Pete's Dad made a wonderful surprise for us - our last year of travel in South America is now available in a book! Go to www.lulu.com and search on Hecktic Travels to find it online.
More adventures await! We will keep you posted...
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Wrappin' up
Another good stretch of time since the last post and I have to admit that this keeping up the blog is not easy with all other things going on. Here we go....
Events
Recently the BIB hosted a number of fundraising events which some were successful and others not so much. First on July 31, the BIB held another garage sale. Take any garage sale I have been to at home and multiply it by 100. There were crazy lineups outside the foundation before we even opened the doors. And when we did open, holy shit, it was like Black Friday at a Walmart. There was shoving, and running, and someone even put their baby down to go and find the bargains. Jessi (the BIB librarian) had to rescue the child and ask who the mother of the year responsible for the child was! Regardless, the garage sale raised nearly $800 which set a record for most money earned, and we had a BLAST running the show.
Preparing for the mad rush
We got to fashion some of the clothes prior to the sale opening
We had a great team and a lot of fun!!
The next day was not as successful as anticipated. The BIB put on a fundraising concert held at the Posada del Arte, a local hotel. After days of pounding the street and handing out flyers, only 10 people (excluding volunteers) showed up. I can definitely say that I have heard a lot, and I mean a lot, of better folk bands than these guys. But, the day was fun regardless getting to share it with the other volunteers.
Beauty
We are truly lucky to have found such a beautiful country. Both Dalene and I had no expectations for Ecuador, but Ecuador, you captured our hearts. I think that somehow the sky is more blue and the trees are more green. I truly believe it has some of the most stunning scenery and offers so much in terms of natural beauty. From volcanoes to rain forest, the magnificent Galapagos to stunning waterfalls. Here are some adventures I have had over the past several weeks:
My only taste of the Amazon (this trip..)
View of the Amazon Rain Forest from Puyo, Ecuador
Waterfalls on the outskirts of Baños
A view from the top
One of the many beautiful views on our hikes
Baños from atop the mountain
Teleferico in Quito, Ecuador
We were treated to this sunset overlooking Volcan Cotopaxi
The Foundation (La Biblioteca Interactiva de Los Niños)
What can I say? The reward of working with these kids is the reason I didn't go home with Dalene when she left. From the moment I started at the BIB until the day I have to leave I have felt I made an impact. The smiles on their faces, the hugs I get when they see me walking in the street, and always getting pulled in 16 different directions by a separate child to go and play a game or draw with them...it is all priceless. They have truly stolen my heart away and it won't be easy to leave them. In fact my favorite has asked me if I could put her in my suitcase and take her home. Don't know how I would get that passed customs....
Me and Vero
Naelli and Me and storytime
Cecilia and her Niños
Reading time
Face painting day for Christian, Dayanara supervises the work of Sam
A tearful farewell to Sam and Chris
Amy has taken on the very popular music class
Yoga is always packed
Friends and Fun
The people both Dalene and I have met through La BIB, friends of the BIB or local Bañenos have made this whole experience that much more enjoyable. We have both learned so much from other people about their travels, culture etc. We now have everlasting friendships (and a couch to sleep on if need be in the future). There were many a good time and laughs shared.
The nightly ice cream run
A little Karaoke with Susana from Bolivia and Santiago, a bañeno
And after Mocambos and Karaoke, the club
Dinners at the BIB were a common thing, so many great chefs!
The new crew, and our fearless leader Karlito during a hike
Boby and the Bibi
Jody and Boby, the minds behind the BIB
Strange
Ok, if you haven't realized it by now, things are quite different here. Some good friends keep repeating a key phrase "El Ecuador man, El Ecuador". Here are some examples of what I have seen and what I see everyday which makes you look twice. Baños de Cajon - they pump steam into a eucalyptus filled cedar box that has you in it only with your head exposed. Genius concept and will cure the nastiest hangover, but boy do they look funny with you in them.
Pelileo - Blue jean retail capital of Ecuador. I can understand the half mannequins for the jeans, but this one was a little on the strange side....
