Upon re thinking my last entery, I was comforted upon remembering that even if I was at home, there is no way I could go snowshoeing or plant green beans right now. I´m actaully doing a lot of pretty great things here that I couldn´t do at home. Things like going to a cloud forest, writing about it, and receiving credit, drinking rounds of Pilsener and not quite being 21, and, in general, hanging out in Ecuador.
Ecuador feels like another world, like a totally different universe where I´m not even officially living, and my life will start again when I get on Minnesota soil.
This is only half true maybe. No matter how you say it, living abroad is a complicated thing.
On another note, some points of interest:
-Books are pretty expensive here, like just under $20 for a paperback, medium sized Andy Warhol autobiography. On the other hand, Quito has a booming pirated film industry, allowing me to get Volver and Marie Antoinette for $1.50 each. Surely, I will be leaving Ecuador with the entire Almodovar collection for just under $10. Ridiculous...
-Nothing is better than being at a bar and hearing a 4 song Depeche Mode set inbetween pitchers of beer. Best.
-Can I just say Evo Morales?
Friday, September 28, 2007
Thursday, September 27, 2007
My life in fractions
More or less I am 1/4 done with this Ecuador thing, and the end of next week will already mark the 1/3 point. I´m counting down for two reasons: first, because I always do things like this, and second, because there´s a lot a lot a lot a lot at home that I miss so bad.
Please, by all means, do not even think about getting me wrong. I adore Quito and my time here as much as you can imagine, I just really really want to go snow shoeing through a forest and I also want to plant rhubarb and green beans in the spring, and most of the time my heart literally aches for christmas morning when I can drink real coffee and be with my family.
A lot of the time I think about how it will be getting off the plane in MPLS and how happy I will be and how the next day will be my 21st birthday.
I also know I will be absolutely devestated to leave my new home.
Please, by all means, do not even think about getting me wrong. I adore Quito and my time here as much as you can imagine, I just really really want to go snow shoeing through a forest and I also want to plant rhubarb and green beans in the spring, and most of the time my heart literally aches for christmas morning when I can drink real coffee and be with my family.
A lot of the time I think about how it will be getting off the plane in MPLS and how happy I will be and how the next day will be my 21st birthday.
I also know I will be absolutely devestated to leave my new home.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Mitad del Mundo, too much wine, and a bike crash.
A pretty fun weekend.
Saturday took an hour long bus ride North of Quito to reach the Equator. It´s important to note that this isn´t even the real equator, the French explorer who figured the calculations was actually off by about 600 feet. Whatevs, we went anyways. The centerpiece is a huge trapazoid figure with a globe resting on top, and the equator running straight through it. Of course, the obligitory photos were taken, with one foot in each hemisphere. Prety cheesy, but pretty fun.
Later that day...about 9 PM...
We found a place in the Mariscal where you pay $15, and you get all you can eat tapas (Spanish style appetizers,) and all you can drink house wine. End result: the most amazing potatos, chorizo, and chiles rellenos, and, way too much cabernet souvignon.
On Sunday, we rented some biked and braved the steep hills of Quito´s historic center with a guide. Every-other Sunday, a huge stretch of the city is closed off to anyone not on a bicycle or public transportation-this made our trek all the easier. En route to our second stop, we started out on a VERY steep hill (headed down.) I think I had far too much pressure on my front brake, resulting in me going head first over the handlebars. Pretty epic, and the smallest scratches. I guess that´s what you get when you ride bike in Quito...
Coming up: a week of mornings at my internship and class.
Saturday took an hour long bus ride North of Quito to reach the Equator. It´s important to note that this isn´t even the real equator, the French explorer who figured the calculations was actually off by about 600 feet. Whatevs, we went anyways. The centerpiece is a huge trapazoid figure with a globe resting on top, and the equator running straight through it. Of course, the obligitory photos were taken, with one foot in each hemisphere. Prety cheesy, but pretty fun.
Later that day...about 9 PM...
We found a place in the Mariscal where you pay $15, and you get all you can eat tapas (Spanish style appetizers,) and all you can drink house wine. End result: the most amazing potatos, chorizo, and chiles rellenos, and, way too much cabernet souvignon.
On Sunday, we rented some biked and braved the steep hills of Quito´s historic center with a guide. Every-other Sunday, a huge stretch of the city is closed off to anyone not on a bicycle or public transportation-this made our trek all the easier. En route to our second stop, we started out on a VERY steep hill (headed down.) I think I had far too much pressure on my front brake, resulting in me going head first over the handlebars. Pretty epic, and the smallest scratches. I guess that´s what you get when you ride bike in Quito...
