Store in a Cool, Dry Place

These are the first English words I read en route from Panama to Ecuador and it hits me - hard - that that's the label that should be on me and I'm heading to a place that is neither cool, nor dry -- ever. What am I doing?? Thank goodness humans are adaptable. I have already begun to think of my physical body as a distinct entity from "me". Does it have enough water/rest/sunscreen/bug repellent? Is it cool and dry? Did it take it's anti-malarial medicine? Like a third party I am responsible for and need to take care of. I know it's really this way all the time, but I only have this disassociated perspective when traveling.

Roamed the streets today getting nails, rope, hangers and Benedryl - the last of my housekeeping necessities. It's been nice to find myself in familiar places (I was in Quito last Dec) and am now sitting in my favorite cafe. Familiarity in the midst of the unknown makes seeing my favorite hot sauce like seeing a long lost friend.

About 10 of us who are attending the wedding will be flying tomorrow morning to Coca. I've only met two others so far (british humor - yeah!) but consensus is that no one knows quite what to expect - the only difference in our perspectives being that they'll head home in 6 days while I stay for 10 weeks. We are all very excited for Mari & Pato - the first known wedding of a westerner and a Quechuan. Stay tuned.

p.s. I'm enjoying every second of this cool, dry place (Quito)

Photo from my trip to Sani - Dec 2009

It Takes a Village

...To get me ready for this trip.

Heading to the airport in 4 hours, still not finished packing. I have been thinking about how much I appreciate everyone's support and best wishes - thanks to all for helping me prepare, answering my questions, indulging my food and drink cravings, and celebrating at my send-off(s). Relative to my previous long trips this is a short one - but it's big on adventure. To clarify I'm not living at the lodge, I'll be staying two canoe rides and about an hour away at the Sani Community center - school, soccer field - don't be thinking cars or roads or anything. So, before I head out, I'm off to the 24 hour Safeway - enjoying every step of the way.

Do you notice that you see your world with new eyes when you're about to leave?

Photo: Christmas 2009 Isla Sani - kids climbing a slippery pole (stripped tree) to get bags of candy

Casa Dulce Casa

Here is a shot of the volunteer house in progress. I was quite happy to see such a sturdy roof and pleased to be above the ground -- although critters can crawl. I think most of my stuff will be hung up - I'm bringing speaker wire & nails and have visions of Seinfeld - "hooks, we'll do everything on hooks". Facilities range from the "cutting edge" - brand new compostable toilet - to the "classic" - bathing in the river. I'll be adding some "homey" touches and I'm sure I'll be very happy and comfortable and excited to be resident Numero Uno.

We hope to create a program where different people come down throughout the year - a revolving door of volunteer teaching and experience. Jemima (from the UK) is coming in October - and maybe bringing a friend.

Love is in the Air

The community that I'll be staying with are Quechua (Kech-u-wa) indians. They descend from the Incan culture and maintain their own language and traditions. The Sani's live on the Napo river and Isla Sani tranlates to "Violet Island". If you're interested in learning more - check out these links: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quechuas and http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/cultural/southamerica/quechuan.html

One of the things I'm most excited about is attending a traditional wedding between Mari (friend formerly from London) and Patricio (a leader of the Sani's). Think dancing, singing, beads, native costumes, (do I rent a full traditional outfit for $25, or just decorate my own?), guys with spears, and headdresses - not quite sure how to properly measure my head (I've been asked). Mari has drawn a line at some of the traditions - there will be No monkey sacrifice and the macaw feathers will be dyed.

Photo: Mari and Patricio, December 2009

Ready or Not - Here I Come!

Hi all –

I wanted to let you know what I’m up to for a few months this year (August through October to be exact). I’m heading down to Ecuador – to spend time on the Napo River with the Sani community.

While I’m there I’m going to be helping my friend Mari (who recently married into the community - much more to follow on this) establish an on-going volunteer program and teach English to folks who are interested.

The Sani are an amazing group of people – with their own lodge (http://www.sanilodge.com) who are excited and motivated to improve their educational level to be able to better create their future. The highly desirable location of their land, by both tourists and oil companies, makes this an important time for them to play a larger role in the area.

Photo: Self-portrait from the Napo Area / December 2009