Branding and Copyright - well in South America anything flies. It seems that any copyright or branding law is thrown out the window. If you want jeans with an Armani tag on them, you just have to ask and they will put it on for you. You also get patches and sayings on clothes that are ridiculous, but worth a good laugh.
We are starting the SWSE club
I have not seen a retail DVD for sale in 12 months, and have had numerous reference books photocopied without even a hesitation. Have to say it is nice paying $1 for any movie to own versus the $6 you have to pay to keep it for only 1 night...
Zoos and animals- actually this one I thought was pretty cool. They allow some of the animals to just roam around the zoo. We found this thing just having a nap. One of the other people standing around said it was ok for us to get close. Hmmm, strategy to off-the-gringo or just being nice..... (it was the latter)
We also got to go to a monkey sanctuary. This was one of mine and Dalene's favorite experiences. I got a chance to go again, and wasn't missing my opportunity. Nowhere do I know of in North America you can walk through jungle and have the monkeys climb all over you and play around. Strange but awesome!!!
I am le tired
Efficiency - ok, lesson 1 to learn when coming to South America is to be flexible and patient. Things will not get done the same way as back home. Efficiency, throw that concept out the window. Once you get into the routine, you don't want to get out. Life just seems to become easier. We had a good laugh at this sign which was posted for the operating hours. Yep, the hours are the same for everyday, but they for some reason they needed to split it up. Well done.
Adverts etc.- ok, well I have to hand it to whoever thought of this one. What better way to advertise your teleferico experience!
This was the strangest store name I came across. It translates to "We are not Chinese, but we are cheap". Wow.
Food - ok, I know we all have our customs, but eating Cuy (Guinea Pig) just didn't sit well. Neither did the idea of eating slugs that this guy was selling... I'm sure they are really healthy, but pass.
Need a broom? How about a tv antenna? You can't go anywhere here without hearing somebody and their mobile business. From traveling fruit stands, juices, ice cream, and even a traveling broom salesman.
Chi-Chiva Leche!! This guy takes his goats around town and sells fresh goat milk to anyone who wants to buy. We partook and got a glass. Have to say it was pretty tasty. To wrap up the South America experience I am going to make a little list of what we will miss the most, and will not miss in the least.
THINGS WE WILL MISS
Events
Recently the BIB hosted a number of fundraising events which some were successful and others not so much. First on July 31, the BIB held another garage sale. Take any garage sale I have been to at home and multiply it by 100. There were crazy lineups outside the foundation before we even opened the doors. And when we did open, holy shit, it was like Black Friday at a Walmart. There was shoving, and running, and someone even put their baby down to go and find the bargains. Jessi (the BIB librarian) had to rescue the child and ask who the mother of the year responsible for the child was! Regardless, the garage sale raised nearly $800 which set a record for most money earned, and we had a BLAST running the show.
Preparing for the mad rush
We got to fashion some of the clothes prior to the sale opening
We had a great team and a lot of fun!!
We are truly lucky to have found such a beautiful country. Both Dalene and I had no expectations for Ecuador, but Ecuador, you captured our hearts. I think that somehow the sky is more blue and the trees are more green. I truly believe it has some of the most stunning scenery and offers so much in terms of natural beauty. From volcanoes to rain forest, the magnificent Galapagos to stunning waterfalls. Here are some adventures I have had over the past several weeks:
My only taste of the Amazon (this trip..)
View of the Amazon Rain Forest from Puyo, Ecuador
Waterfalls on the outskirts of Baños
A view from the top
A tree house on top of the mountain overlooking Baños
The treehouse had a swing over the valley
The treehouse had a swing over the valley
One of the many beautiful views on our hikes
Baños from atop the mountain
Teleferico in Quito, Ecuador
We were treated to this sunset overlooking Volcan CotopaxiThe Foundation (La Biblioteca Interactiva de Los Niños)
What can I say? The reward of working with these kids is the reason I didn't go home with Dalene when she left. From the moment I started at the BIB until the day I have to leave I have felt I made an impact. The smiles on their faces, the hugs I get when they see me walking in the street, and always getting pulled in 16 different directions by a separate child to go and play a game or draw with them...it is all priceless. They have truly stolen my heart away and it won't be easy to leave them. In fact my favorite has asked me if I could put her in my suitcase and take her home. Don't know how I would get that passed customs....
