September the 4Th marked the beginning of our second year of English classes at Katitawa. Although we had five graduate we still have six of the older kids returning. Four of the six are doing exceptionally well and it is great to see their progress.
We also have four of the littlest kids who have moved up from the kindergarten. Last year we had two one and a half hour sessions per week and now we have a one hour class everyday. Since we are a small school we are able to limit the classes to four children per class which is great for teaching a new language to kids who already speak Spanish and their native Kichwa. For the rest of the story click here.and you will be linked to the Katitawa School site.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
New Hours For The Library.
The Biblioteca Rosa Maria is now open every day from 2 til 7. We have hired one of the brightest English students who attended the vacation classes at Katitawa. Her name is Fanny and attends high school in Salasaca.
She is pictured below with Robert in front of the library.
We now have more than 600 books, in Spanish, Kichwa and English. We hope to have at least a thousand by the end of the year.
To help pay some of the expenses, a few of the local weavers have put some of their work on display and have agreed to give us a commission on what we sell.
We invite all visitors on their way to Baños to get off the bus and spend at least a couple of hours in Salasaca. Who knows you may want to stay a while and take away an unique Ecuadorian experience.
We provide free accomodations and food for our volunteers and have no fees. All we want is your time.
She is pictured below with Robert in front of the library.
We now have more than 600 books, in Spanish, Kichwa and English. We hope to have at least a thousand by the end of the year.To help pay some of the expenses, a few of the local weavers have put some of their work on display and have agreed to give us a commission on what we sell.
We invite all visitors on their way to Baños to get off the bus and spend at least a couple of hours in Salasaca. Who knows you may want to stay a while and take away an unique Ecuadorian experience.
We provide free accomodations and food for our volunteers and have no fees. All we want is your time.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Return to Tungurahua....A year later.
A year ago, August 2006, Jose and I, along with a couple of friends made the trek from Cotalo, across the Champa River, through the devestation of the July eruption, to Cusara and on to Baños. In August of 2007, Julie from Canada, Nieve from Ireland, Fabiola, Jose and I took the trip again and found that the terain had changed considerably after the mid-August eruption.
Decending halfway down the mountain from Cotalo we look across at Tungurahua and wonder if we can even get across the large canyon that was carved last August.
The hike down from Cotalo and across the river was the same as the year before but sfter a short up-hill trek we came to the area where the lahars flows have created several canyons blocking our path....Some of them very deep.
This was our first little detour to get across a gap where a bridge had been taken away. As we learned a little later this was a "piece of cake".
When we started this downhill we were not sure if we could get across or not. The sand was very unstable and at this point Fabiola was in front and started to slide. I jumped in front and used my boots to stop her. It was not not life thretening as we were pretty close to the bottom by that time....Just a little scary.
After this crossing the rest of the trip to Baños great. We walked into Baños five and a half hours after we left Cotalo. What an adventure.
Thank you Julie for the great pictures.
Decending halfway down the mountain from Cotalo we look across at Tungurahua and wonder if we can even get across the large canyon that was carved last August.
The hike down from Cotalo and across the river was the same as the year before but sfter a short up-hill trek we came to the area where the lahars flows have created several canyons blocking our path....Some of them very deep.This was our first little detour to get across a gap where a bridge had been taken away. As we learned a little later this was a "piece of cake".
When we started this downhill we were not sure if we could get across or not. The sand was very unstable and at this point Fabiola was in front and started to slide. I jumped in front and used my boots to stop her. It was not not life thretening as we were pretty close to the bottom by that time....Just a little scary.
After this crossing the rest of the trip to Baños great. We walked into Baños five and a half hours after we left Cotalo. What an adventure.
Thank you Julie for the great pictures.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Biblioteca Rosa Maria
The new sign over the door of the library in Salasaca village.
One of the on-going projects that the volunteers are working on is the setting up of a library in Salasaca village. The library will serve as a place where the children and adults alike can go in the evenings to read and supplement their classes at Katitawa school.
The beginning stages of the library.
So far most of the books in the library have been donated by friends and family of the volunteers. We have also had some money donated towards the library, which went to buying books. We bought these books in "Libreria Española" on Av. Colon in Quito (Thanks to the staff there for their help and discounts offered!) Finally, the "English Book Store" on Calle Calama in Quito has donated some children's books.
As always, anyone interested in helping out can hit the "Make A Donation" button.
Enda, Robert and John outside the library.
One of the on-going projects that the volunteers are working on is the setting up of a library in Salasaca village. The library will serve as a place where the children and adults alike can go in the evenings to read and supplement their classes at Katitawa school.
The beginning stages of the library.
So far most of the books in the library have been donated by friends and family of the volunteers. We have also had some money donated towards the library, which went to buying books. We bought these books in "Libreria Española" on Av. Colon in Quito (Thanks to the staff there for their help and discounts offered!) Finally, the "English Book Store" on Calle Calama in Quito has donated some children's books.
As always, anyone interested in helping out can hit the "Make A Donation" button.
Enda, Robert and John outside the library.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Our Volunteers....Past and Present.
The young people who have volunteered here in Salasaca have been great. Learn a little more about them at our Sumak Kawsay Yachay Foundation site. We would not be able to do what we are doing without them.
I will be going to Baños tomorrow afternoon with Fabiola to pick up a new volunteer that Lorenzo at the Casa Hood Restaurant talked into spending a little time teaching English at the Katitawa School. We have two weeks left of the Summer Session and we are two teachers short. Thanks Lorenzo.
I will be going to Baños tomorrow afternoon with Fabiola to pick up a new volunteer that Lorenzo at the Casa Hood Restaurant talked into spending a little time teaching English at the Katitawa School. We have two weeks left of the Summer Session and we are two teachers short. Thanks Lorenzo.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Vacation English Classes At Katitawa
Vacation school English began on July 9th. We really did not know what to expect as to the number of kids who would show up but was very pleased with the turnout.We started out the day with 20 students and before the week was out we had 30. We split them into three groups seperating them by age and ability.
