Hola amigos! Sorry this has been so long in the making , but internet has been irregular and policies had to be explained and discussed (hence the disclaimer). It´s been quite a trip, one which I still can´t believe is taking place. I´m trying to soak as much in as I can (excluding the sun, which is a killer at this altidude. First victims: my nose and ears. I feel like a snake shedding skin all the time).
The first thing I noticed about Ecuador was the plethora of dogs. Especially in the town I´m currently living in, each family owns at least one or two dogs. My family owns two: Rufo and Grusu. Though scruffy, they´re friendly (towards the family members) and love to follow the family around. Yesterday Gruso accompanied Marta, Rubi and I while we milked the cows. Yes, I have officially milked a cow (or tried to. It´s harder than it looks. At least I can check it off of my bucket list).
For the next two months I will be living with a family in Paquistancia, a small village about 30 minutes by bus from Cayambe. I´ve already mentioned two of the members (or four, if you count the dogs), Marta (17) and Rubi (7). Carmen is my host mom, and Miguel my host dad, with Angel (15) and Flor (12) completing the family. They are all very nice, and take everything weird I do in stride (including vegetarianism), probably becuase I´m the twelfth volunteer they´ve hosted.
Haven´t yet eaten cuy, and after listening to the 22 guinea pigs the family keeps about 15 feet from my room all night I won´t feel so bad about it (actually, I exaggerate. They didn´t keep me up at all. Can you believe it though? 22 guinea pigs!!). Carmen promises I´ll have the opportunity before I leave, and also promises to fix me sheep´s eye soup. Who knows, the next time I write I might be a full blown carnivore. Welcome to Ecuador!