Me and Vero
Naelli and Me and storytime
Cecilia and her Niños
Reading time
Face painting day for Christian, Dayanara supervises the work of Sam
A tearful farewell to Sam and Chris
Amy has taken on the very popular music class
Yoga is always packedThe people both Dalene and I have met through La BIB, friends of the BIB or local Bañenos have made this whole experience that much more enjoyable. We have both learned so much from other people about their travels, culture etc. We now have everlasting friendships (and a couch to sleep on if need be in the future). There were many a good time and laughs shared.
The nightly ice cream run
A little Karaoke with Susana from Bolivia and Santiago, a bañeno
And after Mocambos and Karaoke, the club
Dinners at the BIB were a common thing, so many great chefs!
The new crew, and our fearless leader Karlito during a hike
Boby and the Bibi
Jody and Boby, the minds behind the BIBOk, if you haven't realized it by now, things are quite different here. Some good friends keep repeating a key phrase "El Ecuador man, El Ecuador". Here are some examples of what I have seen and what I see everyday which makes you look twice. Baños de Cajon - they pump steam into a eucalyptus filled cedar box that has you in it only with your head exposed. Genius concept and will cure the nastiest hangover, but boy do they look funny with you in them.
Branding and Copyright - well in South America anything flies. It seems that any copyright or branding law is thrown out the window. If you want jeans with an Armani tag on them, you just have to ask and they will put it on for you. You also get patches and sayings on clothes that are ridiculous, but worth a good laugh.
We are starting the SWSE clubZoos and animals- actually this one I thought was pretty cool. They allow some of the animals to just roam around the zoo. We found this thing just having a nap. One of the other people standing around said it was ok for us to get close. Hmmm, strategy to off-the-gringo or just being nice..... (it was the latter)
I am le tired
Adverts etc.- ok, well I have to hand it to whoever thought of this one. What better way to advertise your teleferico experience!
This was the strangest store name I came across. It translates to "We are not Chinese, but we are cheap". Wow.
Need a broom? How about a tv antenna? You can't go anywhere here without hearing somebody and their mobile business. From traveling fruit stands, juices, ice cream, and even a traveling broom salesman.
Chi-Chiva Leche!! This guy takes his goats around town and sells fresh goat milk to anyone who wants to buy. We partook and got a glass. Have to say it was pretty tasty. To wrap up the South America experience I am going to make a little list of what we will miss the most, and will not miss in the least.THINGS WE WILL MISS
- The children here at the BIB. I can't say more than I wish I could bring you all home with me!!
- The amazing people we have met along our travels and were able to get to know.
- Teaching English was such a rewarding opportunity. It has opened a door that now I want to get my certification to teach English so next time I have a little more structure to know what I am doing.
- Culture, such an opposite from North American lifestyle. Things get done when they get done. Meetings usually start 15 minutes later than anticipated. PS, to all who make plans to see us, please take this into account that we will probably be late.
- The views every morning of a mountain, volcano, and waterfall staring at you
- The buses have been surprisingly efficient and convenient. I have not driven a car in over 9 months and do not miss it at all.
- Speaking Spanish - we worked so hard to get to the level where we are, it would be a shame to lose it. (we have vowed to inter-cambio with our friends on the net and to keep studying)
- Visiting the local market for fresh fruit and vegetables has become a steady part of my daily routine. The fact you can a full bag of fruit and veg for less than $3 where in Canada I don't think you can even buy a pineapple for that price.
- Noise pollution - this will the biggest one for me. I will not miss the big diesel engines with no exhaust muffle devices, the chiva buses driving by at all hours of the morning blaring their reggaeton music, and finally the car rigged up with megaphones and speakers blaring what they have for sale
- Bugs - This affected Dalene the most as she was the one with the delicious blood. Still it will be nice to be in a place for a while without bugs to worry about.
- Getting stared at. People can't help but to just lock eyes on the foreigner and not blink. I now have resorted to either making a funny face, or talking to them. The stares usually disappear after that...