Elizabeth took the most advanced. This group was made up mostly with Katitawa students who she had worked with during the school year. For the rest of the story please visit the Katitawa School Site
Elizabeth took the most advanced. This group was made up mostly with Katitawa students who she had worked with during the school year. For the rest of the story please visit the Katitawa School Site
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Katitawa School Projects
We have many projects at the Katitawa School. Here on the Baños Ecuador blog I will list them and if you click on the titles you will be taken to the various posts on the Katitawa School page where you will find a description and the progress being made.
Sports Court...Soccor, Basketball, Volley Ball area.
New walkway at the entrance to English classroom.
Sports Court...Soccor, Basketball, Volley Ball area.
New walkway at the entrance to English classroom.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Ian's Thoughts
I have to say that my expierience here in Salasaca has been more than normal, infact it has been extraterrestrial. I mean that in a good sense. The people are inviting and loving. I believe that there reaction to my being here is positive in part to my activities at Katitawa school. I am not sure wether my life style and interations with the teachers and students at Katitawa have made me smell better, or if the fact that I am living a good life has caused such a positive response from each and every person I come in contact with. I lean towards the idea that the children I am teaching are teaching me. I hope that the impact these kids are having on my life is reflective. It has been almost a month and I am torn with the decision of leaving. On the one hand I miss my family and friends and have a long way to go before I make it back to Texas by land. On the other hand, I feel that leaving here will be like leaving new family and friends that I have only just begun to know. When I arrived the openess and acceptance of all the people was shocking. Usually there is some barrierors to break through before people let you in, here there are no walls, instead the farmers of this community separate their plots of land by useing large agaves. This is one metaphor that explains alot about the society here. I am a teacher here in Salasaca, but more than that I have become a friend. For all of those reading this, it would do you good to visit, even for just a day.
Ian Chambers
Live And Learn....There Is A Better Way To Send Books.
First of all I want to thank everyone who has sent books for our library. It is growing little by little and we will be open everyday starting next week. I would like to see more tourist on their way to Baños, jump off the bus and spend a few hours in Salasaca or maybe even overnight. I would love to show you around and any books that you brought would be worth a nights lodging at the volunteers quarters, if we have an extra bed available.
Now that I have brought up the subject of books I would like to relate my last experience with the Post Office here in Salasaca.
I received a message from the post office in Salasaca advising me there were three boxes in customs at the Ambato Post Office and I needed to pick them up before noon that same day or they would send them back...wherever back would be. I got the message around 9AM. So with a deadline three hours away, I left the school in the rain and headed to Ambato. Because of the road construction going on at each end of Salasaca, I had to walk to an area at the outskirts of Pelileo to get a bus to Ambato and arrived at the Post Office around 11:00.
This was my first experience with Customs at the post office so I did not know what to expect. As it turned out there were indeed three boxes of books sent by two different people in Texas. The labels stated that the contents were a donation and I was armed with a letter from the officials of the school district to the customs officials requesting that any duty that might be due be waived. After checking the contents I was surprised that the customs agent got out his calculator and started punching numbers. He then looked up and said in a very calm voice. "That will $94.00 (and some change). I looked up and said, "Your not serious?" and he said "Tes I am." I then went into my poor school routine but it had no effect. I asked weather the letter from the officials had any weight at all? I was told that it did and there was no duty charged on the books...Only the postage. And since there was no way I could take the books and they keep the stamps I had to figure a way to come up with the money. Unfortunately, these kind folks from Texas and undoubtedly friends or family of our last volunteer, Inn Chambers had sent the packages Priority Mail at a cost of $275.
What I learned was:
1. If you are going to send anything by mail send it the cheapest way.
2. If the weight is two kilos or less, it does not go through customs and therefore no duty.
3. If it is more than two kilos you must pay duty on the contents and 30% duty on the postage.
4. This tax only applies to items sent by mail. The 30% does not apply if you send by other means.
I did ask the agent what would happen if we could not raise the money. He told me they would be put in storage and a judge would decide what to do with them. I commented that maybe the judge would donate them to the school and the agent responded, maybe, but we would have to wait a year.
I will not abandon the books to chance and next week I will deliver the money and take the books.
A final note....We need more books and if you send them by mail just make sure that the package is less than two kilos. In the meantime we are trying to get one of the air carriers to ship them for free. I will keep you advised on how we are doing in this regard.
Thanks again for the books....We learned a good lesson and education is not free.
I really would like to know if other countries are this creative in their tax laws.
Now that I have brought up the subject of books I would like to relate my last experience with the Post Office here in Salasaca.
I received a message from the post office in Salasaca advising me there were three boxes in customs at the Ambato Post Office and I needed to pick them up before noon that same day or they would send them back...wherever back would be. I got the message around 9AM. So with a deadline three hours away, I left the school in the rain and headed to Ambato. Because of the road construction going on at each end of Salasaca, I had to walk to an area at the outskirts of Pelileo to get a bus to Ambato and arrived at the Post Office around 11:00.
This was my first experience with Customs at the post office so I did not know what to expect. As it turned out there were indeed three boxes of books sent by two different people in Texas. The labels stated that the contents were a donation and I was armed with a letter from the officials of the school district to the customs officials requesting that any duty that might be due be waived. After checking the contents I was surprised that the customs agent got out his calculator and started punching numbers. He then looked up and said in a very calm voice. "That will $94.00 (and some change). I looked up and said, "Your not serious?" and he said "Tes I am." I then went into my poor school routine but it had no effect. I asked weather the letter from the officials had any weight at all? I was told that it did and there was no duty charged on the books...Only the postage. And since there was no way I could take the books and they keep the stamps I had to figure a way to come up with the money. Unfortunately, these kind folks from Texas and undoubtedly friends or family of our last volunteer, Inn Chambers had sent the packages Priority Mail at a cost of $275.
