Ecuadorian life seems almost routine now, with a familiar rhythm: Morning wakeup, walk, breakfast eggs and rolls, bus rides, work, lunch, more work, errands, dinner and free time. Our group is long past the "what do you do?" conversation; in an age of reality TV, I've come to believe the volunteer experience is way more entertaining.
Despite the familiarity, each day holds a few gems that surprise, inform, entertain. Today we saw another side of Quito that's higher up on the glitzy scale that the neighborhoods where we live and work here. I admit that the sight of upscale shops and well-manicured entryways felt wonderful. There is clearly great wealth here, as well as great poverty.
As we approach the final stretch, my thoughts are turning homeward. I wonder how to describe Ecuador and the Global Volunteers experience. One word: contrast.
- Rich and poor
- Oil and eco-tourism
- Filthy work and spotless laundry
- Great need and greater hospitality
- Super-singles and empty-nesters
- Harry Potter and Salsa dancing
- Rainforests and 1-room houses
- $120 shoes and $1 purses
- Weathered indigenous women and handsome Calderonian hostesses
- Pre-Incan pottery and gilded cathedrals
- Beautiful hummingbirds and raty mongrels
- Strangers and friends
- Carrie W
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
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1 comment:
This one was written by Mary Beth...I can't take the credit for it.
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