The Half Way Point...

July 22, 2007

Hey All!

I have now been in Ecuador for several weeks and am about half way through training. Exciting! Things are still amazing here and there is a lot to report and a lot still coming up.

First off, I will be finding out my official site assignment--the place I will be living for 2 years--on Tues. This is important and exciting; there are several potential agencies I could be working with, and various areas in health. Time will tell, but I have my sights on a couple particulars and we will see what happens :D

I went hiking today at la Laguna Cuicocha, a lake with mountains and I THINK was a volcano way back when. It is about an hour north of Cayambe and the hike was about 4 hours long and INTENSE. No kidding...one of the most physically demanding things I have ever done, but worth it. Completely. When I get a chance to upload pics, I will add a couple here.

Which reminds me: If there is someone who is not recieving my emails or snapfish pics, please email me and let me know so I can add you to the lists. Things were crazy when I was leaving and I dont know that I got everyone on the lists. Sorry! So much has been going on!

More interesting news...is that I have eaten soup with cow stomach and another type, last night, with chicken feet. Mmmm, mmm! Well, I didnt have to eat the foot but you know, what can I say?? Who ELSE has eaten chicken foot soup!? Dare I say none?

I will post after Tues so that everyone knows more about my situation, but for now, I must catch the bus back into town. I hope everyone is well and happy, as happy as I am here in this beautiful and interesting country. I truly am having a wonderful culteral experience and I feel very at home and at peace thus far. More to come later!

Peace and Love,
Kelly

7 Comments

Big M:
July 22, 2007
Wow! Chicken foot soup! Haven't tried that one. Did it taste like chicken soup? I don't even think you can buy chicken feet here. We will keep our fingers crossed for good results on Tuesday. I'm glad you are happy Kelly; as you know, your happiness is Dad's first concern! Love you, Mom.
Aunt Kathy:
July 23, 2007
Can't wait to hear what your assignment will be>>>Peace! Aunt Kathy
Aunt Sandy:
July 23, 2007
Can't say that I've have chicken feet soup, but I have had some unrecognizable chicken stir fry (extremely crunchy and slimy all in the same bit! We think they just use EVERY part of the chicken). But hey...I did hike a volcano in Indonesia on the island of Sumatra. I agree, very intense hike but well worth it. Looking forward to hearing where you will land!
Vanessa:
July 24, 2007
Kelly! Loving the pictures, thanks for the postcard! It seems like you are really enjoying yourself. Have fun! And thanks for giving me an opportunity to use a blog. Vanessa
NANA:
July 24, 2007
Will be thinking and praying for you at mass this AM that youi land
in the area of your choice
And people think I am weird because I like liver
Love You
Nana
josie:
July 24, 2007
cows stomach? i bet my hubbie would eat that. i read an article about the most affordable places to retire to and equador was on there! i totally thought about you! i hope you get your pick of permanent spots and get settled in. that way you will be all set in case you get some gringa visitors ;)
Mark A. Mahoney:
July 27, 2007
Kelly,

When I was in Ecuador and came into Ibarra on the bus, the first thing the townfolks would do was to get a nice caldo of chicken feet soup for breakfast. I sampled it a few times but generally opted for a soft-boiled egg with bread. While serving in the Peace Corps in Chile, I had something called nyachi in the Mapuche language of Mapudungu(sp??) - that is coagulated goat blood in a gelatinous form.

The area of Cuicocha and the volcano is truly magnificent. Let me know if you see two rings around the sun at some point as that is a clear remembrance I have of hiking around that area.

Good luck (buena suerte!) and yes, it truly is a fascinating place and yes, you are indeed lucky to be there (una persona bien fortunada!).

I will keep you updated on our upcoming newsletter to be published by the Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of North Florida group.

Marco Antonio

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