Going from Snow Days to....Volcano Days?

As a middle school teacher here in Idaho, it is not uncommon for me to wish and hope for the annual snow day. The magical time when the phone rings in the dead of night (a.k.a. 6:00am)

and an inspiring voice tells me not to come into work today because the world is covered in snow and ice. I love these days. Sometimes, the hope of a snow day is really what gets me through the long winter months of teaching squirrely eighth graders. Deciding to teach in Ecuador for the next two years, I have realized that I will be giving up the possibility of snow days. What I didn't fully realize is that they might be replaced by Volcano Days.

Today, the ever-temperamental volcano Tungurahua, which means "throat of fire" in the Quechua language, began to erupt south of Quito, Ecuador. Hundreds of people were evacuated from the village below the volcano. It really is an amazing sight, you can view video of the eruption at http://news.bbc.co.uk/.

Just another adventure waiting for us!

Años Viejos, Pyromaniacs, and Fireworks...Oh My

I have to admit, it has been quite awhile since I have actually been awake to ring in the new year and say goodbye to the old. Dave and I have always been a bit more concerned about the eight hours of sleep necessary to enjoy life rather than seeing the ball drop. But this year...is different. It is 12:58 and the neighbor's hired band just started, there are rapid fire explosives (aka fireworks) going off in three minute intervals, and the car alarms throughout our block seem to be answering the loving call of said fireworks. There will be no eight hours to start off the year for the Richert's this time. Nothing about our experiences in Ecuador could be classified as typical, and New Year's Eve is proving to be no exception. The evening started out quite and low key, dinner at home with a movie. There were the occasional firework, but that isn't anything atypical. I was even contemplating continuing the tradition of snuggling into bed by 10:30. Before I called...

Here Comes the Sun...

Well, not really. It is actually pretty overcast around here and lightening has been flashing across the sky for the last couple of hours. But...I'm in a much better mood than yesterday. I have been feeling a bit guilty because of my pity-party extravaganza...okay, okay, tantrum. Mostly because I know that Dave is the main recipient of those party favors, we know that can't be so much fun. Today I felt the urge to throw an anti-pity party. You are all invited to join in these festivities, and I promise that there will be no screaming, throwing of dishes, or crazy ravings from the host, just good ol' fashioned thankfulness. * My boss brought me pretzels today from her trip to the states. Love that. * The kids loved my arm-sized bruise and the EcuaBus story that goes along with it. * My husband made me laugh today. A lot. * I am feeling so much better on the cold front, it is unbelievable. (Isn't that always how it works out? You're sick during vacations and ...

Home, Sweet Home

Dave and I currently live in the beautiful Puerto Azul, outside of Guayaquil, Ecuador. The school I am working for, InterAmerican Academy , has provided us with a wonderful apartment 3/4 of a mile from school. The spacious apartment is on the second floor of a three tenant building, so it is quiet and peaceful. The pictures below are of our apartment, friendly visitors, the chef, and the neighborhood. Pay attention to the construction going on at one of the houses and what they use for scaffolding! Dave and I watched the workers climb up and down the bamboo poles, carrying tools and supplies. It was incredible! L to R, row 1: Entryway, Kitchen, Maid's Quarters, neighboring home. Row 2: Master Bedroom, Backyard View, In-house resident, Chef David. Row 3: Dining Room, Bathroom, Guest Bedroom, Morning Visitor. Row 4: 1st breakfast, Outdoor patio, 2nd bathroom, Neighborhood home.

Living The Good Life

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