A few months later...

I've really been missing Ecuador lately and I think I finally know why.

I always thought of it as a vacation. I had minimal school work and was always traveling around with friends, doing what I wanted. I lacked responsibility; or rather, the old responsibility that Bellarmine provided me with. I had different things to worry about in Ecuador but they were worth it because right now I miss:

-Sunlight. And how it instantly warmed me no matter what time of day. If the sun was out, it was warm. Here, it's sunny and I think I don't need to wear a jacket because the sun is out! Wrong. Still cold. I miss that about Ecuador.
-Sleeping in. My classes didn't start until 11:30 and I had little homework. I could go out every night if I wanted and still be able to sleep in the next morning. Miss that.
-Friends. Although I wouldn't say I made a ton of my new bffs while abroad, I do miss being around people who are similar to me. Everyone there was always up for an adventure. Speaking of...
-Adventure. I SO miss this. I need exciting things in my life. Study abroad was hard. Adventures made my time better.
-Challenge. Speaking Spanish was difficult. But I had to try. Every day, I tried and tried and tried. I was constantly thinking of things to say and how to use new words. Most of the time I'm glad I don't have to do this anymore... lately, I've missed the challenge.
-Chifles Picante. AKA- my favorite chips in Ecuador. Going to the Hispanic store on Friday to look for them.

Thanks for reading.
kelley

Fiestas de Quito

Last week was "Fiestas de Quito." This  festival goes from the end of November to December 6 to celebrate the founding of Quito in 1534. Most people don't have school or work on Dec 5 and 6, as those are the most important days of the Fiestas. During the week there is bullfighting, dancing, theatre shows, and a huge parade that presents the new Reina (Queen) of Quito. After the week was over, I realized that most of the Quitanos use this week as an excuse to drink, dance, and have a great time!

Below are a few pictures from the parade. It was FOREVER long. Kilometer after kilometer (yeah, they use those here. Celsius too.) of bands, entertainers, and indigenous dancers and musicians! My friend Rebecca and I stayed for 2 hours before leaving, and the parade was only halfway over!

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This week I also learned more about the bullfighting that goes on here in Quito. The Ecuadorians say that it's a cultural activity and it's always a "fun time." However, I saw it as a torturous activity. A couple weeks before the fight the bull is locked in a dark room so that its vision will be off when it's time for the bullfight. They also hit the bulls repeatedly in the knees with huge sandbags to make sure it's in pain days leading up to the fight and they put vasoline in their eyes the day of the fight to decrease their vision even more. They also pour acid onto the bulls genitals right before the fight which causes severe pain, aggravation, and the bucking you frequently see during the fights. I did not support the animal cruelty going on here in Ecuador and I hope that their government puts an end to the torture.  

Volcanoes are cool.

It seems that November is always a busy month and it just flew by! Even though I am not at Bellarmine, I have found myself with about the same amount of end of the semester work as if I were. Although I shouldn't be using this as an excuse for not blogging, I am. Sorry! I'll try to start posting on all the things I've lacked to write about from the past few weeks soon! For today's post - BANOS!

My geology class took a weekend field trip to one of the most active volcanoes in Ecuador called Tungurahua.
It is located in Banos, a city about four hours from Quito by bus. It was awesome!




We learned how to use a "geological hammer" (mostly used as a scale or to break apart bigger rocks) and other geological instruments, as well as hunted for different types of rocks in a quarry and got to walk around on an old lava field!




After we finished our work on Saturday we had the evening free in the city. We walked around and found some place to eat dinner. No, we did not eat cuy (guinea pig --->) as seen here. They still had teeth! Gross! Guinea pig is a delicacy in Ecuador but I just can't bring myself to eat it. After dinner we went out dancing and then to sleep in preparation for an early morning on the volcano.



Day 2 was spent at a volcanic look-out center and at Ecuador's Geophysical station. We got to hear stories about the last big eruptions in July and August 2006 from a man that spends almost all of his time at a volcanic watch center. We also got to see a seismograph in action and take a go on the most amazing swing in the world!

And the good thing about me waiting so long to post this blog is the following --- IT ERUPTED ON SUNDAY! 2 weeks after I was there. So far, zero pyroclastic (the dangerous kind) lava flow has been reported and only minor ashfall has been seen. The intensity of gas and ash emissions seems to be decreasing by the day. The only way Quito would be affected by this eruption would be for the ashfall to heavily increase and strong winds be blowing to the North. So fingers crossed for those two things to not happen! I'll make sure to keep you posted on the activity of the volcano.