What I learned was:
1. If you are going to send anything by mail send it the cheapest way.
2. If the weight is two kilos or less, it does not go through customs and therefore no duty.
3. If it is more than two kilos you must pay duty on the contents and 30% duty on the postage.
4. This tax only applies to items sent by mail. The 30% does not apply if you send by other means.
I did ask the agent what would happen if we could not raise the money. He told me they would be put in storage and a judge would decide what to do with them. I commented that maybe the judge would donate them to the school and the agent responded, maybe, but we would have to wait a year.
I will not abandon the books to chance and next week I will deliver the money and take the books.
A final note....We need more books and if you send them by mail just make sure that the package is less than two kilos. In the meantime we are trying to get one of the air carriers to ship them for free. I will keep you advised on how we are doing in this regard.
Thanks again for the books....We learned a good lesson and education is not free.
I really would like to know if other countries are this creative in their tax laws.
Chimborazo....The Highest Peak In Ecuador
On Thursday afternoon we were treated to a rare view of Chimborazo. This majestic ice covered volcano is 20,000 plus feet above the leval of the sea.
The jagged snow covered peakes to the right of Chimborazo is Carihuairazo. It is an inactive volcano that stands a mere 16,496 feet about sea leval. Carihuairazo in Kichwa means Man, Wind, Ice or Windy Ice Man.
Another view of Chimborazo. This one taken at sunrise from a forth floor hotel room window in Riobamba. Pretty nice site from a ten dollar a night room.
The jagged snow covered peakes to the right of Chimborazo is Carihuairazo. It is an inactive volcano that stands a mere 16,496 feet about sea leval. Carihuairazo in Kichwa means Man, Wind, Ice or Windy Ice Man.
Another view of Chimborazo. This one taken at sunrise from a forth floor hotel room window in Riobamba. Pretty nice site from a ten dollar a night room.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Up-Date...The Road To Baños From Pelileo Is Now Open....but there could be delays.
Since Friday the 22nd of June, the road to Baños from Pelileo has been closed to all but the most hardy. Last Friday, after days of heavy rain over much of three provinces, Tungurahua among them, there was a massive landslide a short distance outside of Baños, making the road impassable.
The workers have been working desperately to carve a new road around the area. Several of my friends have crossed the area on foot. This was not an easy trek but to my knowledge none have been lost to the canyon below.
The Governor of Tungurahua announced that the road would be open for traffic this weekend but the people in charge of the construction work said that the task is very complicated and he could not give a completion date, but he was sure that it would not be this weekend.
There is another option. I just got an e-mail form my friend Lorenzo who stayed a couple of days in Salasaca and then returned to Quito. He told me he was now in Baños. He left Quito at 8 AM on a bus to Tena. After a six hour trip on a very rough road. he caught another bus to Baños via Puyo....another four hours. So it can be done, if you have the time and the desire to make the trip.
The workers have been working desperately to carve a new road around the area. Several of my friends have crossed the area on foot. This was not an easy trek but to my knowledge none have been lost to the canyon below.
The Governor of Tungurahua announced that the road would be open for traffic this weekend but the people in charge of the construction work said that the task is very complicated and he could not give a completion date, but he was sure that it would not be this weekend.
There is another option. I just got an e-mail form my friend Lorenzo who stayed a couple of days in Salasaca and then returned to Quito. He told me he was now in Baños. He left Quito at 8 AM on a bus to Tena. After a six hour trip on a very rough road. he caught another bus to Baños via Puyo....another four hours. So it can be done, if you have the time and the desire to make the trip.
Friday, June 29, 2007
I Was Thrilled, I Was Proud And I Am Happy
Yesterday, as I walked the 3KM's to the Katitawa School, which is located in the hills above Salasaca, I was a little preoccupied because I did not know really what to expect for the day. We had an event scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM and when I left the school the afternoon before, nothing was ready. This event had been scheduled for the 21st of June, which in the old Inca calendar, is the Day of the Sun, and still has some significance today. We had been disappointed when we were told that because of the conflicting schedules of the dignitaries from Salasaca and Pelileo we would have to celebrate the day on the 28th. As it turned out it rained almost all day the 21st but was sunny all day on the 28th which for this area is extremely rare. For the rest of the story please click here to open the Katitawa School page.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Emergency Room Visit....Not a bad experience.
Sorry for the month long hiatus. I have many excuses but none of them worthy of any merit so "sorry", will have to do.
Yesterday morning I had another first hand experience with the medical procedures here in Ecuador. I was awakened at 6:30 by a phone call from a friend who had been in an automobile accident and wanted me to accompany her to the Emergency Room at the Hospital Provincial Docente Ambato.
Once there I realized why, when going to the hospital, you need a companion. The service was good, however it is a pay as you go process. The first charge was the consultation, which was $1.00. I needed to go to the cashier and pay the $1.00 and return with the receipt. After the examination they determined that the cut on the head should be sutured. I was given a list of necessary items and went to the hospital pharmacy and bought the items for mini surgery ($6.00). After that they needed an x-ray. Back to the cashier to pay the $4.00. When the medical staff was pretty sure that everything was intact we were free to go.
From what I saw, the place was clean, orderly and very affordable.
Yesterday morning I had another first hand experience with the medical procedures here in Ecuador. I was awakened at 6:30 by a phone call from a friend who had been in an automobile accident and wanted me to accompany her to the Emergency Room at the Hospital Provincial Docente Ambato.
Once there I realized why, when going to the hospital, you need a companion. The service was good, however it is a pay as you go process. The first charge was the consultation, which was $1.00. I needed to go to the cashier and pay the $1.00 and return with the receipt. After the examination they determined that the cut on the head should be sutured. I was given a list of necessary items and went to the hospital pharmacy and bought the items for mini surgery ($6.00). After that they needed an x-ray. Back to the cashier to pay the $4.00. When the medical staff was pretty sure that everything was intact we were free to go.
From what I saw, the place was clean, orderly and very affordable.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
You Guessed It, J.
I received a message from a reader a few days ago asking what was the meaning of this box that has been adorning this wordless post for many weeks.
