Paute y Chordeleg

Today we explored the markets in Paute and Chordeleg, two nearby villages. We had fun trying new fruits, smelling the 3,ooo species of orchids in one room, and trying other fun market items. We learned that this valley produces many flowers (mostly roses for the USA).

Most of the home stay families are farmers that sell to the neighboring towns and many people come from other villages to buy local fruits and veggies on the weekend. According to Elena she says this valley reminds her of The Shire (the Latin version!). Everything is super green and the towns are self-reliant and abundant in local everything. You can grow everything and all families raise many types of animals here and they do — so inspiring!

We also have lots of pets in our families… Our host dog, Mateo, dresses himself because it’s cold here. He has various outfits that he will bring to you when he wants to be covered and warm. We have a chatty parrot that likes to screech HOLA on repeat if you don’t respond to him.

Edwin is our local driver who is also the school bus driver here. On the weekends there are non-stop volleyball games (Ecuadorian style) happening in the town center (only for men) while the woman are busy cooking.

Zacarias Elijah has been doodling and writing a bunch while Felipe Uly Gavin is solving many math problems at the same time. Agosto literally has a soccer court right at his front door and Nacho Hans is fully of witty Spanish jokes. Silvia & Ezme are playing cards with their host family and Eva Kendra made a local friend who is studying English at the University. Felipe Felix burnt his ears but randomly spouts out comprehensive sentence in in Spanish, surprising us all. Bellaflora Annika has been absorbing so much Spanish with a healthy sense of humor. Estrella Gwen dances. Everywhere and even while walking. Elena bought a sweet poncho and I maybe sat next to Mana (a famous band) while eating lunch in Quito. I also ate chicken.

When it rains it pours and you can feel your skin burning instantly when it pierces through the clouds. We are indeed on the Ecuator!

Tomorrow we are teaching for the first time. (Insert nervous emoji face) We are eager to meet the kiddos. It’s so fun to be in a village where no one has ever hosted exchange students before, or come in contact with many foreigners. Everyone is so curious about us, welcoming, and eager to know us. Everyone has reported how lovely their families are even though they are overwhelmed with all the new information and even though in only Spanish is exhausting and at times awkward. But, it makes for fun stories when we all come together. 🙂

The connection is spotty right now so we cannot upload photos at the moment of the adventures today but we will try again tomorrow. Chau for now!

Ama & Elena

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