Packing!

I swear that I just wrote about packing a few days ago. I wrote all about the individual baggage that we carry with us. Yet, it is time to pack once again.
I consider my self to be an excellent packer. Some people are stuffers, others folders, I am a roller. To fit the absolute maximum amount of clothes into a bag requires rolling. My roomate thought this was about the strangest thing that he had ever seen. I guess it is kind of weird. especially the fervor with which I pack. I really get into it.
I do not have much choice. I rolled my clothes in order to only bring one mid-sized bag down here. But that was before a few purchases. Now I may have difficulty bringing everything back! The nice thing is that a close friend of mine bought so much, that she needed to upgrade her bag. So in addition to my one bag, I will also be checking a nice baby blue, girls backpack. But don't worry, she removed the key chain that says, "I love Mike".
Yesterday, was my final day of classes. Our final projects were due. The assignment was left very open ended. I spent a lot of time thinking about what to do. I thought while I played soccer, while I watched movies, and while I played cards. But come the night before, I had no idea what to do. Then it hit me! How about I just wing it! Besides, this project was only worth 25% of my grade.
On the morning of my presentation, I asked all of my fellow students to bring some random object to class. I then packed them in my suitcase. Right before I was called to start my project I realized, this was a terrible idea! When it was my turn to present, I began, "This bag is full of the things that I am taking away from Ecuador." I then pulled object after object out of the bag, seeing many of them for the first time, and attempted to come up with a metaphor or representation on the spot. I managed to do this for a surprising 13 minutes. I am not one to brag about grades, usually because my grades are not worth bragging about. But I will say this, my professor was pleased with the originality, creativity and sense of spontaneity that my presentation held. I forgot to mention that this all took place in spanish.
It is with a heavy heart that I have rolled my clothes into tight cylinders. I will not soon forget this place, or more importantly the people that I met here. I can not help but thinking that a great adventure has ended. With my wedding in 50 days, my fiance and I will be moving into an apartment block of 60 young men who are in our charge. Perhaps, the adventure is just changing a little bit.

Upside down frown

I hate hiccups, and the gag reflex, and even the way that when you touch something hot your body automatically recoils. I feel so out of control when my body chooses to do something of its own accord. I guess alot of times this is for our benefit. I am glad that we do not have to concentrate on breathing at all times. But I discovered the other day a new involuntary reflex that I have. Smiling!
It struck me at a time when I saw a group of Hispanic Orphans tackling their group leader. The leader was overwhelmed and taken down by this group of kids laughing their heads off. All of a sudden and without meaning to, the corners of my mouth began to lift. I swear they were up near my eyebrows in one of the biggest and most genuine smiles that I have ever worn. I have noticed this happening with increasing frequency. It seems that I have so much to be happy about. I could say, "Smile, try it out". But instead, don't try it. Just let it happen, and be surprised.

Crazy!

It has been so hard to find some free time in the past couple of days. Actually, I have had a reasonable amount of free time, but no down time. I have filled my free time with soccer games, cheese cake baking, star counting and similar activities.
I leave this beautiful place in three days and can hardly believe it. Really, I only have one night and one full day left. I leave for the airport at 5:30 on the 17th, so really can not count the 17th as a day here.
I have really enjoyed my time here. It was full of struggles and triumphs, strange foods and stranger people! Kidding, but maybe. I have also greatly missed people back home that I love. I have missed the constant communication with them. I am excited that I will get to reunite with these people in the next few days.
Definitely more on this later, for now, I am trying to make the most of the last few days.

Friday!

No class today! but still a lot of learning. I had not mentioned that last Saturday, my friends and I left the seminary in search of an adventure. We had decided to climb a local mountain. So, with native friends, we asked a taxi driver to take us to a mountain and when we arrived at TeleferiQo, a very large mountain, we exited the taxi and began the ascent.
Unfortunately after climbing for about 20 minutes, we encountered some adversity in the form of a security guard. TeleferiQo has ski lifts, that one can pay money to ride to the top. Because of this, it is not allowed to walk up to the top. So we decided to check out the ski lift.
At first glance, the $ 4.50 seemed somewhat reasonable. Then we noticed a second sign: Foreigners 8.50. That seemed a little steep to climb a mountain (Pun intended). Instead we left and ate sketchy pizza.
All of that to say, that today, we returned to TeleferiQo. This time, the program was going to pay for us. We rode the ski lifts to the top and enjoyed some excellent views.
From there we left for lunch. I ate guinea pig. It was staring at me while I chewed. I kept chewing, but with decreased fervor.
After this we went to the other equator. The one that was estimated in the 1700's. They were only about 100 yards off! Can you imagine doing that with so little technology? We got some good pictures, and found out why the locals call it, "Gringo-landia"
A very enjoyable day, chock full of fun. Played cards tonight and I won, my prize was an ecuadorian version of a moon-pie. North America and South America, both under the same moon, but with different moon pies.

