War Eagle!!!

I was walking down to the "tienda" (something of a mini convenient store), and you'll never guess what I saw...

That's right. War Damn Eagle! Well, kinda. He didn't actually know what the emblem on his shirt stood for. He found it in a local market. Regardless, it's a sign. Watch out Ducks... The Tigers are everywhere.

Baby Photoshoot!!!

Somehow, I was roped into the group called "artistas" (those of you that know me also know I don't have near the patience to ever be considered an artist!). So when one of our volunteers (who had a bit of photography experience) ran out of time to do a photoshoot for our architect, the responsibility was naturally passed on to me.

Thank goodness for digital cameras and Apples Iphoto. Watch out Runa! I might have found another calling!

 If you click on the slideshow, you can see all the photos, which tell a nice little story, as well as a few photos from a nursery construction.

And it begins

A mischeduled flight, the Amtrack, a Greyhound, three flights, a midnight bus; a wind turbine mechanic, a heroine addict, a renowned spine specialist, a pill popping pharmecist- that's all it took to get me from Durango, Colorado to Archidona Ecuador, my new home. And, the first thing I hear upon arriving to Ecuador?

Hotel California
Total Eclipse of My Heart
Take My Breath Away

I'm pretty sure I could have walked down to any local karaoke bar to be blessed with such a playlist. But only in Ecuador do they play such music without nostalgia of the past. They proudly crank the volumn on these overplayed ballads as if they were released yesterday.

Social commentary aside, it feels great to back in Archidona. Any hesitancy about returning quickly dissappeared upon reuniting with the Runa team, which has accepted me back with more fervor than before. Even the neighbors have at least feigned excitement at my return. As for the job, I will have the opportunity to work with three different organizations geared towards social development: USAID, DED (the German equivalent), and the Fairtrade Labelling Organization. Not to mention, I am working with a incredibly talented and innovative team with Runa. I would never have imagined such an opportunity armed with an undergraduate degree and a year of experience as a vagabond.

It's already a whirlwind of activity in the five days I've been here. There is no shortage of work between the shipment of gift baskets, the construction of plant nursuries, and the familiarization of new forms and processes. Not to mention I am still reaquainting myself with members of the team and my role within them. Don't worry though. I still find time for a run each morning with the house dog, Penelope, and a good jam with the other volunteers in the evening.

This time around, I am going to try and wrap up every few blog entries comparing and contrasting my experiences with my sister's experiences. For those of you that don't know, my sister, Ryne, is handling dogs for an elite mushing kennel oustide of Fairbanks, AK (www.amindofmush.blogspot.com). My Aunt threw out the idea of relating our experiences, and the past week has already offered a few opportunities. Let's start with the obvious:

Ryne is rapidly approaching her first -50 degree day. I anxiously await my first 50 degree night that is unlikely to ever arrive.

Ryne's diet consists of meat only eaten in a Gary Paulsen novel, and fresh fruit can be a luxury. My diet consists of fresh fruit only eaten in a Dr. Suess book, and any meat readily recognizable other than chicken is a luxury.

Ryne established her rookie status by promptly frost-nipping her nose. I established my rookie status by promptly getting 10+ blisters tilling a new nursery. We both need some work be considered veterans.

And finally, before either one of us really fit in our respective communities, Ryne can look forward to a pasty white complexion, while I must work towards a tan envied by the cast of Jersey Shore.

Hasta pronto!