He answered his own question...."It must be something to do with the solar panels" Well he was right on the money. It is the control box for the two panels that give power to the pump that furnishes the fresh water to the school up the hill. Some months ago the discharge pipe sprung a leak and sprayed water on the box and in a short time a fire destroyed the electronics. Since then when they needed to fill the water tank above the wires from the panels were were draped over the pump wires and to everyone's surprise it worked fine. So as the old saying goes "If it works don't mess with it." For the rest of the story Click Here
When I found the problem I was a little concerned that this direct connection may in time, if the conditions are right, cause a problem with the pump, I asked a friend who was returning to Florida to see if he could find a replacement. He took this digital picture of the unit and all of the specks and is looking.
So far I have not gotten a reply. If any one who reads this blog has experience with this type of equipment and has an idea where I can get replacement and its cost. I would welcome the information.
Specs.
Maker: GRUNDFOS
Type: CU 200 Elunil cpl. V-NO-V02
Product No.:96467801
S/N 1582
Live Life One Day At A Time....But plan for the unexpected.
I know now for sure that the number of readers of this blog is proportional to the number to posts that I make. In the past two weeks I have spent very little time in front of this machine as I was laid low by a bout with pneumonia which was my first experience with the realities of this common ailment. I am happy to say that I am feeling great and hope to return to the classroom on Monday.
It is amazing how things work out...My problem started two weeks ago when I met up with our new volunteer, Ian Chambers, from Austin, Texas, for the walk up the hill to the school. We had met the previous Saturday in Salasaca where I gave him a tour of the school and showed him his quarters. I did not appreciate then just what a great find we had made.
It was a rainy morning and we thought about taking the truck with the kids, but the rain stopped suddenly so we started on foot. It is a beautiful walk and a great way to start the day. I introduced Ian to the first class as my helper for the next month. Two hours later I had the chills and had to leave. He took over at that point and I headed for Ambato, where a hour and a half later I crashed and slept for four or five hours. Four days later, after x-rays and lab tests I was told that I had pneumonia. I am glad to say that after what seems like a thousand hours of sleep I feel great. I saw the doctor this morning and he confirms what I feel.... I am fine.
Ian stopped by a week ago Thursday and we talked a little about how things were going and he said everything was fine and he loved the job. I had planned a trip to the zoo in Baños for the next day and I commented that, "I guess the trip to the zoo was cancelled", because I had made a deal with the director that I would pick-up the difference in the cost of the trip and what the kids could pay. He responded.."don't worry, everything is taken care of." Thank you Ian. I don't know if anyone had a camera that day, but I hope so.
One lesson that this little adventure has taught me is that we humans are pretty fragile individuals. One minute we are fine and the next ....Who knows. Rosa Maria, the director of the school and I, had a conversation a few weeks ago and she was concerned what would happen to the school if she was not there. I did not pay much attention because she is a healthy women. and those problems were years away. Now I am taking a different look at that possibility and am working on some ideas that could insure for the future that what we have started here in Salasaca will continue with or without Rosa Maria or myself.
If anyone who reads this blog has had experience in this type of program I would appreciate your input. More on the subject later.
It is amazing how things work out...My problem started two weeks ago when I met up with our new volunteer, Ian Chambers, from Austin, Texas, for the walk up the hill to the school. We had met the previous Saturday in Salasaca where I gave him a tour of the school and showed him his quarters. I did not appreciate then just what a great find we had made.
It was a rainy morning and we thought about taking the truck with the kids, but the rain stopped suddenly so we started on foot. It is a beautiful walk and a great way to start the day. I introduced Ian to the first class as my helper for the next month. Two hours later I had the chills and had to leave. He took over at that point and I headed for Ambato, where a hour and a half later I crashed and slept for four or five hours. Four days later, after x-rays and lab tests I was told that I had pneumonia. I am glad to say that after what seems like a thousand hours of sleep I feel great. I saw the doctor this morning and he confirms what I feel.... I am fine.
Ian stopped by a week ago Thursday and we talked a little about how things were going and he said everything was fine and he loved the job. I had planned a trip to the zoo in Baños for the next day and I commented that, "I guess the trip to the zoo was cancelled", because I had made a deal with the director that I would pick-up the difference in the cost of the trip and what the kids could pay. He responded.."don't worry, everything is taken care of." Thank you Ian. I don't know if anyone had a camera that day, but I hope so.
One lesson that this little adventure has taught me is that we humans are pretty fragile individuals. One minute we are fine and the next ....Who knows. Rosa Maria, the director of the school and I, had a conversation a few weeks ago and she was concerned what would happen to the school if she was not there. I did not pay much attention because she is a healthy women. and those problems were years away. Now I am taking a different look at that possibility and am working on some ideas that could insure for the future that what we have started here in Salasaca will continue with or without Rosa Maria or myself.
If anyone who reads this blog has had experience in this type of program I would appreciate your input. More on the subject later.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Sandy...I think they liked the books.
A picture is worth a lot of words.
I received this picture from Janneke that she took before she had to leave.
I received this picture from Janneke that she took before she had to leave.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Katitawa School Gets Electricity....Thanks to Arizona State University.
While surfing the web a few days ago, I ran across a post on the ASU website telling of the solar pannels that were installed at the Katitawa School in 2003. This is where our foundation, Sumak Kausay Yachay,is providing the teachers for the English clases here in Salasaca. For the rest of the story plaese go to our new Katitawa School site.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
It Can Be Dangerous To Vote Against Something Without Knowing What It Is Your Voting For.
For months now I have been pondering the question: Why is the socialist model of government becoming so popular in Latin America? Many reasons have popped in and out of my mind and I have been trying to put my thoughts into words....But the words kept eluding me. A few days ago, I stumbled across an article written by Carlos Alberto Montaner titled, Neofascism intent on destroying democracy. In this essay Montaner outlined how Europe fell into the Neofascism trap after World War One and a few things that Latin America has in common today, and I quote "frustration in the face of the persistent poverty among a substantial part of society, disorder and state inefficiency, the lack of opportunities and generalized corruption". These were the words I was looking for. So simple and so true. These un-faced problems create the breding ground for socialistic ideas that open the door to future fascism.