Hopefully I will be able to post on Monday or Tuesday about the Festival de Quito, Quito's Independence Festival, that is taking place this weekend! I'm starting off tomorrow with a parade! One of my favorite things!

Everyone have a great weekend,

Kelley

Islas Galapagos

 Kicker Rock - I snorkeled through the channel and saw White-tipped Sharks!!

 Sea lions were EVERYWHERE!

The sunsets were absolutely gorgeous!

 Huge land iguanas!

 Me at Volcan Chico!

All the tortoises looked SO old!!

 Me and a Giant Tortoise!

INSIDE A TORTOISE SHELL! This was the coolest thing EVER! (:

I had the most amazing time of my life in the Galapagos Islands. I visited four islands: San Cristobal, Floreana, Isabela (my favorite) and Santa Cruz. I went snorkeling almost every day and was able to see Sea Turtles, Manta Rays, Sea Lions, Penguins, White-tip Sharks, Galapagos Sharks, and Marine Iguanas. As well as seeing Land Iguanas, Blue-footed Boobies, Galapagos Hummingbirds, Lava Lizards, and the Giant Tortoises! The streets were made of sand and our hotels were a couple blocks away from the beach. I got to ride on top of a chiva through the mountains and learn about the history of the islands and all of the animals living there. It wasn't filled with tourists and I felt like the islands were all mine! Now I'm ready to move there! If you ever have the chance - GO!

Harry Potter

This week was Harry Potter week at USFQ. Every year the school picks a theme and celebrates accordingly for the week before Halloween! How exciting!

Many of the students and professors dressed up!

USFQ had their very own Hogwars Express and Platform 9 and 3/4!

And the best part - Quidditch! Everyone was REALLY in support of the game. The picture

above is of the "snitch" being chased around the field. He ended up running

through the crowds too! Fun time! They also had "broom rides" across the laguna and some tasty butterbeer. Overall, a great week and definitely made me forget about missing Halloween at home.

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Tomorrow (Saturday) I am leaving for the Galapagos Islands! Check back

next weekend for pictures and info about the trip!!

Kelley

Casa de Bing

Last Thursday my Spanish language class was invited to dinner at the house of one of our classmates, Bing. I had SO MUCH FUN! Bing is from China and has lived in Quito for about 3 years, on and off, because of her husband's job. She had a beautiful house and she made an excellent Chinese dinner for us!

I really enjoy that class, because the people are from all around the world and we're all just there to learn. The best part of dinner was eating authentic Chinese in Ecuador and speaking (mostly) Spanish, while learning some Chinese phrases at the same time! The second best part was the dumplings. Good times in la casa de Bing.

Pictures to come soon!

-Kelley

That's what he said...

I spent this weekend exploring Quito! I've realized that throughout my time in Ecuador, I have been travelling quite frequently and haven't really had a chance to visit the city I've been living in for the past 2 months.

I went to the "Museo Nacional" and spent a few hours looking at all of the artifacts, archaeological finds, and works of art; some even date back to 11,000 B.C.! I was able to see the lifestyles of the pre-Columbian and pre-Incans and also look at more contemporary Ecuadorian art! I followed a Spanish tour around for about an hour and spent the rest of my time wandering around without the group! This museum was also free! I think it may always be free on Saturdays, but I couldn't understand her reasoning when she was trying to explain to me. I'd like to go back though, so figure it out then!



 I then spent some time in the Iglesia de San Francisco. The Spanish began construction here 1 month after they arrived in Ecuador in 1535 and it took 100 years to finish. Two interesting facts about this church, 1.) The church was built over an Incan temple, making it stand much higher than the plaza in front of it. 2.) The stairs to the church were purposefully made wide so that you would have to keep your eyes on where you were walking - otherwise, forcing you to bow your head in respect while coming into the church.



My friend Julia and I then went to el Panecillo de Virgen. Standing at 148ft., you can see the Virgen de Quito statue from most of the city, on a clear day. The hill that the statue stands on, el Panecillo, was used by the Inca's as a place of worship to the sun. From the top of the hill, we had wonderful views of Quito!

Until next time,
kelley