Thursday!

I think that my group has realized that we are really on the final countdown. From Thursday, we have just over a week left! I can not believe that it has passed us, with us hardly noticing. After several hours of class today, the ladies were dismissed so as not to be late for their soccer game. Only in South America, is a pick up soccer game reason enough to miss class. I joined in the game after class. It was a lot of fun. I played goalie for a few minutes. Until I got scored on, by girls. I find it very funny that whenever I am in the field, there is an individual here that wants to switch with me, and so puts me in goal. Then, when they score, he tells me to play the field so that he can goal. I realized today, that I am so bad, that everytime he sees me play a position, he thinks to himself, "Wow! He has got to be better at goalie than he is in the field." and then later when I am in goal, he thinks "Nope, no one could be a worse goalie than that."
We lost power again today for a little while. Mega props to my fiance Ashley, who has done an incredible job being flexible and understanding with my crazy schedule. I miss her a ton. Only several more days of unstable skype chats and laggy facebook chat.
My typing has gotten better though.

Wednesday!

It takes me by surprise! Those things that happen outside of our control that turn out for the best. Today just before dinner, all the lights went out. This was rather unexpected given that I was in the midst of a shower. I finished up quickly, toweled off and left for dinner. When I walked in, I was somewhat apprehensive. After all, It had been a long time (too long) since my last candlelight dinner. When I say candlelight dinner, you may envision a nice candelabra, full of brightly burning yankee doodles. Here, there was one candle, to split between two tables. I only missed my mouth on one occasion, which actually had nothing to do with the dark.
After dinner, our wednesday night plans continued in spite of the lack of power. We had planned a little get together to make cookies. Luckily, the oven runs on gas, so the power outage did not bother us. Never before in my life have i made more delicious chocolate chip cookies than the time I used a headlamp while stirring! By the light of a headlamp and a few more candles, we prepared and mixed dough, and began to bake cookies.
Furthering the adventure, was the fact that we did not actually have chocolate chips. We did have, large chocolate disks. I spent a total of about 30 minutes, braking and mashing and otherwise mutilating this chocolate into chips. I may have accidentally dropped some, but they landed in my mouth.
I am not pleased to say that i lost the bet of when the lights would come back on. I guessed that they would return by 8:09 P.M. I was not awake when they returned after 2:30 A.M. As the evening began to wind down however, we enjoyed excellent conversation, and shared several laughs. I realized then, this is satisfaction. A headlamp, chocolate chip cookies and banana bread, and a group of people that love to be together. I strongly encourage anyone who is crazy enough to try. This Friday, invite over some great friends, flip your breakers off, and spend the evening mixing cookie dough by hand. How sweet is the labor of your hands!

Goings on

I was thinking the other day, for a change. Of a time not too long ago, when I was deeply absorbed in building a sand-sea lion. I am not much of an artist, especially not with this particular media. After a few minutes, of struggling to form the complicated body structure, I noticed that it did not in any way resemble a sea lion.
It was at that point that something magical happened! Someone walked by and said, "Hey, cool shark." I immediately stopped building a sea lion, and stopped to admire my sand shark.
From this I have taken a few lessons. Firstly, never tell someone what you are making. It could prevent you from lying about what you were trying to make. Secondly, we are all unfinished masterpieces. Somewhere along in your journey, someone may have told you what you were. They might have even told you that you were not good at something, or should quit something. But bear in mind, we are still being molded and shaped. The great artist is at work. You never know how you might end up!