In my opinion, you cannot call the victory in Ecuador by Rafeal Correa in November, a mandate by the people who were agreeing with his ideas for change. For the reasons quoted above the people were and are frustrated. They voted against something, and for a change, and for the most part, I don't believe they had any idea what that change would be or where it would take them. Most people I have met, have no interest in politics and only vote because it is mandatory.
So....who is to blame for the sorry state of affairs that set the stage for the Correa win in November? In my opinion, it is the past governments from the federal down to the city, and the big corporations who control the economy, but don´t give enough back to help develop the future work force. In my opinion, these two groups are the root cause of the social dissatisfaction that we experience today. They failed to pay attention to the basic needs of the people. And when you think about it, the solutions are fairly simple, if the problems are attacked before the people reach that point where they no longer have hope or faith in their government.
I don't believe we necessarily need to hit bottom before we are jolted back to reality. There seems to be a tendency with our new president to take us on the same path as Venezuela. If we are smart we need to learn the truth of where Hugo Chavez has taken his country in the past eight years before we follow blindly down the same road. This knowledge could be our best defense against the best laid plans of our new president.
In my opinion, you cannot call the victory in Ecuador by Rafeal Correa in November, a mandate by the people who were agreeing with his ideas for change. For the reasons quoted above the people were and are frustrated. They voted against something, and for a change, and for the most part, I don't believe they had any idea what that change would be or where it would take them. Most people I have met, have no interest in politics and only vote because it is mandatory.
So....who is to blame for the sorry state of affairs that set the stage for the Correa win in November? In my opinion, it is the past governments from the federal down to the city, and the big corporations who control the economy, but don´t give enough back to help develop the future work force. In my opinion, these two groups are the root cause of the social dissatisfaction that we experience today. They failed to pay attention to the basic needs of the people. And when you think about it, the solutions are fairly simple, if the problems are attacked before the people reach that point where they no longer have hope or faith in their government.
I don't believe we necessarily need to hit bottom before we are jolted back to reality. There seems to be a tendency with our new president to take us on the same path as Venezuela. If we are smart we need to learn the truth of where Hugo Chavez has taken his country in the past eight years before we follow blindly down the same road. This knowledge could be our best defense against the best laid plans of our new president.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Tungurahua, coughed but no cause for alarm.
For the past two weeks "Mama Tungurahua" has been showing a few signs of life and around three AM on the 24th had a significant explosion that threw out s little ash and pulverised rock. As usual Baños continues to be fine and the athorities say there is no cause for alarm.
The communities on the other side of the mountain received some fall-out but there was no danger to the population. The ash is always a hazzard but for now no one is alarmed.
I will keep you advised.
The communities on the other side of the mountain received some fall-out but there was no danger to the population. The ash is always a hazzard but for now no one is alarmed.
I will keep you advised.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
More Books Arrived On Saturday....Hand Delivered.
I had the pleasure of meeting a lovely young 61 year old women from Wisconsin in Salasaca yesterday afternoon. She had stumbled onto this blog a few weeks ago and since she was coming this way she brought along a beautiful selection of childrens books for the school. When the kids come to class on Monday they will be very pleased. Thank you very much Sandy Kinne form Wisconson, USA.
Friday, February 09, 2007
More Designs From Salasaca
I had a visit from my weaver friends from Salasaca. They brought over some of their latest designs and we are going to market them at a fair price for both the customer and the creator.
The following are the works of Lorenzo Masaquiza who is a native of Salasaca.
No. 1..Galapagos, dipicting the various creatures from land, sea and air that you will find in the most popular tourist destination in Ecuador. It is 24" x 54", hand made from 100% sheeps wool and takes three days to complete. Cost: $40.00.
No. 2..The name of this tapestry is Tansante Corpus Cristi. The size is 24" x 54" y is hand made from 100 % sheeps wool and take three days to make. The cost is $40.00.
Called the Garden of the Campo Ecuador this popular piece is 54" x 39" and takes about 1 1/2 days to complete. 100% sheeps wool and the cost is $35.00.
These beautiful pieces are available to you direct from the artist. We haven't got the shipping charges worked out yet but if you are interested leave a comment and tell us where you are and how many pieces you would like and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.
The following are the works of Lorenzo Masaquiza who is a native of Salasaca.
No. 1..Galapagos, dipicting the various creatures from land, sea and air that you will find in the most popular tourist destination in Ecuador. It is 24" x 54", hand made from 100% sheeps wool and takes three days to complete. Cost: $40.00.
No. 2..The name of this tapestry is Tansante Corpus Cristi. The size is 24" x 54" y is hand made from 100 % sheeps wool and take three days to make. The cost is $40.00.
Called the Garden of the Campo Ecuador this popular piece is 54" x 39" and takes about 1 1/2 days to complete. 100% sheeps wool and the cost is $35.00.These beautiful pieces are available to you direct from the artist. We haven't got the shipping charges worked out yet but if you are interested leave a comment and tell us where you are and how many pieces you would like and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Where Else Could You Live For $200 Per Month
In the past, I have posted about my adventures at Margarita Ville, later, we changed the name to HOSTERIA ECOAVENTURA. Lorenzo, my partner, at the time and I lived and worked in that paradise until he got the urge to mone on and explore a little more of South America so I carried on alone. It was
a great place to live with acres and acres of open spaces in the heart of the beautiful Pastaza Vally. Well, not exactly open spaces, as it was covered with all types of vegetation.
Photo by J. Walker
There are three rivers that either border the property or pass through it. A true "Nature Lovers" delight. There was also enough work to keep you busy and healthy form daylight to dark.
When I took over the spa in Ambato it occupied most of my time for about six months, and when a friend wanted to take over my personal paradise, I let it go. Two days ago my friend came by and asked if I wanted to take a ride to San Francisco and since it had been six months since I had visited the place I was delighted to take the ride.
On the way, he told me that it had been a month since he had been there because his business in Ambato was taking all of his time. The next question was "why don't you take the place back?". I would love to do this but I do now want to do it alone. If there is anyone out there in never-never-land who would like a change and perhaps the adventure of a lifetime, why not come down and take a look. Think about it.
