Friends-International Food Challenge

Friends-International is an organisation supporting children and families across South-East Asia. One of their ways if raising money is getting people to host a Friends n Food Challenge, and Jodi and Dylan accepted the challenge Saturday night. Everyone invited was asked to make a dish from that part of the world and donate money that they would usually spend on a night out. I think this is a great idea, one that I also believe breast cancer does in the UK.

 Luckily a number of the people who came already have a great reputation for cooking.

Jodi is a master in the kitchen also, so all this help drown out my average dish!
It was Marks actual birthday as well, so we also got some totally delicious Jodi brownie. It really is a great way to raise money, this morning at breakfast Jodi was telling me how amazed she was on how much she raised. I have included the link below for anyone who wishes to accept the challenge or maybe challenge a friend.
http://www.friends-international.org/aboutus/Friends'N'Food%20Challenge.asp?mm=au&sm=bo

Feast Continues

The eating that started American Thanksgiving has and will continue throughout the weekend. Yesterday the school had a whole school celebration of thanks lunch. It was a beautiful day and although most of us feared it would be a logistical nightmare that may be difficult to pull off (800 kiddies bringing a dish), it was a huge success.

All ages are together and before eating each grade said what they were thankful for.

American Turkey Day

Today I was invited to my first Yankee Turkey Dinner. Betsy and Roman put on a lovely spread, and I must say it is pretty much the same deal as Canadian Thanksgiving, although maybe slightly more important in the US (think Christmas trumps in Canada).

This is more good than I have eaten in a week (again sick, always sick really, so now sick is like the new normal!). And hopefully I can manage to eat all week as it is certainly a weekend of eating...

Football Fun

Yesterday I went to my first South American football match, Quito vs Barcelona (not the Barcelona, but a team here calls them selves this), apparently a very important match. And of course I took the opportunity to somehow host an event. 19 of us from school ended up going, Luis and friends organised tickets and vans to get us there and back. Sadly, there were no goals nor fan fights, but we still managed to have a great time.

A great outing, missed watching football!

Missing Basel Gals

I have made some good friends here and having a great time, but I must say sometimes I miss my Basel buddies sooo much! And how could one not, they are all pretty fabulous and once a week I am reminded of this. Karen and Pia, gave me a card to open every week for six months, each card has pictures or stories that remind me of all our great times. This morning I almost burst into tears as I remember the day so well and what a great time we had. The cards also remind me of all the other great friends me and Lola have left, it is a very weird feeling that I will not really have those times again (of course we will all see each other again and make new memories, but really missing the day to day times).

This is the one today that had me a bit emotional. What a fabulous time we had that day in Italy, ending with our own little dance party, it was a perfect.

My fridge is getting full up with memories. I cannot wait till we all meet up again. Thank you condense Queens for such a special gift.

Crash Course

Today was my second evening of my two week, every evening for two hours crash course in Spanish. And I must say, regardless of popular opinion, I do not find it easy- maybe compared to other languages but still not easy (and I find French easier). But I am determined and as the school is on my street, only a few doors down, I have zero excuses.

And coming home to a yummy, veg and shrimp dinner, after my second evening, also helps make the long days worth it!

Cotacachi and Otavalo

Today we went on another mini adventure in Ecuador, this time exploring some of the famous market towns. We started in Cotacachi, famous for leather and then to Otavalo, one of the most famous markets in South America.

My favourite though is my new painting! Love it :)

My Job

Is the best. This week we had our parent interview, 2.45 hours long, a huge change for me! The parents were great which makes sense as so are the kids. And then the regular monthly fully catered (booze and food), thank god it's Friday event.

Me and my Principal, John.
A pretty fabulous way to kick off a weekend. I do love my job!

Lola's 9!

Lola has managed to charm her way into our new Ecuadorian life and her new friends gathered tonight to celebrate her 9th birthday.  She got loads of lovely presents and every one sang happy birthday to her which she loved..
I think her really special treat though was being able to have her own sushi.

Happy happy birthday to my precious gal, Lola Cola.

Ecuador Tourism Board...

... needs to step it up. Before being presented with the opportunity to come and teach here, Ecuador was completely off my radar. I did not not want to ever visit but would not have went out of my way. And what a shame that would have been, a small beautiful country that really offers it all. It is great to wake up to a beautiful Sunday and think horse riding in the mountains, a trip to an active volcano, or the tropical cloud Forrest or many other things. I woke up and decided to go the active volcano...
and a beautiful view. I think it is time for the Ecuador tourism board to step it up, this country should not be missed!

Halloween.. A Bit Late

I somehow made the wee bit late Halloween party after a few days of another bout of 'Amanda is not adjusting well to the food here'. Probably not my wisest choice but as a social butterfly I cannot stay in Friday and Saturday night..

 Friday night I tried to make it out, lasted five minutes though.  Too bad as the costume is so cute!

Kristi and Desiree hosted a grand affair on the Saturday night. Games and salsa dancing. I am glad I braved it, although paying the price a bit this morning.

Ecuadorian Style

Last night I hosted an Ecuadorian dinner in honour of Dylan and Jodi's house guest, Mado. Everyone made an effort and brought something to share. Jodi made a beautiful traditional cake and Kristi and Desiree a fantastic Ecuadorian salad. The rest of is cheated and bought stuff...

The Scenic Route..

Yesterday it was time to say goodbye to the ocean and return to the mountains and instead of taking us the motor way back my satellite navigation system decided to give us a tour of the country side.    It only added on a few minutes and it was great to see the beautiful country side and villages.  That was until I was sure the four of us would end up in jail or possibly a mass grave.  We came across a road block in a village with many men with many machine guns.  This would probably have been less scary for me if I had listened to advice and properly owned my car by now, had insurance papers, and an Ecuadorian license.  We got stopped, asked for all my papers, got several pictures taken of my car and us, and searched for weapons (which of course none of us had) and then sent on our way.  I must say I was properly sweating, not use to seeing big guns and possibly watched too many Hollywood films where these situations do not turn out too well.  Long and short we made it home safe and sound :)

 Last stroll on the beach before heading home

 Typical homes we saw on our way back

 Desiree sneaking a photo after we were let through

There were many more and I know just doing their job, but was happy to see the back of them.

Day of the Dead

We have been able to come to the beach for a long weekend because of a holiday that celebrates the dead. I think it is a brilliant day, families go on mass to the graves of their loved ones for the day, with flowers and food to celebrate their lives. Our complex is right beside the towns grave yard and it was amazing to see all the people gathering and having a lovely day. We also managed to have another fantastic day.

Just a great day and altogether great weekend.

Tonchigue, The beach

I am living in paradise, I live in the mountains and can drive to jungle and beach for a weekend. What a fabulous beginning to a long weekend, great friends, food, sun and sand!

How I have missed the beach!