- Gringo prices - getting taken advantage in terms of pricing will not be missed. Speaking Spanish adds a lot of benefit when you are able to successfully negotiate and tell them they are charging you WAY too much
- Finally the biggest thing I will not miss is the feeling of security. No, not the homeland security bullshit, but just the being careful with all your valuables and documents. You always have to be on your guard with your things. You can't leave your bag 2 feet from you unattended or put your luggage in an overhead compartment. You have to be on your watch always, otherwise if not, eventually something will happen to you.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
T-Minus One Month
I know, I know, I haven't written a blog in a couple weeks, and I'm sorry, but I just don't want to write a post that just tells you what my daily routine is, Uber boring. Need to keep our faithful readers somewhat interested...
Time is winding down for me in Baños. Today marks exactly one month and I will reunited with Dalene who I miss ever so much, and reunited with my passport country, which to be honest, I don't miss much at all.
To say the least, it has been extremely difficult to be apart from Dalene for this long, but we both knew it would be. The cochroaches in the apartment have become my new flatmates but do a shitty job of keeping me company, so I resort to offing them.
Say hello to my little friend
Again, thankfully for Skype I am able to see Dalene (when the internet is working), but I don't know how many times I have just stared at her for a few seconds, then told her to get her ass on a plane and get back here. Overall the decision for me to stay (and Dalene to go) was the right one and we have no regrets. My time here has been ever so rewarding. The experiences, the kids, the volunteers (well most of them), and the family at the BIB have been incredible.
Anyway, here is what has happened over the past couple weeks:
- I got my Visa extension!!! After 4, 8 hour round-trips to Quito, I finally was handed my passport with the extension in it. RELIEF!! Of course, needless to say, the other volunteers and I went out and partied to celebrate.
Yo y Sam
- I decided to take on instructing Yoga classes for the children. With the help of Cecilia (a volunteer from Spain) it was a huge hit and we ended up having 2 classes instead of 1 because of the amount of kids who signed up. The kids seemed to really get into it, although I am still having to teach them the meaning of "tranquilo" at times.
- On the weekend some other volunteers and I decided to take off for a day trip to Rio Bamba.
waitin' for the bus
The city sits at the base of extinct Volcan Chimbarazo. On a clear day the volcano is supposed to be magnificent. In fact, the volcano has the famed reputation of being the highest point on earth. Because of it's longitudinal position the volcano actually sits higher than 7000 ft than Mt. Everest. So if you want to get as close as you can to the sun, this is the mountain that you need to climb.
Although touted in the tour books as being a delightful city with beautiful scenery, we were not fortunate to get a clear day and so the distant views were not spectacular.
We had only a day to spend here, and we stuck around town. We got to experience the mercado mayorista which turned out to be just a huge vegetable emporium and not the market we were looking for. So we eventually found our way back to the centro and were able to take in what beauty Rio Bamba had to offer. On Saturdays the streets shut down from traffic and vendors line them for about 6 square blocks. They sell EVERYTHING, from fruits and veg, clothes, batteries, nail clippers, and animals.
Oops, wrong market
Chris and Sam, we found it eventually
Yes, they sell everything...
One thing about traveling is that you have to have patience and an eye to see the beauty that every place has to offer. Given how long I have been traveling, it takes a lot more to amaze me. But being open to new places and aimlessly wandering does have its benefits. We were able to capture some cool shots of the city, and some art in the form of wall graffiti.
Having spare time on the weekends means that I need to find things to do. For some reason I had a craving for chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting. Sam had told me that her sister's birthday was on Monday, so that was the only excuse I needed to get my ass in gear. The result was awesome!! Too bad that her sister couldn't have enjoyed a piece with us.
As a result of this, the BIB will be hosting a Birthday day for all the kids at the BIB and guess who's baking the cakes. Uh huh, this guy.
We have a busy month ahead of us. The BIB is planning a yard sale at the end of the month and a benefit concert. Classes are in full swing because school is out and the kids want to take English lessons. The classes are nearly packed and finding a desk space is pretty difficult these days at the BIB. Some of us are thinking about escaping for a quick trip out to the coast, which I am really hoping happens. I would like to see the ocean one last time before I make my way home.
