Vota Si....mil veces Si!!

"Vote Yes...1,000 times YES!"

Today was the last day that people in Ecuador were allowed to march the streets in favor (or not in favor) of voting yes (or no) on ratifying the new constitution. This is quite literally the fourth constitution or so in about 50 years, and each time a "new start" is expected by those who want to vote yes.

This time, likely like most other times, a vote of 'yes' is expected to be cast by many people that want the wealthy and ruling elite to basically have to share the wealth. Obviously there are others marching with "Vota no" signs, especially in Ecuador's largest and richest city Guayaquil.

We are leaving tomorrow morning for about a week to a much smaller place where much of the people are fully indigenous....Otavalo. This place is famous for its textiles and I am excited to see the large market this weekend. It is also surrounded by a few volcanoes. We will be staying with local families, working on farms, and going with the local people on Sunday to witness the important and mandatory voting process.

Well, the power just went out all around this part of town. I can hear a loud alarm down the street. I wonder...it came back after five minutes...

Here are some pictures from today...we took a trolley to old town Quito, where the Spanish built large churches and palaces anywhere from ~400 years ago or less. Our trolley was slowed and stopped a few times due to a march of kids, glad to be out of school for the march, who support the new constitution.


Here is a picture of the Presidential Palace...and the marchers. They were very curious of we gringos and many some flipped the bird (chicos) and batted their pretty lashes (chicas). It was a great experience.





We visited the Catedral Primada de Quito Museo, which houses the "most important" relics and TONS of beautiful gold-leaf architecture, carvings, paintings, etc....I could not take pictures inside, but the picture of this fountain and the "tile" was allowed....the church pic is not the museum but a public mass.



Notice the tile, they are all made with bones of cows.

The history and the culture run deep. Mind boggling, to say the least.

One more thing: our teacher for a political science class is a very well established man. His name is Raul, and he was once an ambassador to the USA, a president of a local college, and now he will be working with us. He spoke with us today and he seems like a very kind and intelligent man. I feel honored to have him teach us about political science. I'll update this post with more info when I get it.

Of to la cena, dinner!

Arising in Casa Foch

After a very smooth and short arrival at the airport, my group and I were bussed to our temporary living quarters, which is a very beautiful place owned by the same folks that also own and operate the Andean Studies Program, which I am participating in for this semester. The two buildings are across the street from each other.

I had a hard time wanting to sleep...but I knew that we would have to be ready for today so I fooled myself into counting llamas. I woke up earlier than I ever do and that must be due to the excitement I am feeling.

Here are some pictures of the place I am staying:
















And the last pic is a view from my rooftop window...which I instantly had to climb out onto last night.


Now I must go meet up with the professor and have some breakfast.

Love to all.

Cory

East to the West

Lindy Point, Blackwater Canyon. Pics of WV geography to compare with Quito when I arrive.

My flight from Pitt to MIA was fine. The shuttle to the hotel and I did not meet, so after much waiting I called them and realized that they were not coming...out comes the wallet for a Super Shuttle (which, by the way, is WAY more affordable than a taxi, which charges 40 cents per 1/6 mile.) I found a grocery store, Publix Sabor, and got some dinner and lunch for today. Miami is a good segway into a Spanish speaking country due to its highly concentrated Hispanic population.

I started reading a book my little brother Morgan gave me by Tom Robbins called Another Rodside Attraction. I have not read any fiction in years, and I realized that I needed a break from books that don't include as much wild imagination and wit as Robbins. He seems to be a literary genius, by my petty judgement. Hard to follow at first, but veeeeery synchronistic as the story begins in Miami, and it has had a lot of parallels, strangely, with another book I have been reading, given by my sweet madre Laurie, called A New Earth, by Echart Tolle. His books are awesome and simple. If anyone wants to lessen or end their self-torture and suffering and gain more understanding, this guy has got it down pat for the average Joe. The power of NOW!

Hace mucho calor! Miami felt like a hot summer day in WV late last night. I have most of the day to spend here and then I fly out near 7 pm. It seems that the weather in Quito will be less warm and more rainy. Raingear: check.

I met two of the people in the program last night outside of the hotel. Both are from WV, one from neighboring Elkins. We might try to head out to la playa (the beach) for some wave action and sunrays.

I felt like I did alright with packing and then these two folks saw my bags and were surprised that I had 3 bags and a laptop. Ah shucks! I thought I was doing better at letting unneeded baggage lay where it may! Oh well. Scouts motto: Be Prepared.

Alright, of to break the fast. Feeling overwhelmed with thankfulness and gratitude to those that have supported me throughout time. I hope that I can return all the favors tenfold.

Much love,

Cory

Here is what I did before I left WV....caught the horsey bug! Thanks to Dan and Shockley!