What a day!!

So I haven't blogged in a while. Mainly because it's been sort of a crazy week. The volunteers got here safely (even though some flights were super delayed last weekend) and we have been in training all week. This week was the celebration of the summer solstice--Inti Raymi--which has meant parties on the streets every night including one at the Cascada de Peguche where people go into a really slippery waterfall at midnight. Don't exactly know how tons of really drunk people didn't fall into the water fall and die.

Today was pretty cool because we went on an awesome hike around the Laguna de Cuicocha, pictured below.

The hike is basically around the lake for four hours and the view is absolutely gorgeous. Only problem was the rain without anywhere to hide, especially since I've had a cold all week. But it was still awesome because the staff at the hostal brought us delicious sandwiches and we had a wonderful time.

The afternoon was a little tougher as one of the volunteers got a stomach bug and we ended up at the Otavalo hospital where they don't have toilet paper (you have to bring it yourself), and the triage doctor tells you that the patient "is sick" when you ask what is wrong. Also, because of the parties, there were a few hurt people, including someone who might have a craneal fracture and had to wait quite a while to share an ambulance with a sick older man. In any case, not the best hospital experience ever, but we did end up having a good doctor and the volunteer is doing better now. Tomorrow I go to Quito to pick up the last one and then this week we finally meet the kids we will be teaching. So excited!!!

First Impressions on Ecuador!

So I haven't posted in about a week because basically I went home to Bogotá, had an epic night with PorColombia friends, rested, ate Kokoriko (fried chicken), visited my dogs (Canela and Champaña) and my goats (Carolina Cruz and Natalia Paris- named by my dad for two Colombian models, lol), did the grandmother visiting rounds, and basically just hung out with my dad. All of this was awesome but now I'm in ECUADOR and the real adventure begins!

So far I've been here for two days and here are a few interesting things I've noticed:

1) CHEAP GAS- How much are we paying for gas in the US? Like $3.85? Well a gallon here is $1.06!!! All thanks to government subsidy. Sometimes Colombians on vacation cross the border just to get gas. Every Hummer driver's dream!

2) CHEAP TOLLS- For those who have been to Colombia and paid 8000 pesos ($4) for a tollway only to see the road be only so-so, well the roads here are PERFECT and the tolls are only $1. I think the government subsidizes this too.

3) CHEAP FLOWERS- They grow roses here and for those of you who have paid upwards of $50 to get your girlfriend a bouquet of roses, well it would have cost you around $2 here. Now imagine that on Valentine's Day!

4) DOLLARIZATION- Mmm well touchy subject. It seems people have gotten used to it, but they all agree that it was bad, at least in the beginning. Everyone I've spoken to says they lost any savings they had in Sucres when these devalued abruptly and though it did stabilize the economy, they mostly see it as a way for the rich who held investments in Dollars to make more money. Another problem with dollarization, people from neighboring countries come to Ecuador, work for a few Dollars and send it back to their own (non-dollarized) countries where they can trade it for a lot in local currency, thus displacing Ecuadorian workers who could not survive here on such meager wages.

5) EMPLOYMENT ISSUES- Well from my driver, I found out two sort of startling things. The first is that when the government, in an attempt to help domestic workers whose employers previously did not pay for their medical insurance or other benefits, forced these to start doing so, what happened was actually that many lost their jobs and now complain at this measure originally taken in their favor. However, I think that as time passes, this can change, as it has in Colombia where most people who have domestic workers do cover their benefits. Also, my driver had what is called an "executive taxi" which basically means he doesn't have an official permission to drive, he just puts a plastic sign on his car as he drives around the city. He says he did not incorporate into any company because they demand around $2000 just to apply for a job and even then it is not guaranteed. What a concept: pay to work for us... Good news is the government is now regularizing taxi drivers like him who derive all their income from this activity, so hopefully he will be able to work without worries of police citations.

