Settling in

Happy Labor Day, May Day, and start of month 8!! What!? I take full responsibility for leaving you all feeling neglected, my sincerest apologies for lack of blog posts. I guess after the last post, I figured I needed something substantial to report to trump that emotional story.

Truth is, most of the month of March was spent having a never-ending going away party for Tamara as her 6 months were coming to an end.  There were many trips to rivers, pools, the local cocktail bar, karaoke, watching soccer games and dancing at the discoteca.

Clinic going-away party at a nearby hosteria/pool

Had to say goodbye to these 3 girls. From left to right, Jenny , 18 yr old on a gap-year , Vero, Ecuadorean PT who moved to Peru to study, and Tamara, my travel-buddy, partner in crime. 

Tamara's lovely family. They treated me as their own.

Hammock break during our hike

Ecuador vs Does it matter? Qualifying game for the World Cup

Apart from the festivities, Tamara and I took our last weekend trip together to head into the jungle to a reserve called Laguna de Limoncocha.  This was another example of something I probably would not have done without her pushing me to, and yet again, she was right that it was a good idea. :) Here are some of the pics to prove that we did, in fact, fish for piranhas, which we then ate for dinner, saw caymans, did early morning bird watching, and trekked in the jungle both during the day and at night.  

Otherwise, not too much has happened besides life moving forward. I am over the midway-hump, which I can't believe! It has me thinking a lot about what is next.  To be honest- I have no idea! I change my plans just about every day from the idea of traveling solo in South America to staying in Tena to close out some outstanding projects (since my director here is trying to move back to the states as soon as her house sells), or taking a different job/volunteer gig somewhere.  Who knows!

In the meantime, I keep going to rivers, hanging out with my family here, or with friends that I've made in the last 7 months.

Got to see a soccer game in Quito, too bad our team lost 3-0 :( Still definitely a "cultural experience". 

My little brother celebrated his 9th birthday. Love this little man! 

Me and my family cooling off at a local river, my favorite thing to do here in Ecuador. 

Next thing I am looking forward to is a visit from my parents! They arrive this Friday and we plan to venture around Quito and Tena before heading to the Galapagos for a week! Doesn't sound like much fun, huh?! ;)