My nephew Joe is taking an international studies course in Ecuador. Here’s his latest message.From: Joe
Sent: Sunday, September 21, 2003 17:13:31
Subject: Re: Time to fill ya in.
Hello friends and family alike,
I am just returned from my trip not more than 20 minutes ago. I wish I could perfectly describe the weekend I had. First of all, the bus ride was ROUGH, 8 hours there and 7 back. On the way there, I sweat about a gallon of salty water, and on the way back someone decided to vomit, which was just a wonderful smell, as I’m sure you can imagine.
Anyway, about Atacames. Basically, it is a tourist beach, but almost all local tourists. The sand and ocean was beautiful (my first time at the pacific). We had a grand old time jumping into the waves and then baking in the sun. I also experienced a perfect zen moment. I was laying in my hammock, swinging back and forth when UB-40’s Red Red Wine came on at some reggea bar right near the beach. For 3 minutes I was transported to heaven.
Now, the city itself was like much of ecuador, dirty and mostly very poor. Another common thing to ecuador is people walking up to you and trying to sell you lots of things. Luckily we learned how to avoid the vendors and flies and really have a good time. We, (Yvonne, Sarah, and myself in case I never mentioned that) stayed in this cabana type thing (I got the big bed!) that cost 6 dollars a person. It wasn’t wonderful, but it was cheap. Sadly, it was also some sort of pressure cooker, and I basically just dripped sweat the entire night.
All in all, it was a good time, and I was sad to return to the city of quito. Well, I hope all is well, I will be sure to talk to you folks later.
joe
Sent: Sunday, September 21, 2003 17:13:31
Subject: Re: Time to fill ya in.
Hello friends and family alike,
I am just returned from my trip not more than 20 minutes ago. I wish I could perfectly describe the weekend I had. First of all, the bus ride was ROUGH, 8 hours there and 7 back. On the way there, I sweat about a gallon of salty water, and on the way back someone decided to vomit, which was just a wonderful smell, as I’m sure you can imagine.
Anyway, about Atacames. Basically, it is a tourist beach, but almost all local tourists. The sand and ocean was beautiful (my first time at the pacific). We had a grand old time jumping into the waves and then baking in the sun. I also experienced a perfect zen moment. I was laying in my hammock, swinging back and forth when UB-40’s Red Red Wine came on at some reggea bar right near the beach. For 3 minutes I was transported to heaven.
Now, the city itself was like much of ecuador, dirty and mostly very poor. Another common thing to ecuador is people walking up to you and trying to sell you lots of things. Luckily we learned how to avoid the vendors and flies and really have a good time. We, (Yvonne, Sarah, and myself in case I never mentioned that) stayed in this cabana type thing (I got the big bed!) that cost 6 dollars a person. It wasn’t wonderful, but it was cheap. Sadly, it was also some sort of pressure cooker, and I basically just dripped sweat the entire night.
All in all, it was a good time, and I was sad to return to the city of quito. Well, I hope all is well, I will be sure to talk to you folks later.
joe