Coming up: a week of mornings at my internship and class.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Internship, etc.
Wednesday morning marked the first day of my internship at la Asamblea Permanante por Derechos Humanos (Permanent Assebly for Human Rights.) My interview was at 10:30, by 11:00 I was making signs, and by 12:00 I was along La Avendia 12 de Agosto protesting Texaco´s complete lack of responsibility regarding oil extraction in Ecuador´s Amason region. More info here
APDH is dedicated to human rights in Ecuador and holds workshops for young people all over the country--teaching about human rights. In addition, they´re also very politically active.
This is a core component of my time in Ecuador, I mean, the program is called Community Internships in Latin America. In preparation for the time ahead, last night was spent discussing charity vs. solidarity when doing volunteer work.
The office is a mere 3 blocks from my house. I´ll be there from 10 AM to about 1:30 PM Monday-Friday. As of yet, what I´ll be doing is a bit unclear...stay tuned for updates.
On another note entirely, today we were waiting at the immigration office to receive our CENSO (ID card for foreigners,) and of course, Saved by the Bell was on, it was dubbed in Spanish, of course, and can I just say that Zach Morris is just as charming when dubbed...?
Tonight: a club 4 blocks from my house where a cumbia band is playing. Ladie´s get in free.
Dirty Dancing: Quito nights.
APDH is dedicated to human rights in Ecuador and holds workshops for young people all over the country--teaching about human rights. In addition, they´re also very politically active.
This is a core component of my time in Ecuador, I mean, the program is called Community Internships in Latin America. In preparation for the time ahead, last night was spent discussing charity vs. solidarity when doing volunteer work.
The office is a mere 3 blocks from my house. I´ll be there from 10 AM to about 1:30 PM Monday-Friday. As of yet, what I´ll be doing is a bit unclear...stay tuned for updates.
On another note entirely, today we were waiting at the immigration office to receive our CENSO (ID card for foreigners,) and of course, Saved by the Bell was on, it was dubbed in Spanish, of course, and can I just say that Zach Morris is just as charming when dubbed...?
Tonight: a club 4 blocks from my house where a cumbia band is playing. Ladie´s get in free.
Dirty Dancing: Quito nights.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Monday evening.
As of this week,most of should have been spending the morning at our internships, however, as you know, we´re still tyring to work on mine. This translates into a lot of free time for me, and if there´s one thing I like to do with my free time, it´s blog.
One of the best things about Ecuador is being able to attend your usual Monday afternoon class, except during this class, you talk about how thousands and thousands and thousands of people who took to the street for 8 days and 8 nights in April 2005 in hopes of ousting their president--Lucio Gutiérrez. It worked. In the midst of all of this, you´re sharing amazing Spanish style hot chocolate and pastries. This is the best part: after class you enjoy 2 good sized mugs of Pilsener with some other students. Total cost of these two beers and a cab ride home--$6.00. Awesome. I´m really getting 24 credits for this?
One of the best things about Ecuador is being able to attend your usual Monday afternoon class, except during this class, you talk about how thousands and thousands and thousands of people who took to the street for 8 days and 8 nights in April 2005 in hopes of ousting their president--Lucio Gutiérrez. It worked. In the midst of all of this, you´re sharing amazing Spanish style hot chocolate and pastries. This is the best part: after class you enjoy 2 good sized mugs of Pilsener with some other students. Total cost of these two beers and a cab ride home--$6.00. Awesome. I´m really getting 24 credits for this?
Monday, September 17, 2007
Facts and Figures
Damas y Caballeros,
Well, I realized most of my blog has consisted more or less of me talking about how much I love Ecuadorian beer, and how I´m homesick 50% of the time. Mom sent me a few logistical questions regarding my daily life in Ecuador via e-mail, so I figured that I´d answer them here, as I´m guessing that my mom isn´t the only one interested in these things.
1. What is your host house like---and the neighborhood??
My home here is the main level of a two story building, another family lives in the upper level. The house is very nice with lots of windows. My room is pretty tiny, but comfortable. It consistently smells like delicous food. The neighboorhood is very much in a commercial district. On one end of the block is a mall and Supermaxi (grocery store chain) and on the other end is La Avendia Colón-where you´ll find lots of stores, restuarants, government buildings, and a KFC every 10 blocks...
