Alright I think I have left you all in suspense long enough, actually I just really wanted to do this hike to take some pics that would do my site proper justice and finally I was able to do it the other day. Plus I am sure all of you are grossed out by the picture of rotten cuyes. 
Well, I have been in my site for almost three weeks now and the truth of the matter is that I cannot believe I get to live here for the next two years. My site is called San Pedro de Vilcabamba which is about a mile away from the tourism town of Vilcabamba, a place nationally known for its tranquility and beauty. The population of my site is about 1500 and about 4000 in Vilcabamba, but every day there are hundreds of tourists coming in and out of town to enjoy the rest and relaxation this place offers. I have yet to indulge in world class massages and facials but from what I hear they are first rate. ($18 for 75 minutes of massage, not a bad deal). It is located about an hour away from the city of Loja so I truly have the best of worlds, a small, quiet little town to live in and a large city to get a taste of “faster” living.
As for work, I am currently in touch with three groups that are going to provide me with more than enough things to occupy my time for the next two years. The primary one is Colinas Verdes and is an organization that is dedicated to the development of the community both on an economic and social level. The second group is the community bank which is basically an organization set up to give the local population a financial option that keeps their money local and helps with the town’s economic situation as well with their personal development. Last but not least is the Association of the 23 of June (I know it is a weird name but they absolutely love naming companies down here after certain significant dates), this is a women’s association that makes recycled paper products. Their products are very cool and I think they have the most potential for me being able to help them! (More to come on this, there products are amazing and I guarantee all of you women out there will love their stationery and other goodies).
As you may have guessed I am super siked to be placed here and every day I wake up and walk outside to enjoy the view of this beautiful valley. I am currently renting a small apartment from a great, supportive family and imagine that I will be passing my entire 2 yrs in the apartment attached to their house. I am slowly getting it in order, but I am finding that things like refrigerators and furniture are somewhat similar priced to the States, so I have decided to try to make some of my own furniture. My first piece was a bedside table that is so off level that it drastically rocks back and forth when you set something on top of it. I blame it on the fact that the cement floor is off-level, it would never be through fault of my expert design.
I feel as though I am truly blessed for getting such a great place to live. When talking with other volunteers I try hard not to brag about where I am living but it is hard when you live in such a miraculous place. If you are family or friends reading this you now have even more reason to visit me and if you are a parent of another PC Volunteer reading this you definitely need to put this place on your “Must See” list when coming to visit, you will not be disappointed!!!
Well, I have been in my site for almost three weeks now and the truth of the matter is that I cannot believe I get to live here for the next two years. My site is called San Pedro de Vilcabamba which is about a mile away from the tourism town of Vilcabamba, a place nationally known for its tranquility and beauty. The population of my site is about 1500 and about 4000 in Vilcabamba, but every day there are hundreds of tourists coming in and out of town to enjoy the rest and relaxation this place offers. I have yet to indulge in world class massages and facials but from what I hear they are first rate. ($18 for 75 minutes of massage, not a bad deal). It is located about an hour away from the city of Loja so I truly have the best of worlds, a small, quiet little town to live in and a large city to get a taste of “faster” living.
As for work, I am currently in touch with three groups that are going to provide me with more than enough things to occupy my time for the next two years. The primary one is Colinas Verdes and is an organization that is dedicated to the development of the community both on an economic and social level. The second group is the community bank which is basically an organization set up to give the local population a financial option that keeps their money local and helps with the town’s economic situation as well with their personal development. Last but not least is the Association of the 23 of June (I know it is a weird name but they absolutely love naming companies down here after certain significant dates), this is a women’s association that makes recycled paper products. Their products are very cool and I think they have the most potential for me being able to help them! (More to come on this, there products are amazing and I guarantee all of you women out there will love their stationery and other goodies).
As you may have guessed I am super siked to be placed here and every day I wake up and walk outside to enjoy the view of this beautiful valley. I am currently renting a small apartment from a great, supportive family and imagine that I will be passing my entire 2 yrs in the apartment attached to their house. I am slowly getting it in order, but I am finding that things like refrigerators and furniture are somewhat similar priced to the States, so I have decided to try to make some of my own furniture. My first piece was a bedside table that is so off level that it drastically rocks back and forth when you set something on top of it. I blame it on the fact that the cement floor is off-level, it would never be through fault of my expert design.
I feel as though I am truly blessed for getting such a great place to live. When talking with other volunteers I try hard not to brag about where I am living but it is hard when you live in such a miraculous place. If you are family or friends reading this you now have even more reason to visit me and if you are a parent of another PC Volunteer reading this you definitely need to put this place on your “Must See” list when coming to visit, you will not be disappointed!!!
9 comments:
Magnificent! We are so thrilled you are loving life in Ecuador. Now don't forget to earn a decent wage (stress on the word earn!)
As for the bedside table, should we send you a level?
We're packing our bags now! It looks too good to be true, so we want to see it for ourselves.
Love, Mom and Dad
Andy,
WOW! It looks and sounds better than the People's Republic of Boulder! I gave my notice today at work and everyone was very exicted for me! I will be there soon!
hmmm- I never thought to pack a level!
Lauren
Ecuador- June 18th group!
Sounds like your living the hard life.....so are you gonna come back relaxed and with perfect skin? I thought you were going there to work! just kidding, congrats and good luck on the furniture making! :-)
Jenni and Ryan
Oh, I almost forgot, Blue wanted you to know, he's as cool as you and has his own blog too.
http://bigdogblue.blogspot.com/
:0)
He's with a foster family.
Miss you!
C
This looks incredible- what a way to wake up each morning! I am really happy for you that you are enjoying the experience so much!
Heard a great talk by this guy named Paul Polak the other day- we has changed a lot of lives working in development and improving the lives of the "bottom billion" as he calls the less than $1 a day earners. Check him out.
Love,
Mol
Andy,
Happy to hear that you're really into your gig.
Don't worry about the table... you should see my drywall work.. actually, no you shouldn't.
Sounds as if you have a few takers on your invitation for folks to come on down! I may have to stop by on my way to Brazil to check out their use of mobile communications... the Brazilians (not to mention the Japanese and Koreans) are a few years ahead of us in the use of cell phone technology.
What's the weather like there? I bet all the retired 70-year-old Ecuadorians don't sit around watching the Weather Channel 10 hours/day as some of their counterparts here:-)
Keep up the good work! I have to believe you're representing the USA in a better light than some of our more exalted leaders. One think you should be thankful for is that you're not having to lisiten to all the political rancor and balderdash surrounding the presidential primaries.. it's gotten a wee bit out of control.
Keep loose!
George
P.S. Ann says to say "Hi". She'll pass on the guinea pigs. Ichecked with the meat specialists @ Kroger... we don't stock them... yet.
Hey Andy,
You've convinced me...I'm coming for my $17 massage and facial. Seriousy though, Sara and I chatted about visitng you next spring and of course our 3rd (Bengtson) needs to come. Miss and love you tons...Em.
Hi Andy,
I was an RPCV in Armenia (2002-2004) but I am coming to Ecuador from Jan. 2-26 and would love to meet some of the Ecuadorian volunteers and get their take on "grassroots tourism" if at all possible. You sound really busy but if you want to write back I can be reached at stuengel@yahoo.com.
Cheers,
Seth
p.s. I already tried contacting Jason Kresselman but haven't heard back from in awhile.
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