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!