2. How do you get around to meet up with friends from school------especially at night???
Depending on where we´re meeting, I walk, take the bus, or a taxi. At night I ALWAYS take a taxi, as it´s not safe to walk around alone at night. Taxis are very cheap, as are buses. During the day, if I´m not going too far, I like to walk to get to know the city/exercise.
3. What type of food have you been eating???
Breakfast is usually a whole-grain cereal with fruit and some milk. Lunch is the main meal of the day and ALWAYS starts out with some kind of soup. I´ve been here for 2 weeks and I´ve yet to have the same soup twice. Usually they consist of different kinds of vegetables and/or beans. My favorite has been black bean potato soup. The second plate usually consists of rice and different vegetables or fruits. Sometimes it´s paired with a vegetable based "meat" or tofu. Since this is the main meal of the day, an evening meal is very light. We usually just have (delicious) bread with some jam or cream cheese with coffee or tea. If we´re really hungry, we have leftover soup.
4. Do you have any trips planned yet to the rainforest or Galapagos Islands???
So far, nothing planned for the Galapogos. We have a week off in late October, this is when I would most likely go. As for the rainforest, I believe we´re going in about 3 weeks. The place is actually what is called a "cloud forest," as due to the elevation the trees literally meet the clouds. I hear it´s like a dream. Also, it is known to be one of the most eco-diverse places on EARTH!!
5. Is things to buy expensive or cheap---examples??
More or less, things are slightly cheaper. I haven´t bought much at all. It very much depends on where you go. In Mariscal district (touristy) you´ll find a standard bottle of domestic beer for about $1.20. On the street, I´ve seen signs advertising lunches for $1.50! I can use the internet for an hour and 1/2 and pay just over $1.00. An important note: Ecuador has been using the USD since the mid ´90s to offset inflation after the oil boom, and the economic crisis that followed it.
6. What is your weekly schedule like?? Classes, internship, spending time with host family???
I´m still not on a regular schedule yet. These past two weeks have been a mix of orientation to the program, themes we´ll cover, and visits to sites around the city. Starting NEXT week I´ll have my internship from about 9AM-1PM on Monday-Friday. On Monday and Wednesday afternoons we´ll have class, and I think on Tuesday and Thursday will be integration seminars where we´ll discuss our daily life here, host families, struggles, successes, learnings, etc.
7. What is your mailing address???
If you want my mailing address, email me at kaerickson@stthomas.edu
Also...
I had previously reported that I will be interning at Jesuit Services for Migrants and Refugees, however, that has changed. I met with the HECUA program director this morning, and she reported that the director of the JSMR organization didn´t feel prepared/ didn´t have adequate work for a foregin intern. This is all fine with me, as for some reason I didn´t feel entirely comfortable at the interview....
I will be exploring a few more options this week, with the idea of starting this upcoming Monday.
On Saturday, we had a picnic in Parque Metropalitano with all the students and their host families. We played charades, did yoga, and ate delicious food. Truly, HECUA is a program of activists, punks, artists, and humanities majors. Love it.
Two very exciting upcoming events in Ecuador:
-The fall equinox on Sunday-where there will be NO SHADE. Crazy.
-Elections on the last Sunday of the month to vote for representatives to re-write Ecuador´s constitution. Again.
Talk about being in the right place at the right time...
Well, I realized most of my blog has consisted more or less of me talking about how much I love Ecuadorian beer, and how I´m homesick 50% of the time. Mom sent me a few logistical questions regarding my daily life in Ecuador via e-mail, so I figured that I´d answer them here, as I´m guessing that my mom isn´t the only one interested in these things.
1. What is your host house like---and the neighborhood??
My home here is the main level of a two story building, another family lives in the upper level. The house is very nice with lots of windows. My room is pretty tiny, but comfortable. It consistently smells like delicous food. The neighboorhood is very much in a commercial district. On one end of the block is a mall and Supermaxi (grocery store chain) and on the other end is La Avendia Colón-where you´ll find lots of stores, restuarants, government buildings, and a KFC every 10 blocks...
2. How do you get around to meet up with friends from school------especially at night???
Depending on where we´re meeting, I walk, take the bus, or a taxi. At night I ALWAYS take a taxi, as it´s not safe to walk around alone at night. Taxis are very cheap, as are buses. During the day, if I´m not going too far, I like to walk to get to know the city/exercise.
