Real Update, not just cat photos

It’s been a hot minute, guys. Let’s see, what have I been up to? 

I went on a really cool hike at Los Ilinizas (some mountains nearby) which led to a waterfall and hot springs. The hot springs were filled with copper so we left smelling like old pennies and looking like we’d been using too much fake tan spray. I stained my YOLO shirt, but decided that was okay, because that’s what the shirt is all about, know what I’m sayin?! 

I’ve been hanging around the school, trying hard to work with the teachers, but they’ve been really busy. We got WiFi at school though! Fancy! So that’s awesome.

I’m in the middle of a househunt. I’ve looked at a couple new places and have made no decisions. I’ll probably move at the beginning of December so I’ll be sure to fill you in and post photos. (some might be of the house, mostly just photos of cats)

My town’s anniversary was October 14^th. Pujili is now a wise, old 161 years-old. Aging like a fine wine, if you ask me. We had tons of fiestas, of course. The highlight of which was watching drunk guys get trampled by bulls. In the United States, there are a lot of laws and rules set in place to protect people from themselves and their potential for stupidity. Wear your seatbelt. You must be this tall to ride. No smoking. Speed limit: 65. Helmet laws for bicycles. And plenty of food sanitation regulations. 

In Ecuador, on the other hand, it’s pretty much a free-for-all. In fact, last weekend, the town government actually set up and sponsored an event in which people get drunk and try to get themselves killed. And then we all set up wooden shacks and eat snacks while we watch. Like a spectator sport. Awesome.

It was basically amateur bullfighting, in which anyone can enter the ring and tango with the toros. It was somewhat thrilling the first day but then it lasted a total of four days and I sort of got sick of it. But it was definitely an experience! 

Then, last week, I was sent to a city called Riobamba in Chimborazo (2 provinces south) to present at a teachers’ workshop. We did 2 days for 4 hours each day. It was somewhat tiring at the end, but I LOVE workshops. After each session, the teachers clap and tell you how good a teacher you are and want to take photos with you. Talk about an ego boost. It’s as if I’m some famous Swedish professor sent across the world to give a lecture on Quantum Physics, or something equally confusing, rather than a 2 hour Powerpoint about my native language. PLUS GUESS WHAT I ATE?! You’ll never guess because you’ll think it’s so mundane and not worth YELLING IN CAPS LOCK so I’ll just tell you. CARL’S FREAKING JUNIOR! It’s the only one I’ve seen in this country and it was so delectably delicious. I got a Portobello mushroom burger and my mouth had a party and it invited that burger because it looked like a fun-ghi! Get it?! 

Finally, this weekend, my host family entered our bitch into a dog show. (it’s our female dog, I’m not being crude, you guys) She is so gross. She has long, blonde, nappy hair and there is always food stuck in it. Okay, that kinda sounds like me, but at least I brush it! Sometimes! Anyway, her name is Kiara and she is ridiculous. She won 3 categories!!!! 2 trophies, tons of dog food, treats, brushes, everything. But man, this was a shitzu show, if you ask me. All the dogs barked at each other the entire time so you couldn’t hear the presenter and not a single dog could do a trick. Most people here believe you can’t train dogs. The other top 3 participants included Scrappy the baby pug, dressed as Dracula, and Dobo, the un-fixed French bulldog who peed on everything in sight, including the other dogs. Definitely an experience.

Alright. I’m out. I’ll post again soon with photos of toros, bitches, and cats when I can sort out whatever fight my camera is having with my computer because right now, they’re not speaking to one another. 

Here’s an excellent song I’m currently rapping to. The message: “the things you own end up owning you” (name that movie and you’re my new best friend)

http://youtu.be/gAg3uMlNyHA

p.s.