tales of wander
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Bidding Ecuador hasta luego
The time has finally come—our last full day in Ecuador. The day after our excursion to Isla de la Plata, we flew back to Quito so we could catch a plane the following day for home. Flying from Manta to Quito is a difference of over 9000 feet, which takes a bit of acclimatizing. … Continue reading
Whales, boobies, and sea turtles (oh my!)
After enjoying a week playing on the beach and in the surf, we opted to spend our last day on Ecuador’s coast in Puerto Lopez, a sleepy fishing town about two hours south of Manta. It wasn’t really the town we were interested in, but a trip to Isla de la Plata (“Silver Island”). Isla … Continue reading
Kiteboarding days 1 through 4
There are challenges, and there are challenges. For example, not speaking the language is a challenge. Learning a new sport while trying to overcome a phobia that I’ve had since childhood is an entirely different challenge. I mentioned in my first entry for this trip that I was looking forward to my first kiteboarding lesson. … Continue reading
Exploring Quito and Otavalo
Can you believe that on my very last night at my volunteer placement two new volunteers arrived? Just my luck. But it’s time to look forward, for now that my volunteer work has come to an end for this trip, the rest of the vacation begins. This is another thing that is different about this … Continue reading
Saying adios to the students of Ayudamos a Vivir
Today was my last day at the school, which completes the first phase of my Ecuadorian vacation. We had a special program complete with dancing, food, and a puppet show. A visitor came by the school to see the facility and observe the students. She engaged me in conversation and I was able to speak … Continue reading
Mis amigos especiales
It’s inevitable that I have my favorites. It happens every time and there’s no rhyme or reason to it. I have several this time, but I think the most special is Vanessa, who I’ve already mentioned. She’s mentally sharp, but trapped in a body contorted by muscular dystrophy. Early in the week, Vanessa and I … Continue reading
Un dia en la vida
The neighbor’s rooster is confused. Muy confundido. At 1:30 in the god-forsaken morning, he begins notifying all within earshot that dawn is at hand—a full 3.5 hours before the first rays of sun make their timid appearance. Soon after, the neighborhood’s dogs join in the fray and a night of restful sleep is lost to … Continue reading
Hay uno solamente
This is going to be a challenge. This is my fifth volunteer trip. Of those five, only twice did I actually do the job for which I applied. It’s funny how that works, but it’s yet another instance in which you must ‘go with the flow.’ Well this time, the ‘flow’ took me away from … Continue reading
Buenos dias from Quito
It’s been a stressful summer at home. When I travel, I often feel “ready” for a vacation , but I don’t recall ever feeling quite as desperate for time away as I have before this trip. Here’s a little story to illustrate just how much I’ve cracked under pressure lately. Recently, I was at the … Continue reading
tales of wander 