3. What type of food have you been eating???
Breakfast is usually a whole-grain cereal with fruit and some milk. Lunch is the main meal of the day and ALWAYS starts out with some kind of soup. I´ve been here for 2 weeks and I´ve yet to have the same soup twice. Usually they consist of different kinds of vegetables and/or beans. My favorite has been black bean potato soup. The second plate usually consists of rice and different vegetables or fruits. Sometimes it´s paired with a vegetable based "meat" or tofu. Since this is the main meal of the day, an evening meal is very light. We usually just have (delicious) bread with some jam or cream cheese with coffee or tea. If we´re really hungry, we have leftover soup.
4. Do you have any trips planned yet to the rainforest or Galapagos Islands???
So far, nothing planned for the Galapogos. We have a week off in late October, this is when I would most likely go. As for the rainforest, I believe we´re going in about 3 weeks. The place is actually what is called a "cloud forest," as due to the elevation the trees literally meet the clouds. I hear it´s like a dream. Also, it is known to be one of the most eco-diverse places on EARTH!!
5. Is things to buy expensive or cheap---examples??
More or less, things are slightly cheaper. I haven´t bought much at all. It very much depends on where you go. In Mariscal district (touristy) you´ll find a standard bottle of domestic beer for about $1.20. On the street, I´ve seen signs advertising lunches for $1.50! I can use the internet for an hour and 1/2 and pay just over $1.00. An important note: Ecuador has been using the USD since the mid ´90s to offset inflation after the oil boom, and the economic crisis that followed it.
6. What is your weekly schedule like?? Classes, internship, spending time with host family???
I´m still not on a regular schedule yet. These past two weeks have been a mix of orientation to the program, themes we´ll cover, and visits to sites around the city. Starting NEXT week I´ll have my internship from about 9AM-1PM on Monday-Friday. On Monday and Wednesday afternoons we´ll have class, and I think on Tuesday and Thursday will be integration seminars where we´ll discuss our daily life here, host families, struggles, successes, learnings, etc.
7. What is your mailing address???
If you want my mailing address, email me at kaerickson@stthomas.edu
Also...
I had previously reported that I will be interning at Jesuit Services for Migrants and Refugees, however, that has changed. I met with the HECUA program director this morning, and she reported that the director of the JSMR organization didn´t feel prepared/ didn´t have adequate work for a foregin intern. This is all fine with me, as for some reason I didn´t feel entirely comfortable at the interview....
I will be exploring a few more options this week, with the idea of starting this upcoming Monday.
On Saturday, we had a picnic in Parque Metropalitano with all the students and their host families. We played charades, did yoga, and ate delicious food. Truly, HECUA is a program of activists, punks, artists, and humanities majors. Love it.
Two very exciting upcoming events in Ecuador:
-The fall equinox on Sunday-where there will be NO SHADE. Crazy.
-Elections on the last Sunday of the month to vote for representatives to re-write Ecuador´s constitution. Again.
Talk about being in the right place at the right time...
Friday, September 14, 2007
¿Cual es lo mejor?
Primero, thanks to everyone for your emails. I´m super grateful for your support, and I loooove hearing about everything back home (which has apperantly been hilariously and appropriatly dubbed "San Pablo, the Minnesotan Cabo.") Keep ´em coming.
Overall, I´m feeling significantly better about everything. The group is bonding really well, I´m feeling a lot more comfortable navigating Quito autonomously, and I no longer get super sad when I hear an airplane take off.
This past week was a blur of visits to museos, Panecillos, and teleféricos. On Tuesday I had an interview for my internship. I will be working 20 hours a week at Jesuit Services for Migrants and Refugess. What this will involve, I have no idea. I just know I start Monday.
Last night was the kick-off of what we have decided to call "The Bourgie Weekend." This involves rounds of Pilsener and Vodka Tonics near the incredibly gringocentric Mariscal district, coffees in hip cafes, and even venturing into a huge mall in search of track pants where we ran into some Minnesotans (of course.)
After this Bourgie Weekend, the general concensus is "if it´s not sketchy, we´re not doing it."
Just kidding (knd of) However, we will be looking for ways to enjoy Ecuador in an ecuadorian way...whatever that may be.
Hopefully I´ll be able to post some photos soon. I always forget to bring my camera to the net cafes....
For now, another delicious lunch with my host family, Parque Elijido, and a rock climbing wall (we can´t decide if that´s bourgie or not...)
