Yesterday I went white water rafting with South American Explorers in Santo Domingo. The trip was a blast. We hit awesome waves, fell on top of eachother inside of the boat, and got sore from paddling.
At the end of the trip, I got to have my own adventure. We were braving the last section of rapids when I fell out of the boat. Suddenly, I found myself underneath the raft. I pulled myself out, only to be propelled 20 feet away from the boat by the water. I attempted to swim back to the raft, only to get dunked by three massive waves. I swallowed so much water that I felt like I was going to pass out. Fortunately, I did not. I met back up with the raft and my friends pulled me inside.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Extra, Extra
Right now, I am sitting in an Internet café next to a man who cannot sing. The owner is watching TV with the volume on high. In spite of all the chaos, I cannot resist the temptation to tell my readers about my latest Ecuadorian discovery: quality broadcast news. That's right. Rupert Murdoch is yet to takeover the equator!
My favorite newscast occurs at 7 am on Equavision. Carlos Vera, the anchor, uses the program as a forum for discussion about Ecuador's in-progress constitution. On the past two mornings, Vera's guests debated the definition of ¨sovereignty¨ and ¨nationality.¨ My politically-active heart is singing. There is a place in this world where it is okay to discuss philosophy on broadcast television!
My favorite newscast occurs at 7 am on Equavision. Carlos Vera, the anchor, uses the program as a forum for discussion about Ecuador's in-progress constitution. On the past two mornings, Vera's guests debated the definition of ¨sovereignty¨ and ¨nationality.¨ My politically-active heart is singing. There is a place in this world where it is okay to discuss philosophy on broadcast television!
Monday, February 18, 2008
World's Best Hamburgers
Like any proud American, I enjoy one of my country's greatest delicacies: the hamburger. However, I must concede that the world's best beef patties are not served in a diner in New Jersey, nor in a fast food joint on Route 66, nor at a barbecue in Texas. They are all on the equator.
Since arriving in Ecuador, I have had three hamburgers. Each one has been exceptional. Since there are not a lot of refrigerated trucks, the beef comes from local, grass-fed cattle. When it arrives in the kitchen, it is mixed with eggs (the secret to an amazing burger) and a myriad of seasonings. Then, it is molded into wide, flat patties (making it possible to fit the entire concoction into one's mouth). Finally, it is served with all possible fixings. I am going to learn this culinary art and bring it home.
Since arriving in Ecuador, I have had three hamburgers. Each one has been exceptional. Since there are not a lot of refrigerated trucks, the beef comes from local, grass-fed cattle. When it arrives in the kitchen, it is mixed with eggs (the secret to an amazing burger) and a myriad of seasonings. Then, it is molded into wide, flat patties (making it possible to fit the entire concoction into one's mouth). Finally, it is served with all possible fixings. I am going to learn this culinary art and bring it home.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Crazy Weekend
The past few days have been very eventful. Sunday was the Super Bowl, today is Super Tuesday, and all the while Latin America has been celebrating Carnaval (don´t worry Parenting Team, I´m making good choices).
I spent the weekend at Playa Escondida, a secluded beach/ecological reserve on the Ecuadorian coast. The beach had almost no tourists. My friends and I were able to spend the days swimming in peace and hiking to fishing villages, and the nights in a cabana, enveloped in mosquito netting. My room was made almost entirely out of bamboo, had no windows, and had incomplete walls on two sides. There was a hammock next to one of the short walls and a house next to the other. Consequently, I could not change without lying on the floor and squirming like a worm.
When I got back from the beach last night, I moved in with my host family. They are very friendly. This morning I sat with my host mother for a few hours and chatted.
I hope that you all enjoy the big night tonight (of course I mean Super Tuesday, not Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday/Carnaval). I know that I will be watching CNN en Español.
I spent the weekend at Playa Escondida, a secluded beach/ecological reserve on the Ecuadorian coast. The beach had almost no tourists. My friends and I were able to spend the days swimming in peace and hiking to fishing villages, and the nights in a cabana, enveloped in mosquito netting. My room was made almost entirely out of bamboo, had no windows, and had incomplete walls on two sides. There was a hammock next to one of the short walls and a house next to the other. Consequently, I could not change without lying on the floor and squirming like a worm.
When I got back from the beach last night, I moved in with my host family. They are very friendly. This morning I sat with my host mother for a few hours and chatted.
I hope that you all enjoy the big night tonight (of course I mean Super Tuesday, not Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday/Carnaval). I know that I will be watching CNN en Español.