Sam has done an awesome job painting some of the furniture in the library. Amy and Chris have taken on a handful of English classes, and new art projects for the niños. Sam and I have tackled an Inter-cambio (an exchange for English and Spanish speakers to improve on their language) on our own and it actually went pretty good, at least we think the crowd enjoyed it.
We truly are FAMily here.
Until next time.
Suerte.
Time is winding down for me in Baños. Today marks exactly one month and I will reunited with Dalene who I miss ever so much, and reunited with my passport country, which to be honest, I don't miss much at all.
To say the least, it has been extremely difficult to be apart from Dalene for this long, but we both knew it would be. The cochroaches in the apartment have become my new flatmates but do a shitty job of keeping me company, so I resort to offing them.
Say hello to my little friendAgain, thankfully for Skype I am able to see Dalene (when the internet is working), but I don't know how many times I have just stared at her for a few seconds, then told her to get her ass on a plane and get back here. Overall the decision for me to stay (and Dalene to go) was the right one and we have no regrets. My time here has been ever so rewarding. The experiences, the kids, the volunteers (well most of them), and the family at the BIB have been incredible.
Anyway, here is what has happened over the past couple weeks:
- I got my Visa extension!!! After 4, 8 hour round-trips to Quito, I finally was handed my passport with the extension in it. RELIEF!! Of course, needless to say, the other volunteers and I went out and partied to celebrate.
Yo y Sam- I decided to take on instructing Yoga classes for the children. With the help of Cecilia (a volunteer from Spain) it was a huge hit and we ended up having 2 classes instead of 1 because of the amount of kids who signed up. The kids seemed to really get into it, although I am still having to teach them the meaning of "tranquilo" at times.
- On the weekend some other volunteers and I decided to take off for a day trip to Rio Bamba.
waitin' for the busThe city sits at the base of extinct Volcan Chimbarazo. On a clear day the volcano is supposed to be magnificent. In fact, the volcano has the famed reputation of being the highest point on earth. Because of it's longitudinal position the volcano actually sits higher than 7000 ft than Mt. Everest. So if you want to get as close as you can to the sun, this is the mountain that you need to climb.
Although touted in the tour books as being a delightful city with beautiful scenery, we were not fortunate to get a clear day and so the distant views were not spectacular.
We had only a day to spend here, and we stuck around town. We got to experience the mercado mayorista which turned out to be just a huge vegetable emporium and not the market we were looking for. So we eventually found our way back to the centro and were able to take in what beauty Rio Bamba had to offer. On Saturdays the streets shut down from traffic and vendors line them for about 6 square blocks. They sell EVERYTHING, from fruits and veg, clothes, batteries, nail clippers, and animals.
Oops, wrong market
Chris and Sam, we found it eventually
Yes, they sell everything...
Animal market
Having spare time on the weekends means that I need to find things to do. For some reason I had a craving for chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting. Sam had told me that her sister's birthday was on Monday, so that was the only excuse I needed to get my ass in gear. The result was awesome!! Too bad that her sister couldn't have enjoyed a piece with us.
As a result of this, the BIB will be hosting a Birthday day for all the kids at the BIB and guess who's baking the cakes. Uh huh, this guy.
We have a busy month ahead of us. The BIB is planning a yard sale at the end of the month and a benefit concert. Classes are in full swing because school is out and the kids want to take English lessons. The classes are nearly packed and finding a desk space is pretty difficult these days at the BIB. Some of us are thinking about escaping for a quick trip out to the coast, which I am really hoping happens. I would like to see the ocean one last time before I make my way home.
Sam has done an awesome job painting some of the furniture in the library. Amy and Chris have taken on a handful of English classes, and new art projects for the niños. Sam and I have tackled an Inter-cambio (an exchange for English and Spanish speakers to improve on their language) on our own and it actually went pretty good, at least we think the crowd enjoyed it.
We truly are FAMily here.
Until next time.
Suerte.
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