We are part way through our second week of school. The humor is that I can no longer speak in Engish or Spanish!!! My head is a jumbled whirlpool of stimulated thought. There is no filter in place to ease the stimulation. Everything must be processed! Who knows, my life might depend on it. Crossing a street is like running a gauntlet of ego-centric baboons let loose to wreck havick on the city (or that at least this is the experiance so far). We are, although, learning to dance as man and machine (pedestrian and vehicle) as we absorb the rythem of, well, shall we say, LIFE! It is all becoming easier though as we are starting to think in Spanish, dodge the cars appropriatly, etc. The filter is working and easing the stress on the mind and body.
Liability- What is that? In the U.S. we live so safe, so clean, so out of "harms" way. Even in the "sketchiest" or "run-down" areas there is that rule-of-thumb: You are basicly safe from getting hurt because no one wants to get sued! Have you ever noticed a piece of broken glass on the side walk?! When you see it you instantly think, conscience or subconscience: "Broken glass = unsafe condition = danger = be careful = avoid me! "Be careful- Avoid me" is certaintly the idea when houses line their concrete walls with it. Glass, any kind of glass. You pick the color of glass, choose the once intact home of a refreshing beverage glass, choose the once functioning and utilized sheet of glass for a window, a table, a mirror or the shower. You will see it all! My favorite is the twisted colorful chards of broken bottles stuck intertwinded onto the wall. As the sun hits the artfull array of a security system/wall my mind wanders to the once joyeous occasion when that cola or beer was consued amoungst friends. I am quickly brought back to my senses as a car flys by honking a precautionary horn indicating, "I'm not stopping" and a whistle blows from a nearby "traffic cop."
All-in-all, it is better to return to my senses. The next step is always a doozy. Which leads me to my next topic. I have come to the assumption that Ecuadorians do not were sandles because it is utterly dangerous to do so. The sidewalks are uneven with exposed holes, potruding pieces of metal, steps, slopes and yes, even dog poo!
(Sorry, I can not read how to rotate the picture)You could cut, slice, rip, tear or get some crazy infection if you were not paying close attention to where you are walking... You will certainly have your foot stepped on at one time or another in the public transportaion system. Such is life I suppose. We still maintain the "American Mentaliy" that we are practically safe from anything. (Mom and Dad, do not worry. This is just a figure of speah. We are still REALLY safe!) :)
This is a picture of them burning the ¨trash¨ in the gutters...Oh how we could go on... Quito is a huge city, yet the humor is dirt bikes are sold on practically every corner and are riden by quite a few as they navigate their way through the city...
Security guards (or youngsters with guns) are posted at almost every store or corner. It is not uncommen to walk a block and count 3-7 security guards. (Sorry I do not have a picture of them. I have not figured out a way to take one and get away with it... maybe Cass can bat her eyes and ask for a picture with one in each arm...) I am not sure if I should feel safer knowing there are security guards everywhere or more vulnerable to unseen dangers... She asked!!!! YES!!!!
For now, this is becoming life. This is our new oreintation to thinking and comparing. We are excited to be here and are being taught a lot about flexibility, what is "normal," comfort zones and about all the things we really take for granted in life.
Until next time,
Nothing But Love!
Here is the final product of a shrunken head. It has hair and large earrings, but it is the real deal. Dad, if I remember right, recieved one of these early on in your carrer right?!
together, as one, in harmoney with trapezoidal monument...
