Here is the moment I, and possible you, have been waiting for. Last Friday I found out that in one month I will be spending the next two years of my life in a town of 1,800 people called Cahuasquí. The town is also called ¨La Isla in El Cielo¨ because the village sits on a plateau which drops off on the sides. I will be following two other volunteers who worked on a community park and a garden for the local high school. For now, besides those two projects the rest depends on the community and what they identify as potential projects. As my main assingment is to work with youth and families I will be focusing on those two groups while interviewing the community on their needs.
I will be going to Cahuasquí tomorrow (Tuesday July, 19) for a 5 day site visit. I have already spoken to my Ecuadorian counterparts who work at the high school, my host mother, and the other volunteer who is currently at the sitr and about to finish his two years of service. Please look for into Cahuasqui and tell me what you think!! http://www.cahuasqui.com/
Other than that, my days have been fairly regular. Here is my daily schedule:
4:45 - Wake-up
5:15-6:15 - Aerobics class with my aunts and 35 other women
6:30 - 7:30 - Shower and eat breakfast
8:00 - 12:30 Spanish or technical training class
12:30 - 13:30 - Lunch
13:30 - 17:00 Spanish or technical training class
17:00 - 20:00 Hanging out with my host family, having a cafecito and eating dinner
20:30 - Bed
Hope all is well at home, I miss everyone dearly and will write again after my site visit. Thanks for the posts, keep em coming,
Ben
Ben! Your placement looks FANTASTIC! You are going to have the best time. Definitely let us know about Palacara which I am sure you will visit... Also, let me know how you like Helado de Paila!!!! Hopefully when we come, we will get the chance to make it ourselves as well.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy all the uvillas.... YUMMMM!
Espero que tengas un buen viaje a la isla!!! Tenga cuidado y no viaje :)
Ben, it looks gorgeous and even has a place for us to stay (hostel) if we ever make it to visit (Ashley already wants to go). Your work sounds excellent. Temperate weather and ice cream -- what more could you want? Have a great site visit. Can't wait to hear more. Love, Cyrisse
ReplyDeleteThe best part is the place on the accommodation page:
ReplyDelete-One night including dinner and breakfast at Natur Paccha costs: $10
Your town looks absolutely beautiful! 4:45 seems a bit early for my liking, but good for you for getting up early and working out!
ReplyDeleteLove from Dan and me :)
You are going to have alot of visitors. I don't think this town will remain pristine very long. It is gorgeous, and looks like a very special place to work.Now all you need is a dog.
ReplyDeleteJoel