Overall, I´m feeling significantly better about everything. The group is bonding really well, I´m feeling a lot more comfortable navigating Quito autonomously, and I no longer get super sad when I hear an airplane take off.
This past week was a blur of visits to museos, Panecillos, and teleféricos. On Tuesday I had an interview for my internship. I will be working 20 hours a week at Jesuit Services for Migrants and Refugess. What this will involve, I have no idea. I just know I start Monday.
Last night was the kick-off of what we have decided to call "The Bourgie Weekend." This involves rounds of Pilsener and Vodka Tonics near the incredibly gringocentric Mariscal district, coffees in hip cafes, and even venturing into a huge mall in search of track pants where we ran into some Minnesotans (of course.)
After this Bourgie Weekend, the general concensus is "if it´s not sketchy, we´re not doing it."
Just kidding (knd of) However, we will be looking for ways to enjoy Ecuador in an ecuadorian way...whatever that may be.
Hopefully I´ll be able to post some photos soon. I always forget to bring my camera to the net cafes....
For now, another delicious lunch with my host family, Parque Elijido, and a rock climbing wall (we can´t decide if that´s bourgie or not...)
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Somedays, you go to Quito and things get crazy.
Currently, I´m experiencing this strange feeling that one gets when they´ve been in a new place for a week, and they´re starting to feel at home little by little, but a lot of things are still super foreign.
Foreign, uncomfortable things include:
-Navigating any bus line besides the Ecovia.
-Missing home more than I ever ever ever thought I would.
-Using proper grammar.
-Not being able to walk alone at night because I am a woman, and American.
-In internship without concrete projects and goals.
-Traffic. Pollution.
Things I am having no problem getting used to:
-Yoga in Parque Metropolitano.
-The view. Everywhere.
-A HUGE multitude of free events including a series of foreign films exploring the theme of imigration, urban art exhibitions, and symposiums on indigenous and GLBTQ rights.
-$.25 to take the bus anywhere you want.
-Sitting around the HECUA office discusing neo-liberalism in Latin America and Marxist theory.
-Pilsener.
Somethings are scary, somethings are fun, somethings are hard, somethings are interesting. Somedays I cry a lot, somedays I can´t believe I´m actaully here, somedays are super fun, some people are nice, some people are kind of mean, some people are sexist, some people are inspiring.
Everyday is beautiful, everyday is super challenging, everyday my emotions are really mixed.
Foreign, uncomfortable things include:
-Navigating any bus line besides the Ecovia.
-Missing home more than I ever ever ever thought I would.
-Using proper grammar.
-Not being able to walk alone at night because I am a woman, and American.
-In internship without concrete projects and goals.
-Traffic. Pollution.
Things I am having no problem getting used to:
-Yoga in Parque Metropolitano.
-The view. Everywhere.
-A HUGE multitude of free events including a series of foreign films exploring the theme of imigration, urban art exhibitions, and symposiums on indigenous and GLBTQ rights.
-$.25 to take the bus anywhere you want.
-Sitting around the HECUA office discusing neo-liberalism in Latin America and Marxist theory.
-Pilsener.
Somethings are scary, somethings are fun, somethings are hard, somethings are interesting. Somedays I cry a lot, somedays I can´t believe I´m actaully here, somedays are super fun, some people are nice, some people are kind of mean, some people are sexist, some people are inspiring.
Everyday is beautiful, everyday is super challenging, everyday my emotions are really mixed.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Hola de Quito
So far, so good.
Quito is incredibly beautiful. Today is sunny and about 70 degrees. Flowers and people everywhere.
I´ve already fallen in love the art of Oswaldo Quayasamin and locros de papas.
My host family is wonderful and very welcoming. I´ve never had so much soup and rice in such a short period of time. My family here tends to eat a lot of fresh, natural foods. This usually translates to whole grain cereal with fruit in the morning paired with a drink called Kauffe'which is kind of like instant coffee, except there´s also lots of barley, wheat, malt, and ginseng in it. Very delicious.
To be completely honest, the first 36 hours here were far more difficult than I thought they would be. Now, Quito is starting to feel like home.
I´ve yet to brave the bus system alone, as my house is only 2 blocks away from the HECUA office. Pretty convenient.
I have a few hours until lunch, I think I´ll start exploring my neighborhood.
Quito is incredibly beautiful. Today is sunny and about 70 degrees. Flowers and people everywhere.
I´ve already fallen in love the art of Oswaldo Quayasamin and locros de papas.
