Been a Long Time

I apologize to everyone for not posting in such a long time. I'll try and catch everyone up as quick as possible.

So we made our way to Mindo where we would be working on the zip-line. The first day was a lot of fun and we instantly fell in love with Mindo. Its bird watchers haven and we were living there! Every morning hummingbirds were flying all around us and up in the canopy we would see amazing birds like toucans.

One weekend we went to Quito and hung out in Old town for a bit. Saw a bunch of old buildings and were quickly over it, too many people and too much danger. We later heard that someone held a knife to a lady to take her purse and everyone kept walking by like nothing was happening.

When we got back there was one extra person who was very rude right of the bat. To make things short we left early because of him and headed towards the coast, which made Nic very happy.

We get to our next volunteer project in Auga Blanca which is a small community in the Machililla National Park. Right away we get a weird vibe, we only had one person tell us welcome when there were a ton of people sitting on the porch as we walked up. Isodro shows us to our room and says tomorrow we will work hard for 2 hours by the lagoon pounding or clearing brush. The next day we go down to the lagoon and they actually have us water a ton of plants with buckets. It was very beautiful and we enjoyed the work.

The next day they had me dust the museum and Nic water the grass. This was how it was for the rest of the time. There was no working with the community, no teaching english, and no organic farming like we read about in the description. Some days we wouldn't do anything because there was nothing to do and when there was something to water or sweep, we had four guys sitting around watching us do it. To make things worse we were a $3 taxi ride away from town and the price doubled if we came home late. We felt trapped and only stayed because we didn't want to loose our money.

One weekend we went to a surf town an hour away, Montanita. We love the food there but its mostly a party town. Normally we go to bed early but the one night we decide to stay out late, someone comes into our room and steals my camera as well as Nic's ipod. We realized the window we thought led to a drop off actually had a walk way from the other hostal. It was upsetting and has hurt Nic more than me.

Funny story with this little guy. We were walking back from up the hill when ghoatito here decided to follow us down to our place. There were so many goats that we thought he wouldn't be missed. We took him up to our room for a little fun and were planning on returning him. A bit later one of the younger guys that already called us stupid gringos came down and laughed at me. Nic was in the room with goat and there was an awkward moment as Nic returned the goat to his owner, like a sad parent returning the child when his week is up. This happens to also be one of the very last photos I was able to take with my camera as well :(

Quilotoa

So the bus ride from Latacunga to Quilotoa was one of the weirdest cultural experiences. The whole ride there was a girl who was standing in the aisle and during this whole time she was also sitting in my seat. My neck was cranked to the side the whole ride, it was the most uncomfortable moment (that went on for 3 hours). I should of said something but every time I heard her talk she was speaking quichwa so I doubted she could understand my Spanish.

After we had climbed up and up we finally got off with a bunch of other gringos. There were no signs and every one was looking around in confusion. I had to pee like no other so we started walking to the right. We came to a little barrier where we had to pay $2 each to enter the town of Quilotoa. We asked which hostal was the cheapest and they brought us to the closest one. It only took us a few minutes to realize that it was their hostal. The rooms had no fires and the bathroom was a short walk away so we decided to check out the other places. We ended up picking on that was $7 a night with desayunos, fire in the room, and a private bathroom. Right after we settled in we took a look at the crater.

Quilotoa is 4000m (about 13000ft) above sea level in the Cotopaxi province which means its really cold even though the sun feels like its right above you. The crater was formed about 800 years ago after a volcano erupted. For many years the locals believed the crater was bottomless but today it is known to be about 800 ft deep. In the evening the clouds roll in and it becomes a different world all though you could never imagine with these beautiful blue skies. We did the hike around the crater which was a lot harder than it looked. With a lunch break and many photos it took about 4 hours. By the time we got back it was freezing and there isn't much to do besides look at the crater in Quilotoa. We decided that night to try and get out of there as quick as possible.

