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Fellowship Update from Alex Katona
Hi Everyone!
Welcome to the next installment of my life in Ecuador.
Things have been hectic. So much has happened since I last updated you. In mid-October, I went back to the Kichwa communities to present workshops on craft and volunteer development. Unlike our last visit, people actually attended the presentations, which was really nice to see. I had a great experience getting to know the communities that comprise Kallari, and I truly experienced the Kichwa way of life. I was able to live with the families, eat their food (LOTS of yuca and platanos), bathe in the river, play soccer, hike through the jungle and go on canoe rides. I also enjoyed a lot of chicha, a traditional Kichwa drink made from yuca. Although they don´t have a lot of material goods, they are truly rich in resources—banana, yuca, coffee and cacao plantations surround many of the communities.
I also went to a place called Salinas de Guaranda, a small community located in the middle of the Andes, to make chocolate for Kallari. This town was much different than most places I´ve traveled to in Ecuador. They truly understand the connection between people and the environment, and they care for their land in such a way that enables future generations to meet their own needs. I really enjoyed the short time that I spent there.
Sarah, the girl from Alaska who I work with just about every day, has been amazing. She is a great person and we work together really well. In all of the chaos that surrounds me here, she keeps me sane and calm. I am so happy and fortunate that she's here with me.
For the past week, I've been visiting Cuenca, the third largest city in Ecuador. It is know for its gorgeous colonial architecture and beautiful parks. Our travels in the area included visiting Inca ruins, Cajas National Park, and Girón (the historic site where Simón Bolívar and others signed the treaty that made Ecuador an official country). I also went to Coca, a city in the far east that is located in the heart of the rainforest. There, I was able to see monkeys and all sorts of cool Amazon creatures. One morning we were eating breakfast, and a monkey jumped on our table and tried to eat our jam. It was quite a site to see. We also went on a two-day rainforest expedition where we stayed in a lodge and hiked around the rainforest. At night, I went on a boat ride, which truly felt like being in the jungle, with narrow canals and exotic plants bordering the edges. It was great to spend time there.
As for Quito life:
Every Sunday when I'm in Quito I go to this huge park, called La Carolina, to play soccer. At first, I was a little hesitant because I was THE ONLY girl playing soccer, but I found a group of guys that I love playing with. They continue to invite me back to play, and it's nice to be respected in that sense. Because most women in Quito (and other parts of Ecuador) don't play sports, most of the men believe that women can't play. The whole 'machista' mentality is really getting to me here, but I just try my best to ignore it.
Once again, here are some of the trips highlights:
- Canoe rides down the rivers.
- Sleeping on a kitchen floor and waking up at 3 am because the roosters weren't properly informed of the correct time to crow.
- Most of the communities don't have electricity, and there was a full moon last time we went to visit. The moonlight illuminating the mountains and rivers was absolutely gorgeous.
- In the communities, people love to play soccer. But most people can't afford cleats, so they share them (this is my theory…I never really asked). One person wears the left cleat, and the other person wears the match. So a lot of guys have one cleat on a foot, and one rubber boot on the other.
- Gas prices have been $1.48 (for regular unleaded) since I arrived in Ecuador. Crazy.
- And for those keeping tabs: My lunch usually costs between $1.20-1.50. This includes juice, soup, a main dish and sometimes a dessert.
Ok—I hope everyone is doing great and enjoying life. It has been SO great to hear from all of you… Please keep the updates coming by e-mailing me directly or by posting what you're up to on the message board!
I'll be writing one last time sometime in December before I head home, so be sure to check back in a couple of weeks.
Besos,
Alex Katona
DTRW 2005 Fellowship Winner
alexandrakatona@hotmail.com
More about Alex’s Fellowship:
◊ Alex Katona meets Colleen Kinder
◊ Update and photos from Alex in Ecuador - 10/05
◊ Update and photos from Alex in Ecuador - 11/05
◊ Update and photos from Alex in Ecuador - 12/05
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