6) PRESIDENTIAL SECURITY- There is a balcony at the Presidential Palace. President Correa comes out every Monday morning to wave to his people. Imagine how secure he must feel! Neither Obama nor most presidents would ever venture in such an open space! I thought this was quite interesting.

Well, that is all for now! I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Flying and more flying...!!!

So I left my house in Denver at 6 am yesterday. Currently in the Quito airport waiting for my flight to Bogota almost 24 hours later. Met some pretty cool British backpackers, though. They have this giant bag of M&M's that someone at their hostel gave them. Best part of spending the night in the Quito airport? They happened to be spray painting the handrails on the stairs, which meant noxious fumes and noisy spray guns for the better part of the night. Headed to Bogota in an hour, I think I will be doing a lot of sleeping in Subachoque today!

Post-Dive in Bali

Surf and Turf: The Hike

On my recent trip to Santa Marta, Colombia, I decided to step beyond the beaten path of hanging out at the beach watching vendors pass and occasionally buying sugary coconut treats from erect women carrying them on heavy bowls sitting atop their heads. If you migrate south for the winter to Santa Marta, you should undoubtedly spend a couple of days basking in the Caribbean breeze cocktail in hand, but you should also seek adventure.

So, what is an outdoor enthusiast to find on Santa Marta’s shores? The best of both worlds: a relatively easy day hike that puts an end to all bifurcating choices between breezy beaches and wild jungles. The legendary Parque Tayrona. The national park, still home to members of the Kogui Tribe, boasts numerous majestic beaches, some more crowded, some less.

If you’re looking for a delightful but relaxed experience, I suggest the Cañaverales-Arrecifes-La Piscina-Cabo San Juan Trail. Hiking through the groomed path through the jungle offers you the opportunity to encounter several species of birds, frogs, and even endangered monkeys who make this sanctuary their home.

And if the jungle humidity gets to you, not to worry! The trail passes through three spectacular beaches where you can stop to relax, enjoy the scenery, and, in true Colombian spirit, enjoy the local cuisine in specially designated areas.

Getting there: Take a taxi or drive from Santa Marta to the Cañaverales entrance to the park. early in the morning (about 45 minutes). Pay the entrance fee (around 20 USD) and head beyond the parking area to the trailhead of Cañaveral. A forty-five minute hike will take you up and down a mountain teeming with vegetation. Be sure to stop at the look-out at the top for pictures and gaze at the Arrecifes beach below before arriving on this white-sand paradise. Once there, watch out for the waves! Swimming is not really advisable here, but relaxing on the beach certainly is.

After a water break on Arrecifes, walk to the other end of the beach where the jungle starts again and continue on the path for about 20 minutes to La Piscina (literally meaning the swimming pool). This is the best place on the trail to take a splash as the waters are calm and the view is absolutely gorgeous.

Swim to your heart’s content but remember not to stay too long if you want to make it to the end of the trail and back before sunset. Next to the beach at La Piscina is another trail marker pointing to Cabo San Juan, the last stop on the hike and the place of choice for easy-going travelers who want to spend the night under the stars.

The hike there is about forty-five minutes, but it is definitely worth it! Follow the stretch of jungle terrain to arrive in a camping zone dotted by tents and humming with the sound of people’s guitars. If you bring camping gear, you should definitely consider staying here to enjoy the pristine beaches and the company of outdoor enthusiasts like yourself from all over the world. You may also choose to rent a hammock for the night (for about $7) in the kiosk atop the lookout at the end of the beach.

But if that tropical cocktail waiting for you at your hotel really calls your name, visit the top of the lookout, take some pictures to share with friends, and make your way back to Cañavarales satisfied with a day hike featuring both surf and turf.

Tips:
-Dress in layers: Santa Marta is very hot but the jungle areas are shady and can get cold. Bring a jacket if you plan to stay the night.
-It is often rainy in Parque Tayrona, even if it's perfectly sunny in Santa Marta, so plan ahead!
-Bring mosquito repellent! The jungle is beautiful but bug bites can ruin anybody's day!

Map:

Angela's Photos