The next morning we went to give our keys to the lady when she asked us where we planned on going. She said the next bus that way wasn't until 2 and it was only 9 am. Nic thought we could hitch a ride but most of the drivers wanted $20 for a 12 km drive. Things worked out great though after we talked to a couple of other travelers who were trying to get to Latacunga. They were hiring a driver and told us the town in the opposite direction is actually a lot easier to catch a ride to Bancos than the place we originally had our minds set on. So for $2 we made it to the next town and right after a bus pulled up that was going in our direction (perfect timing). After a couple of hours on the bus I started to see more green and it felt like a weight had been lifted. Quiltotoa was great but the cold and elevation was not for me. The whole time my face, hands and feet where swollen. I looked like a blow up fish. From Bancos we were heading to Mindo, our next volunteer spot. 

More Baños and Birthday

We left Saturday morning after seeing an amazing sunrise come up over the jungle. Good byes were sad but Nic and I were both ready to be moving on. Since Tuesday was my birthday we thought it would be nice to celebrate in Baños for the weekend. After checking in to our hostal I read an email that said we couldn´t start our next program till the week after. This was perfect because it gave us a chance to have some freedom and fun.

After a day we realize we were kind of over Baños but we had already paid for the next night and I was pretty set on having a nice dinner at Cafe Hood for my birthday. Right when things seemed at a stand still we met this guy who did rock climbing for only $15 (which was pretty cheap for the area). Without much thought we said yes. Everything worked out great and as a bonus he said we could go up for free the next day. It was a lot of fun but I still have bruises that make me look like a lepoard. Nic is set that its going to be his inland surfing.

There was some debate going on for a couple of days whether or not to head to the coast for a week. Nic was torn between his addiction of surf and saving money. After sometime he finally decided it was more economical to go for a hike instead. We set our sites for Quilotoa which is a huge crater in the Andes. This meant we were on a bus for the majority of my birthday but the dinner the night before was enough for me.

The first stop was Latacunga which is a pretty big city that tourist only go through on their way to the Quilotoa loop. Since there is only a couple of buses that leave a day we had to spend a night there. We werent that impressed by the city but we did have some cheap good food. The hostal was the first one we could fine because we were getting a lot of stares with our packs on. That night there was non stop noise coming from outside. QUITO QUITO QUITO and in the background spanish music that has the exact same beat for each song. It was a rough night for the both of us.

Ill post the rest soon....

Quick Update

Language of Ecuadorians:
One honk-Hey, Hola Amigo
Two honks-move, coming up fast, need a ride?, boo, look at those whities!!
Hand swivel-no room sorry
Hand down-need a ride please
Two honks-life is better when you honk all the time

Sometimes I feel like I´m back in New York City. Ecuadorians love their horns for good and bad situations and they are crazy drivers. One taxi we took they stuck us in the back of the truck and procedded to go over 70 mph. That was by far the scariest moment we have had with vehicles so far. I jumped out of that truck as fast as I could, even Nic was glad it was such a short ride.

This is our last week with Marco and his family in the Amazon. Its kind of sad but I´m ready for something new, so is Nic. We did have a small break in Baños which was really nice. We walked around and found our new favorite gringo spot, Casa Hood. We ate garlic bread for a buck, I had a salad with half an avocado in it, and Nic had this amazing Almuerzo, which is a set lunch you can buy. They offer almuerzos everywhere for 2 or 3 and it includes soup, juice, a dish mostly chicken, and a dessert. A ton of food for not very much. Casa Hood also had a really great book exchange. After a quick walk we went and treated ourselves to a massage and facial. An hour and 15 min for $20. Well worth every every penny.

Thinking of everyone lots
more photos soon, maybe tonight.

Armadillo Time

Armadillo, they went out at 10 and didn't catch the bugger till 4 am.

First bake.

Shower/washer machine/armadillo cleaning station.

Cutting begins

There was a sad moment when we realized that sack was full of babies.

Three of them, Isaac put one in a jar later on.

Ready to go. All the guts and babies were later cooked in a big sopa for the perro Tony who helped catch the prize.

Photos!!

Nic hates this.

Our little room in the jungle, near Puyo

This photo is for my mom.

Anybody want to buy some land 20 hectares for $50,000? Beautiful with a warm river flowing threw it.

Nic jumping in the river.

I'll post more photos tonight. We have the weekend off right now to enjoy ourselves in Banos, gringo town with lots of fun shops and candy stores.

In the Amazon!!

We have reached one week today!!