Margajita River
Photo by J. Walker
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Two New Ecuadorian Stamps Commemorate Tungurahua.
Although the stamps came out several months ago they are just now available everyday. If there are any stamp collectors reading this or anyone who would just like one for a reminder of your trip here, I would be happy to send them to you. The face value is $1.00 each plus shipping and handling which brings the total to $4.00 for the two. Any profit that is made will go to the English School. So buy, buy, buy.
To order just push the button below.
Thanks.
To order just push the button below.Thanks.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Cause For Concern?
The following is an excerpt from a piece that was published by Alek Boyd at VCrisis. If you change a few names and dates you would believe the story was about Ecuador in 2007 and our new President Correa. Should we not be worried?
You decide.
"Referenda processes and the National Constituent Assembly: With a fresh mandate and riding the popularity wave Chavez proposed a novel concept; that of referenda. At the time the body of laws was built upon the constitution of 1961, which, needs be stressed, did not contain any provision, article or mandate allowing the use of such supra constitutional mechanism nor did it exist any legislation to that effect. But that did not stop Chavez. Ever the gifted communicator he convinced the people that under the circumstances he could not rule: his line of reasoning could be summarized as “the State and its institutions must be re-found. Originary power resides in the people, as such I propose a referendum so that the people can vote on whether or not to convene a National Constituent Assembly that will rewrite the constitution and lay the foundations of a new State.” The actual question presented on referendum to voters on 25 April 1999 was “¿Convoca usted una Asamblea Nacional Constituyente con el propósito de transformar el Estado y crear un nuevo ordenamiento jurídico que permita el funcionamiento efectivo de una Democracia Social y Participativa?”
Neither him, nor the people, were bothered by the fact that convening a National Constituent Assembly was unconstitutional; with polls indicating 80% support he did not give a second thought about alienated parties. 3,630,666 votes, or 33% of registered voters, signed the blank check and approved the experiment of transforming the State, creating a new judicial order that would allow an effective functioning of a participative and social democracy. Selection of members of the Constituent Assembly followed and cronies of Chavez managed to get 124 out of the 131 seats."
You decide.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Medical Care In Ecuador....Great if you can afford it.
It was a beautiful day here in Ambato and as I was walking through the Montalvo Park I noticed so many people who walked with a limp, that I am sure has been with them since childhood. Many of their problems, I am also sure, could have been corrected if detected early. And early detection, especially with the poor, is out of the question.
Outside of my visit to the dentist, I have not had to visit a doctor since I have been in Ecuador, however I have talked with enough people who have, to know that it is expensive for the average worker. Fifteen or $20.00 per visit may not seem like a lot, but to someone who takes home less than $200 per month it is tough. The visit is always followed with a trip to the pharmacy to get the prescription filled, so there goes another $5 to $10 bucks or more. But what if your kids are sick and you don't have a job which means you don't have any money. No money, no service.
When I first heard stories of people being denied service for an emergency because they had no money to pay, I did not believe it. I decided to take a poll and the result was the same. No money, no service. Today I asked one of my employees here at the spa who lives in Salasaca. This is the conversation:
Me: When a person in your family gets sick and needs to go to the doctor, where do you take them?
Carolina: To a doctor in Ambato.
Me: Why Ambato....Aren't there any doctors in Salasaca?
Carolina: No.
Me: If you have no money will they treat you?
Carolina: No. Our families are large and they know that if we have no money we need to first go to all the relatives and borrow the money.
Me: What if it is an emergency with your child and you have no money?
Carolina: You still need to have the money or there is no service.
Me: What happens if you can not get the money quick enough?
Carolina: Sometimes the child dies.
I have basically had this same conversation with at least a half-dozen people, in different levels of society and the story is always the same.
So what is the solution? I believe that in a free, democratic society, every man, women and child should have the right to medical care. It is a tragedy that people sometimes die because they are denied service.
In Salasaca, a clinic is needed. If I was a retired doctor I would take on this project. But I am not. Maybe someone who reads this blog is. This could be a great opportunity for retired doctors and nurses who wanted to keep on working even when they didn't need the money.
More on this subject later.
Outside of my visit to the dentist, I have not had to visit a doctor since I have been in Ecuador, however I have talked with enough people who have, to know that it is expensive for the average worker. Fifteen or $20.00 per visit may not seem like a lot, but to someone who takes home less than $200 per month it is tough. The visit is always followed with a trip to the pharmacy to get the prescription filled, so there goes another $5 to $10 bucks or more. But what if your kids are sick and you don't have a job which means you don't have any money. No money, no service.
When I first heard stories of people being denied service for an emergency because they had no money to pay, I did not believe it. I decided to take a poll and the result was the same. No money, no service. Today I asked one of my employees here at the spa who lives in Salasaca. This is the conversation:
Me: When a person in your family gets sick and needs to go to the doctor, where do you take them?
Carolina: To a doctor in Ambato.
Me: Why Ambato....Aren't there any doctors in Salasaca?
Carolina: No.
Me: If you have no money will they treat you?
Carolina: No. Our families are large and they know that if we have no money we need to first go to all the relatives and borrow the money.
Me: What if it is an emergency with your child and you have no money?
Carolina: You still need to have the money or there is no service.
Me: What happens if you can not get the money quick enough?
Carolina: Sometimes the child dies.
I have basically had this same conversation with at least a half-dozen people, in different levels of society and the story is always the same.
So what is the solution? I believe that in a free, democratic society, every man, women and child should have the right to medical care. It is a tragedy that people sometimes die because they are denied service.
In Salasaca, a clinic is needed. If I was a retired doctor I would take on this project. But I am not. Maybe someone who reads this blog is. This could be a great opportunity for retired doctors and nurses who wanted to keep on working even when they didn't need the money.
More on this subject later.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Sumak Kausay Yachay...Good Life With Education.
