Alegre

On our last day of development discussion yesterday, we learned all about our activities for the next two weeks and gave our faux consulting presentations in Spanish. Not only was I slightly uncomfortable with the idea of the development discussion but then it was in Spanish- quite a new challenge. While giving our presentation I pronounced games “juego” as juice “jugo”. I was slightly embarrassed to say the least.

After class I accompanied two friends, Margaret getting her nose pierced and Carly getting her ear pierced. Dad will be happy to know I resisted the temptation to put “any more holes” in my body. I then went home for a quick run/walk, shower, and came back to town for dinner and a night out with friends. We went to our favorite restaurant La Cigale and it was just wonderful. I then spend the night at Elizabeth’s house J

In the morning we arose and had toast and delicious sweet tomatoe and banana juice her mom made that was more like a smoothie. We busted a move to school were our group met to head to a small indigenous community for the morning. After 2 hour long bus rides we arrived in this community where we witnessed women weaving the infamous “panama hats” and other things such as place mats, baskets, and coasters. It was incredible to see the intricacies of their work, however it was hard to justify spending 4 hours in a bus to witness 1 hour of work and see a few products. These women are partnered with SEC through our Good Stuff Good Works campaign which helps sell indigenous artisan goods in the US. I think the products are beautiful, but I wish we had not spent our entire day weaving through the gorgeous terrain to see them.

In the afternoon I ate at my favorite Mexicana restaurant. I ate. A full meal. And digested it. Hallelujah. It is a big day! I then ate some frozen yogurt, walked home, and met up with Elizabeth for a run. I was strong enough and had enough energy to run. How amazing. I am almost 100% recovered from my sickness. Yes.

Tonight at my house there is a new guest who is a classics professor named Laurel from Florida State University. I was surprised to find her sitting on a bed in the room next to mine when I came home from my run. She is taking the summer to travel Ecuador and learn Spanish and will be living next to me for the remaining 2 days in Cuenca. It was nice to talk to her in English but weird because it made me feel a little disposable. I wonder if my host family will remember me after I leave? I sure hope so!

I joined friends in town for a short while and now I have returned to make sure I get another good nights sleep to respect my healing body. Outside there is some sort of concert going on and I am loving hearing the screaming girls and guys singing along. Guitars are jamming and it seems like someone is throwing one rockin’ party. It will be the lullaby that sings me to sleep tonight. Only in Ecuador!

Hasta luego,