My new favorite ride is the bus system now. Every ride has more to see and more thrills to freak Nic out, I love it. We went through a tunnel which had water leaking everywhere, it reminded me of a bad Disney ride then as we came out you could looked down a really steep drop to this beautiful river, at this point Nic switched spots with me so I would have the window seat. All together we were on a bus for about 9 hours and I enjoyed every minute.

Now we are in Puyo which is a really small town about an hour away from Baños. It doesnt get many gringos so we stick out but luckily we have a local to show us around. This is where it gets even more amazing. The place we are staying at is right at the edge of the jungle, la selva. There is organic farming, finca, all over the property. The first day all we did was weed but each pull of a plant brought more bugs to see. I could walk around for hours taking photos of different things and writing in my journal. Marco, an amazing person that makes Rambo look like a child, has so much knowledge of the local area and all the medicinal plants the selva has to offer. The first day he took us around and identified many plants. I´m hoping I´ll have another chance to do this with him again later because I was unsure if I could take my camera out or not. Each day and everything is great, even the tough work in the garden or the gathering of huge leafs in the jungle.

My spanish is getting better but I´m still having hesitation speaking in spanish. It doesnt help that Nic enjoys talking almost as much as he does eating but my undestanding is getting better. Sooner or later I´m just going to start spitting out perect Spanish and make Nic look like the white guy, just kidding.

The food!! Fruits, meat everything tastes so good here. Its a combination of the hard work and this sun but it really does add to the experience. Everytime we eat though all I can think of is my mom telling me I shouldn´t drink that or eat that. Well I have listened a little and still refuse to drink the milk which is from the cows of a neighbor so be proud mom lol. Nic and I have both been very fortunate so far with no food sickness although the malaria pills did make me sick one night.

Not sure when the next time is that I will have a computer but hopefully its soon. Thanks for reading everyone and miss you guys all very much. When we are back in Riobamba in a couple of weeks we can set up skype times for anyone that wants to talk to us.

Love
Nic and Kenzie

Finally Here

So after almost 24 hours of traveling we are finally here in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Things went smoothly, all except the fact that they lost our luggage. So the 25lbs of stuff that is our life is missing, with no phone number to give and only an email. We had to extend our stay here in the city for two nights, it might lead to some new and fun things but its going to hurt our tight budget. I'm still so excited that I'm having a hard time seeing the negative.

The good news is the hostal let us get into our rooms early so we are here now, relaxing and enjoying this comfy bed. Nic says he can hear the birds outside which is pretty neat. The plan at this point is to take a quick nap and then go off and explore. Find a cafe and enjoy ourselves for a bit. Apologies for any other travelers that might come across us because our soap was also lost. I'm sure we will find a drug store or something by the end of the day.

I'll keep you guys posted, for now buenos dias todos gentes.

Last night in estados unidos

Nic here, w/kenzie on my shoulder :)

We've got lotsa love for all of you here at home. We'll miss you all .  I've enjoyed everyone's company and companionship.  Thanks for all your Love and support.  We couldn't be doing this without our support groups (family and friends).  Thanks SO SO much everyone.  We're blessed to be going on this adventure to a distant land, and cherish all of our relationships we've had back at home here in the Pacific Northwest. 

I'd like to say that we'll be posting frequently, but even weekly posts will be hard.  We'll notify you all when we arrive to our hostel in Guayaquil, Ecuador on Saturday, afterwhich we'll be observing their independence day :) 

Peace and Love ,

Nico y KenZ

Leaving Soon

We have two full days left to spend time with our families and I can feel the emotions getting more and more tense. There is so much excitement but at the same time theres sadness to be away from our loved ones. I'm realizing how much I truly appreciate both mine and Nic's family. They have been so great and supportive, more than I could ever hope for.

Thanks everyone so far who has supported Nic and me throughout the beginning process and who have dealt with my overwhelming amount of stress (poor Nic). I especially want to give thanks to God and everyone's prayers that I KNOW have helped tremendously. My church is my extended family and I will miss them so much.

Also for everyone who doesn't know my contract finally was approved last thursday, day before its due, so I will be getting credit for this trip thanks to Rob my advisor.

This is kind of a pathetic first post and a little disorganized but I'm struggling with writing something like this that I know anyone can see. I'll get over it soon enough, many more to come!!