Kroka Ecuador Semester 2013: Ecuador Semester blog post #4

A pre-flight beach walk

Tagged and ready to fly!

On Thursday Sept 26^th, our plane descended into Quito’s twinkling lights late in the evening. We were all excited during the van ride on bumpy, fast roads to our new home. After a delicious first meal at Palugo and a long night’s sleep, we rose the next day to a glorious morning and beautiful country. The mountains that surround Palugo stood magnificent against the sky, with one in particular, Cotopaxi - our future challenge, standing clear and gleaming with snow!

Palugo Farm base camp with Cotopaxi calling to us!

Palugo Farm

In the Chozon for a welcome circle

Naya working with Thomas to write up
the packing list

Besides the geographical and biological beauty of Palugo, the people have made this place our home. Roberto, who comes from the village of San Clemente, Ecuador will be one of our leaders for the rest of our semester. His quiet and patient demeanor has become an important part of our community. His wife, Lourdes, and their infant daughter, Tamia, have been a joyful presence in our group this last week and will be with us when we are on the farm. What’s more, our arrival reunited the Dammer brothers, and we have thoroughly enjoyed the presence of this incredible trio. Michael, Mathias and Thomas grew up on the farm and their knowledge of the land and the farm is extensive. The homes they have built represent creative architecture and fit snugly into the landscape. Nicole, Mathias’ wife, has also become an important part of our semester - she helps with food coordination, overall program organization, and teaching.

Heading to Pifo

In the first few days of our time in Ecuador, we went to Pifo and Quito. On Saturday, we took the public bus to Pifo, a neighboring town where we went to explore the public square, have lunch, and buy rain boots and canvas sneakers. After a lunch of exotic fruits and cheese tortillas, we were given one dollar apiece to purchase a dessert item from any of the food stalls surrounding the town square. It is amazing how much food you can get for one dollar! This also gave us the chance to put our Spanish speaking skills to a practical application. On Monday, we headed to Quito (an hours bus trip away) and Nicole gave us a tour of the historic section of the city and taught us about the history of Ecuador’s capital. We walked the streets, went to an interesting museum, ate another great lunch, toured one of the oldest churches, and visited Indepencia Square. Though Quito is enormous, and we only saw the historic section, the trip gave us a much clearer picture of the country we are living in.

On the streets of Pifo

Overlooking the historic section of Quito

Learning about the history of Quito with Nicki

In the historic section of Quito

Practical application of Spanish language skills!

Last Thursday, we climbed Mt. Pasochoa. Once an active volcano, it blew itself apart in its last eruption and is now simply three jagged peaks overlooking an enormous crater. The peaks were so sharp they almost looked too steep to climb. The hike was a fantastic introduction to the mountains of the area, but it was significantly higher than many of the mountains any of us had ever previously climbed. At 13,600 ft. many of us showed symptoms of altitude sickness (slight headaches, shortness of breath) that lasted as long as 30 hours for some of us. Despite the difficulties of the climb, it was a great experience in the mountains of Ecuador. It also was an important step in our acclimatization to high altitudes.

Tadeo checking the map with Roberto and Tupac

Heading up towards Pasochoa

On top of Pasochoa in the clouds

Following the edge of Pasochoa's crater

Losing elevation

Knife making

Throughout the week we also spent time working on our fixed-blade knives. While the blades are imported from Sweden, we crafted the handles out of wooden burls and our sheaths from scrap wood and leather. Every knife is different as they all fit the hand of their maker. We spent many hours carefully rasping, carving and sanding the extremely hard wood to create the perfect shape. Some handles were also made from antler, thanks to Spencer who brought several antlers with him. Spencer also got us into jewelry making, so we stayed up chiseling away to make antler earrings and necklaces. All in all, the knife project was extremely satisfying and the knives will be one of the most important tools for semester.

Design consultation

As part of our English curriculum, we have all been asked to memorize a poem. Below is a poem that beautifully captures the energy of our constantly evolving community. Julia recited the following poem for us this week.

Hard Times Talk

By Halldis Moren Vesaas

It is not called: I-any longer

It is called: us

If you own happiness, then it is no longer only yours

All that your brother can receive of your happiness you must give

All that you can lift of your brother’s burden, you must take upon yourself

There are many around you who freeze; be a bonfire, radiate warmth!

Hands find hands

Shoulders steady shoulders

Breasts strike warm against breasts

It helps a little when few are frost bitten that you are warm

Shoulders steadying shoulders!

Next Wednesday, we begin our first expedition in Ecuador. To begin the expedition, we travel to Roberto’s village of San Clemente by public bus – several hours north of Quito. We will spend three days in San Clemente and there, we will have home stays. We will then bike 400km up and over the Andes and into the Amazon River Basin, where we will continue our route by raft and kayak. In the Amazon, we’ll get to spend time in Shiwacocha Village. Altogether, the expedition will last three weeks and there will be many challenges, and we feel ready and excited!

Before I sign off, I want to thank Robin for helping me write this entry, as well as Toby, Hannah, Thomas and Marcea for their constant support. Also, Sosanna wishes her dad a happy birthday and Chris turned nineteen yesterday - an event celebrated with great food and a trip to the Tattoo Adventure Gear Factory where we made (or at least helped to make) fabulous quick-dry pants!

Until next time,

Sonya

What follows are photos to give you a better idea about Palugo and life on the farm.