Fourth of July

I love the fourth of July! Every year, I eat hot dogs, wear ridiculous clothes, and spend much needed time with friends, reciting the preamble.
But not this year. Instead, I woke up and enjoyed a lovely breakfast. I then went to church, ate a nice lunch, and bsaically did everything that I always do here. As a matter of a fact, I remembered at strange times throughout the day that today was the 4th. It made me miss home a little.
I played in a soccer tournament today. It was excellent, but I could not help thinking about all of the fun that my fellow countrymen must be having. Tonight however, a close friend had planned a small get together. We ate Cheeseburgers and chocolate chip cookies. We played constitution bingo, until I was red, white and blue in the face. Was that funny? Either way, it isn't true. I don't know what constitution bingo is, and it probably isn't fun.
Today, I did spend a few minutes at the mall. Whilst there, my group of gringos was approached by an Ecuadorian woman who quizzed us over and over about a note that she had, that was written in English! I can not begin to understand why someone gave her a message in English. But after translating it for her, and answering all of her questions we finally came to the last challenge. She asked us to repeat and write down for her how to say something very specific. We listened many times before we came to a group conclusion of what she wanted to say. It was a sight to see! Five Americans and one Ecuadorian woman saying over and over again, "I am fine, in the train". If you are confused now, you should be. But do not worry, the lady is fine...and apparently in a train. Perhaps it is a metaphor? The train could signify, the stages of life. Although we may walk from boxcar to boxcar as we age, the great locomotive continues on its path. But sometimes, I feel like I am nearing the caboose.
I am thankful to live in a country that values freedom! I am grateful for the liberty that we have. I am thankful for peanut butter that does not cost $8! I hope that you all enjoyed your fireworks or whatever independence day tradition that you hold. Dream tonight of patriotism, waving American flags, and Uncle Sam. Doesn't he know its rude to point?

Post memories from Galapagos

A few more pics, and a few more memories! One of our favorite activities was bird touching. Although this is pretty self explanatory, it is certainly not easy. the birds keep up with the boat, and occasionally come close enough to reach up and touch. We spent countless hours on the top of the ship reaching for the plumage of our avian friends. Whenever one would come within distance, one simply screams, "Touch that Bird" and lunges dramatically for the tactile contact. I retired from this sport, the only successful participant. I touched that bird!
And please notice the form as I jump off of the boat. That is a wetsuit.

Some more pictures

The rest of the Galapaos

Journaling in paradise, is little more than a chore. Therefore, I did not do it very well. I can describe the rest of the Galapagos as a whole.
each day began in similar manner, with our guide waking us up at 6:00 in the morning. He called us each by name, and would often include a special and heart warming message. His repertoire of animal sounds is however extensive! He imitates to perfection the majority of the animals on the islands. He would call upon this most necessary skill to help us get out of bed. On the third day, he encouraged us to "wake up please, and bring the soul and body together to breakfast!" His wake up calls grew to be an excellent part of the trip for all of those involved.
I had only one incidence with sea sickness on the trip. This was a rather humbling incident for me given that I consider myself a sailor. I guess, in reality, I am 95% poser and 5% sailor. Either way, I had not expected to be showing any signs of land lubber, at least until I lost my land lubber lunch! Old man sea was furious and must have been heaving three to four foot seas at us! I mean, 70-80 foot seas. I walked out on the bow to observe the plankton, when all of a sudden, my stomach and I began to argue. "I do not want this dinner", it told me. "Well you wanted it an hour ago", I retorted. That is when I came to a realization. Like a three year old child in a toy store, my own stomach betrayed me and began to throw a tantrum. It also began to throw a little more than that. Without going into to graphic details, I spent just a moment looking closely at the water over the side of the boat before excusing myself to my cabin. Strangely enough, a strange sense of satisfaction came over me, and I heard some weird voice in my head mutter something about giving back to Poseidon.
The next day, I felt ten times better. Which is good because of all the adventure that was had. Primarily with the snorkeling. There were rumors of sharks cropping up amongst those of us who were preparing ourselves to dive to the unknown depths. Mostly because our guide told us there were going to be sharks. I was excited and wondered what my reaction would be when I was in the water with one. I did not have to wait long.
After a few minutes of getting used to the water, we were underway. I was brightly colored starfish, Incredible corals, and more than a few interesting looking fish. Then it happened. I saw a shark! I thought, "cool, I want to get closer" so I did. I dove and followed the guy for a few minutes. He was about six feet long, Galapagos shark. Very manly, very cool.
When we returned to the boat, the captain casually informed me that we could jump off of the top of the boat if we wanted to. I wanted to, so I did. I have always thought that scary things were easier to face, if you did not think about it. So after a few minutes, I stepped up to the edge, peered at the beautiful water more than 30' below, and leaped. I shouted a cheerful "wahoo!" on the way down. Later, all of my fellow students joined me.
The rest of our time was spent observing the incredible creatures that inhabit the Galapagos islands. Including but not limited to the elusive Blue Footed Booby (No laughing), Pink Flamingos, and one of my favorites, the Albatross!
I am not a good gift giver, but thought that I ought try to bring some type of souvenir back to the states for my lovely fiance. The problem is that she seems to want almost nothing...except a picture of the blue footed booby. Proud to say, I made it happen!
One of my favorite experiences in Galapagos was seeing the Albatross take off. This particular bird has a wingspan of 6-7 feet! It is simply to big to just start flying. Instead, it clumsily waddles up to the edge of a cliff, tests the wind, and flings itself over the edge. It uses the updraft of wind to gain its momentum. I got lucky enough to see this in action.
each day we would return to the boat and enjoy the best meals that one can imagine. This was an excellent way to allow the things that we had seen digest. Overall our time in the Galapagos islands was cut too short. We returned back to the mundane world. The world without albatrosses, boat jumping, and sea lions. But then I remembered, the world isn't mundane anyway. Just a different type of cool.

