggle to keep up when they join the other children in Secondary School).
Highlights of my adventures so far have included:
Going to a Shakira concert in Quito - the atmosphere was electric and definitely an experience not to be missed.
Camioneta
Veronica, Mateo and Sofia in Zuleta Cable car ride (teleferico) up the side of Volcan Pichincha in Quito - went up intending to have a stroll around the visitor centre at the top of the cable car section, take some photos and come back down. However, met a really nice group from USA/Ecuador and ended up on the spur of the moment walking 3/4 of the way up the rest of the volcano. May have been persuaded to keep going to the top but, between us, we had something like 200ml of water and a bit of chewing gum (and no proper hiking gear), and some nasty clouds came rolling in, so we headed back down.
Mountain biking on Volcan Cotopaxi with Judy and Steve from LA, and guide Beto. The volcano and surrounding park are beautiful, even on a cloudy day, and it was great to get some fresh air (was still staying in Quito at that point) and some proper exercise.
Experiencing New Year in the cloud forest in Mindo. One tradition is that men dress up as widows of the old year, and people are supposed to give them money. In Mindo they also wear monster masks and carry a
Selkirk Grace
Oswaldo saying the "Selkirk Grace" at our Burns' Night celebration whip to beat anyone who doesn´t pay up. Hmm, interesting! See photos.
Trips with the family I´m staying with in Cayambe, including a trip to the picturesque town of Zuleta where they dressed me up in the traditional costume for the area. See photos.
Celebrating Burns Night with haggis, neeps and tatties (that´s the first and last time I´m making haggis from scratch!), whisky, and of course music and dance. Was very entertaining teaching the family to dance the Gay Gordons and Strip the Willow!
Travelling on the back of a pick-up truck on dusty country roads - not the most comfortable mode of transport but a fun way to see the scenery.
Relaxing in thermal baths in the highlands.
Being asked out by a 17 year-old in Quito. That´s not happened in a while!
Less enjoyable moments (but all part of the adventure) have included:
The pollution in Quito - I´m sure the cause of some nasty coughs and colds I got there.
Having to visit the dentist - aaargh, not fun even in another country.
Lack of proper exercise - this combined with an excess of rice and potatoes
A wee dram
Me and Veronica - Burns' Night is probably going to make me fat!
So so far been a great time. Have just two more weeks left in Cayambe, then will be free to travel for a bit. Hopefully will manage to drop in a few updates, and some more photos, from time to time.
Take care and keep in touch.
Elaine
xx
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