I also recently discovered the answer to “why did the chicken cross the road? To scare the crap out of the gringa, and cause her to crash her bike!” Again, thanks to my cat-like reflexes and skilled cycling maneuvers, I remained on two wheels and survived unscathed. I suppose I can’t blame the chicken for running across the road, as it was fleeing what my and friends and I affectionately refer to as the “Saw (I-IV)” house, with all the meat, knives, saws, blood, freezers, hooks, etc. I suppose any living creature would run from that if they had the chance. Never mind the falling sky, Chicken Little, beware of falling cleavers! [no pictures of this, as I've not been brave enough just yet.]
Here are some random moments in Puerto Ayora: The new hotel going up every so quickly just across from our house (take special notice of the sugar cane scaffolding!); La Estacion Playa; Lauren at Angermeyer Point (owned by the parents of 2 of my students); Jefferson playing football at Pampas Coloradas (just near my house); Frosted Flakes and a cookie manufacture using MY name (no, I'm not getting my due royalties--I wonder if I know an attorney that could help me!); students from my Bachillarato class clowning around; the school bus, and my transportation to work M-F.
So, had a house party a Friday Sept. 26, because, and get this, there is no drinking in Ecuador for 48 hours prior to an election! AND, it’s mandatory to vote in this country, meaning, that if you don’t vote, you cannot get a job, a driver’s license, etc. So if Bongo and Limón Cafe are closed, a party is a must! [Pictures here are of the jam session that took place, me with Lauren (she's in red), Karina and novio Chris (American and fellow non-Spanish speaker--yet), the crowd hanging out, and me with 3rd roommate, Paola (from Chile)].
As mentioned, oh, in nearly every blog entry, we had more despedidas…Miriam, Ash, Tim and Sam all left in the last couple weeks. It’s very sad, but always prove to be fun Bongo nights out. [Pictures, me with Miriam; Jefferson; Lauren & Rachel; Sue Ellen & Diana; Chris & Lauren]
Did I mention that we had a ceremony for El Dia de la Bandera (Flag Day)? Well, we did, and it started pissing rain during it, it was pretty funny to see the school’s director and some town official sitting in the pouring rain as if it wasn’t happening. It was a strange ceremony, where the kids, one by one, kissed the flag. Que raro!
We also had Deportes Internos kick-off, basically sports within the school. It was an event where each grade selected an island to represent and they made t-shirts for the upcoming games, which are to last 2 weeks. Oh, did I say there is a civic holiday this Friday, and no school? Yeah, some Guayaquil day…don’t ask me to explain, because that’s all I really know, and only found out that much on Tuesday! [Deportes kick-off: 2 of my 9-10th grade students, Sarah & Amanda; Naomi, Adid, Byron, Mathieu & Pato; Camila & Lorena; kindergarten; Noa (Angermeyer) from 7th grade (note that all grades are really one less than the US, 7th is really 6th)]
Fortunately, we’ve had more sun these days, and I’ve made it to the beach several times in the last few weeks. It’s nice to see the sun, and it’s still moderate temperature. I’m not sure what I’ll do when it heats up, I don’t think I’ll be able to stand the heat.
Last items, still waiting to take the PADI scuba (buseo) course. It’s much cheaper in a group, and although we now have 5-6 interested people, it’s difficult to coordinate schedules and get the people signed up when they have the money. My schedule is particularly difficult as I have spa appts the next 2 Saturdays (which also makes it hard to go see other islands), but we’ll see. I have my disposable underwater cameras, so can't wait to use them!
Phew, that's all for now!