For almost three years I have been posting the adventures of my life here in Ecuador. Not the, volcano climbing , river running extreme adventures that many seek out, but the adventure of living....One day at a time. I am amazed at number of people who are interested enough in what I am doing here to read, comment and sometimes donates to one cause or another. Some are family, others are friends who I have known and loved in times gone by, but the vast majority are people whom I have never met, and most likely never will.
For what it's worth I would like to tell you a little about me. What I am doing and just maybe you would like to help.
In a few more months I will be 75, and life just gets better and better and fuller and fuller. I am asked often, "why are you here in Ecuador?" My only answer is....who knows. I don't know how many more years I have left on this planet....a day, a month or years? The answer is not important, what is important to me is that I put that time to good use. At times, I feel like Charlie Brown did in a cartoon where he is contemplating the things he has to do, and says...."God has given me so many things to do, and I am so far behind that I may never die." As long as I am healthy and happy....I'll go for that. But when I can no longer function and become a burden to others, I will be ready to give up my space on this earth to someone else.
Meanwhile, life goes on. When I first arrived in Ecuador, I went directly to Baños where I lived for almost a year before moving to San Francisco, about 25 km from Baños on the Pastaza River. A place that is as close to paradise as you could ever find. No telephone, no Internet, water directly from the river and all of the physical work that you could handle. It was wonderful. However, something must have been missing because early in 2006 I ended up in Ambato. Who knows how or why. I had an opportunity to take over a spa that was about to close. "No investment, live on the premises, pay me rent when you can, here are the keys and good luck." Well, the conversation was a little longer than that. But it was easy. So here I am, a year later, spending most of my nights in Ambato...running a business called Splash, Baños de Cajon y Masajes.
I love Baños and I travel there often. I love the San Francisco area and I don´t visit there nearly as often as I would like. Ambato is a city of 200,000 or more, full of cars, people and noise. So why am I here?
Ambato is not a tourist town. It is the capital of the Province of Tungurahua and an industrial center. Living here has given me the opportunity to get to know the Ecuadorian people that are not involved with tourism. How they live, what is important to them and what is not.
Here at the spa I have the opportunity to to talk with the people, listen to the their problems, learn from them what life is really like. My first employee was from Salasaca. A friend of mine brought her over and said she needed a job. She was only 19 and very timid. She talked with her head down and you had to listen very closely to hear her. Now after a year she is outgoing, talks back, and is a good friend. She is now helping me with the English school in her pueblo and I am the "padrino" of her brother....And I am not even catholic.
The spa is not a good business....every month I need to take money from my pocket to pay the bills. So why do I continue?. I have four employees. Each adds something to my life and I add something to theirs. There is Martha....a woman with arthritis, who has no money. She comes three or four days a week with an armful of eucalyptus branches in exchange for a session in the steam box. Another woman comes for a leg massage because she is always in pain.... but has no money to pay. I could go on and on. The paying clients are becoming friends. We talk politics, the need for education, and the tragedy of not being able to go to a doctor because you have no money. So, I listen and learn.
Because of the spa I got to know more of the indigenous people of Salasaca, a community only 14 km away on the road to Baños. When the protests were taking place here in Ambato last year, some of my friends walked the 14 km to chant "No TLC" and "No OXY" in front of the city hall, stopped by for a rest before heading back home by bus. I asked them what is the "TLC". (Free Trade Agreement). Their answer was "I don't know".
Since I believe education is the key to solving many of the political problems in Ecuador, when I was asked if I would give some English lessons to some kids in Salasaca, I could not say no.
Keep in mind that I am not a teacher, but maybe I was better than nothing. So I rented some space and started the English School.
I am glad to say that we now have a girl from Holland who is conducting the classes. In addition to the private classes we now are giving English lessons to the children in the Katitawa School.
Last week, we expanded the space at the private school so we now have a separate room for the library. We have more than 60 books so far, of which most are in Spanish.
The funding for these projects are from my pocket and donations from friends. We are not associated with any government agency or charity. For the time being, we would rather save money by not having to go through a lot of red tape to get things done. Personally, I have everything I need. I have a small income for the rest of my life and I am doing what I can with that. I would however like to move a little faster and if anyone out there in never-never land, would like to help, we would accept your donations gladly.
We are also looking for another volunteer teacher. We can give you a place to live and put food on your table. Let us know if you are interested.
Anyone who made it this far....Thanks for reading.
For what it's worth I would like to tell you a little about me. What I am doing and just maybe you would like to help.
In a few more months I will be 75, and life just gets better and better and fuller and fuller. I am asked often, "why are you here in Ecuador?" My only answer is....who knows. I don't know how many more years I have left on this planet....a day, a month or years? The answer is not important, what is important to me is that I put that time to good use. At times, I feel like Charlie Brown did in a cartoon where he is contemplating the things he has to do, and says...."God has given me so many things to do, and I am so far behind that I may never die." As long as I am healthy and happy....I'll go for that. But when I can no longer function and become a burden to others, I will be ready to give up my space on this earth to someone else.
Meanwhile, life goes on. When I first arrived in Ecuador, I went directly to Baños where I lived for almost a year before moving to San Francisco, about 25 km from Baños on the Pastaza River. A place that is as close to paradise as you could ever find. No telephone, no Internet, water directly from the river and all of the physical work that you could handle. It was wonderful. However, something must have been missing because early in 2006 I ended up in Ambato. Who knows how or why. I had an opportunity to take over a spa that was about to close. "No investment, live on the premises, pay me rent when you can, here are the keys and good luck." Well, the conversation was a little longer than that. But it was easy. So here I am, a year later, spending most of my nights in Ambato...running a business called Splash, Baños de Cajon y Masajes.
I love Baños and I travel there often. I love the San Francisco area and I don´t visit there nearly as often as I would like. Ambato is a city of 200,000 or more, full of cars, people and noise. So why am I here?
Ambato is not a tourist town. It is the capital of the Province of Tungurahua and an industrial center. Living here has given me the opportunity to get to know the Ecuadorian people that are not involved with tourism. How they live, what is important to them and what is not.