My host family is wonderful and very welcoming. I´ve never had so much soup and rice in such a short period of time. My family here tends to eat a lot of fresh, natural foods. This usually translates to whole grain cereal with fruit in the morning paired with a drink called Kauffe'which is kind of like instant coffee, except there´s also lots of barley, wheat, malt, and ginseng in it. Very delicious.
To be completely honest, the first 36 hours here were far more difficult than I thought they would be. Now, Quito is starting to feel like home.
I´ve yet to brave the bus system alone, as my house is only 2 blocks away from the HECUA office. Pretty convenient.
I have a few hours until lunch, I think I´ll start exploring my neighborhood.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Before I go.
One day, I was in an 8th grade Spanish class, and the idea of studying in some Latin American country crept into my consciousness. Over the course of six or seven years, the idea grew and grew and grew and never went away.
Now, I'm leaving for Ecuador for 3 1/2 months on Monday morning.
Simply stated, there just aren't proper words to articulate my feelings.
I'm excited beyond reason.
The basics:
-I'll be in Quito, Ecuador, apart from a few trips within the country/region.
-I'll receive a semester worth's of credit, and taking one "traditional" course entitled Community Participation and Social Change. Awesome.
-I'll have an internship (for credit.) At this time, I'm still unsure what organization I'll be working for. Once I'm in-country, there will be some interviews to find something tuned to my interests and experiences. At this time, it sounds like two options are working with Colombian refugees displaced as a result of Plan Colombia OR an perhaps advocating for indigenous communties affected by oil extraction in the Amazon basin. Awesome.
-Additional credits will come from a Seminar and Field study which will involve further reseach in areas of interest and several field trips to Afro Ecuadorian and Indigenous communties within Ecuador. Awesome.
-There will be 10 other students, all from the U.S., some from Minnesota, and 2 others from St. Thomas. Awesome.
-I will be speaking Spanish, and only Spanish. Awesome.
-My host family consists of a mother and a father, 3 sons, aged 25, 17, and 15, and a 20 year old daughter who will be in Costa Rica. They all practice yoga and are vegetarian. Awesome.
Regarding updates of this little blog, I will post as often as I can, as access to the good ol' www should be pretty easy. The goals of these posting are to update friends and family on my general going-ons, and it will also serve as an archive for this little trip. So bookmark this link, and check it often!
As always, I am at kaerickson@stthomas.edu. There's nothing I'd love more than email from you!
Much, much more to come.
I'll leave you with links to a video which goes into detail on how sweet the program I'm going with is, and also another video which going into detail on how sweet Ecuador is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TfqwwRgcMQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xM-o1eesn4M
Now, I'm leaving for Ecuador for 3 1/2 months on Monday morning.
Simply stated, there just aren't proper words to articulate my feelings.
I'm excited beyond reason.
The basics:
-I'll be in Quito, Ecuador, apart from a few trips within the country/region.
-I'll receive a semester worth's of credit, and taking one "traditional" course entitled Community Participation and Social Change. Awesome.
-I'll have an internship (for credit.) At this time, I'm still unsure what organization I'll be working for. Once I'm in-country, there will be some interviews to find something tuned to my interests and experiences. At this time, it sounds like two options are working with Colombian refugees displaced as a result of Plan Colombia OR an perhaps advocating for indigenous communties affected by oil extraction in the Amazon basin. Awesome.
-Additional credits will come from a Seminar and Field study which will involve further reseach in areas of interest and several field trips to Afro Ecuadorian and Indigenous communties within Ecuador. Awesome.
-There will be 10 other students, all from the U.S., some from Minnesota, and 2 others from St. Thomas. Awesome.
-I will be speaking Spanish, and only Spanish. Awesome.
-My host family consists of a mother and a father, 3 sons, aged 25, 17, and 15, and a 20 year old daughter who will be in Costa Rica. They all practice yoga and are vegetarian. Awesome.
Regarding updates of this little blog, I will post as often as I can, as access to the good ol' www should be pretty easy. The goals of these posting are to update friends and family on my general going-ons, and it will also serve as an archive for this little trip. So bookmark this link, and check it often!
As always, I am at kaerickson@stthomas.edu. There's nothing I'd love more than email from you!
Much, much more to come.
I'll leave you with links to a video which goes into detail on how sweet the program I'm going with is, and also another video which going into detail on how sweet Ecuador is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TfqwwRgcMQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xM-o1eesn4M
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