Pictures from Day 2

Galapagos day 2

The days start early here. Early in the morning, my guide, Washington uses the loud speaker to gently rouse us from our dreams. Allow me to rephrase, at 6:00 A.M. when all living creatures should be soundly sleeping, our guide crows like a rooster, and calls us each by name. "Good Morning please my friends", he quips in broken English.
What followed however was incredible. We ate a few crackers and had a form of hot chocolate, before entering into the dinghys and motored ashore. There are two kinds of landings here. Wet landings, which consist of jumping out of the boat directly into the water, or dry landings, that allow you to step onto a dock of some sort. This morning we had a dry landing onto an outcropping of slippery rocks.
After being mesmerized by some very colorful crabs, we continued our walk on the island. My favorite part was seeing the birds. we met them at a cliff, that was apparently perfect for hunting. They could see things that I could not, because at seemingly random moments, hundreds of them would plunge towards the sea together to reap the rewards (Fish-which they eat).
We returned to the boat and enjoyed a hearty breakfast before heading off to our next island. Things move quickly here in the Galapagos! During the passage, I dozed and caught a few minutes of the world cup game.
The rest of the day continued in similar fashion. Excellent snorkeling, incredible views and good time spent with friends.
Please note in the pictures, the beautiful catamaran and the rest of the boats anchored behind me. Sweeeet!

Galapagos day 1

What do Charles Darwin and I have in common? We are both stud muffins! Also both Chuck and I have spent some time in the Galapagos Islands. I fear that his time there may have included more work than mine. I did not know what to expect in the Galapagos Islands, but certainly did not expect to receive a full lunch on the hour and a half long flight. I feel like American flights serve you one pretzel per hour that you are on board. Sometimes flight attendants try to sneak past me without me noticing. I am certain that they are thinking, "Why don't you just go to sleep, so i don't have to deal with you?"
When we stepped off of the plane in Baltra, Galapagos, we were promptly marched across a large doormat. It did not say welcome. It was to clean our shoes of any bad things that we were bringing from the city. I had a feeling that this would become somewhat of a theme for our time in the islands.
We left the open air airport and boarded a bus bound for the Yolita II. I only knew that we would be staying on a motor yacht. I saluted a beautiful 75' catamaran, with sails furled against the wind, as we rode a dinghy to our destination. What I found was a 115' long behemoth of a ship. Immediately on board, we were asked to remove our shoes and thus began our journey.
Our adventure began as do all good adventures, with lunch. This lunch was exceptional, three course meal. Then, we were off! With the white tops of waves brushing against the horizon, I grew excited for the days to come. After a short three hour crossing, I heard the anchor clanking. We had arrived at our first stop!
Our day was not over however. Our native Galapagan Tour guide, Washington, valiantly led us to land. We experienced sea lions and iguanas. The interesting thing about these lands, is that they have mostly been protected from human involvement. No Mcdonalds, no parking lots, only one starbucks. < Lie.
The animals are not hunted, and are not afraid of humans. They allow you to get as close as you like and just watch you. The law says that you can not be closer than one meter. But... I've never really understood the metric system anyway.
The evening ended with a pleasant swim and snorkel in welcoming blue waters.I glanced at the sunset from the bow of the ship, sighed and went to sleep, gently rocked by the waves pressing against the boat.