Here at the spa I have the opportunity to to talk with the people, listen to the their problems, learn from them what life is really like. My first employee was from Salasaca. A friend of mine brought her over and said she needed a job. She was only 19 and very timid. She talked with her head down and you had to listen very closely to hear her. Now after a year she is outgoing, talks back, and is a good friend. She is now helping me with the English school in her pueblo and I am the "padrino" of her brother....And I am not even catholic.
The spa is not a good business....every month I need to take money from my pocket to pay the bills. So why do I continue?. I have four employees. Each adds something to my life and I add something to theirs. There is Martha....a woman with arthritis, who has no money. She comes three or four days a week with an armful of eucalyptus branches in exchange for a session in the steam box. Another woman comes for a leg massage because she is always in pain.... but has no money to pay. I could go on and on. The paying clients are becoming friends. We talk politics, the need for education, and the tragedy of not being able to go to a doctor because you have no money. So, I listen and learn.
Because of the spa I got to know more of the indigenous people of Salasaca, a community only 14 km away on the road to Baños. When the protests were taking place here in Ambato last year, some of my friends walked the 14 km to chant "No TLC" and "No OXY" in front of the city hall, stopped by for a rest before heading back home by bus. I asked them what is the "TLC". (Free Trade Agreement). Their answer was "I don't know".
Since I believe education is the key to solving many of the political problems in Ecuador, when I was asked if I would give some English lessons to some kids in Salasaca, I could not say no.
Keep in mind that I am not a teacher, but maybe I was better than nothing. So I rented some space and started the English School.
I am glad to say that we now have a girl from Holland who is conducting the classes. In addition to the private classes we now are giving English lessons to the children in the Katitawa School.
Last week, we expanded the space at the private school so we now have a separate room for the library. We have more than 60 books so far, of which most are in Spanish.
The funding for these projects are from my pocket and donations from friends. We are not associated with any government agency or charity. For the time being, we would rather save money by not having to go through a lot of red tape to get things done. Personally, I have everything I need. I have a small income for the rest of my life and I am doing what I can with that. I would however like to move a little faster and if anyone out there in never-never land, would like to help, we would accept your donations gladly.
We are also looking for another volunteer teacher. We can give you a place to live and put food on your table. Let us know if you are interested.
Anyone who made it this far....Thanks for reading.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
How Would You Like To Learn Kichwa In Salasaca?
In the past there has been some interest in learning Kichwa, by tourists who spend time here in Salasaca. I have found some potential teachers if there is any serious interest. We do have space in the mornings at the English School and on weekends. It would be a basic class with emphasis on pronunciation. A small dictionary with popular words and phrases would also be available.
Why would you want to learn Kichwa or Kechwa depending on who is doing the writing? (At this point I am not sure which is correct or if they both may be.) When I was trying to find the words to answer that question I ran across these words on the .Ermal Garinger Academic Resource Center, University of Kansas web site. They say it much better then I.
This is just an idea. Please comment if this is something we should pursue
Why would you want to learn Kichwa or Kechwa depending on who is doing the writing? (At this point I am not sure which is correct or if they both may be.) When I was trying to find the words to answer that question I ran across these words on the .Ermal Garinger Academic Resource Center, University of Kansas web site. They say it much better then I.
With 6 to 10 million speakers, Kechwa, the language of the Inkas, is the most widely-spoken indigenous language in the Americas. For many years, western historians and anthropologists have predicted the disappearance of the Kechwa language and its cultures. Instead, both are becoming stronger.
Learning Kechwa will be a meaningful adventure. You will learn a new language and be exposed to the ideas of an indigenous American culture that is vastly different from Euro-American cultures and languages. By stepping outside of your own culture and identity, you will learn to see yourself, your culture and the world through new eyes. You will acquire a much deeper and realisitic understanding of globalization and the problems humanity faces. And you will enrich your understanding of the human experience and condition through knowledge of one of the America's great but too little known civilizations. If you supplement your study with travel to Andean countries, you can live in contexts that are entirely different from your current cultural reality. There are opportunities to live in Kechwa communities, to visit Kechwa bilingual schools in the Andes and to take part as a direct participant or co-teacher with native teachers in Kechwa.
This is just an idea. Please comment if this is something we should pursue
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Carnival in Ambato
For the the 56th year Ambato will present their Annual Fiesta De La Fruta y De Las Flores. This fiesta lasts for most of the month of February and coincides with Carnival. The festivities start on Friday, February 2 and officially ends on February 20th.
This fiesta was inaugurated 56 years ago after an earthquake leveled most of the city. It draws people from all over the country and for at least a month Ambato is the distination for hundreds and maybe thousands of tourists who put Ambato on their itinerary. This year the big parade is scheduled for Sunday the 18th. Every year it is bigger and better and should not be missed if you are anywhere near Ambato. It is definitely worth a detour.
Ambato is located in the center of the country and is the capital of the Province of Tungurahua. It is easily reached from most parts of the country and is only two plus hours from Quito and a hour from Baños.
There are more than 100 events scheduled and are varied enough to be of interest for almost anyone. From special presentations at museums to musical concerts to bull fights.....and everything in between. Many of the musical events are free or the cost is nominal. A schedule of events is posted on the Official Site for the events and you can access here. http://www.fiestasdeambato.com/2007/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7&Itemid=5http://
This fiesta was inaugurated 56 years ago after an earthquake leveled most of the city. It draws people from all over the country and for at least a month Ambato is the distination for hundreds and maybe thousands of tourists who put Ambato on their itinerary. This year the big parade is scheduled for Sunday the 18th. Every year it is bigger and better and should not be missed if you are anywhere near Ambato. It is definitely worth a detour.
Ambato is located in the center of the country and is the capital of the Province of Tungurahua. It is easily reached from most parts of the country and is only two plus hours from Quito and a hour from Baños.
There are more than 100 events scheduled and are varied enough to be of interest for almost anyone. From special presentations at museums to musical concerts to bull fights.....and everything in between. Many of the musical events are free or the cost is nominal. A schedule of events is posted on the Official Site for the events and you can access here. http://www.fiestasdeambato.com/2007/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7&Itemid=5http://
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