Jan 5 : view of the house

Jan 5: Janine before dressing up

Jan 5 : Janine

She dressed up Sunday

Jan 5: staying in home of family in Saraguro

I am staying at a place 8500ft. There is a big time festival going on, another 'Church' holiday which is really a mix of indigenous culture and the Catholic Church.  Saraguro has these guys dressed as Wikis which run around acting crazy, trying to kiss women and shaking down tourists for cash. A lot of the wikis appear to be drunk.

The people of the town appear to be like Amish. They don't let outsiders intermarry to protect their purity. I definitely get the indigenous Kichwa feel.

The place I am staying is on a mountain 1000 ft above the town yet I can look up to see a mountain.

Jan 4: Update: Saraguro

I am off on a three hour bus ride winding south through the Andes to Saraguro today. I will be staying with an indigenous Kichwa family for a couple of days returning Monday.  I am excited about the trip as a big reason for my adventures is to meet people from different cultures to get to know what their life is like.

The Kichwa clothing is a white poncho and hats with black spots. The black worn is said to come from llamas and sheep of the same color. Plus the black retains heat at the 7, 500 ft elevation.

Meanwhile yesterday the landlord Louise arranged a doctor appointment for me with a specialist in the spine(eg neck problem). The 75 year old guy, Louise, walked with me to the clinic and escorted me through the entire appointment. Then he walked me to a farmacia for muscle relaxant meds. I was very grateful for him extending himself like that.  The docs prescription: 10 days of the meds and 10 days of massage therapy from Louise's daughter.  If it hasn't improved, he will do an MRI. The cost to see the specialist: $30. The cost for a massage session of 40min: $15.

Jan 2: stolen camera

I met a friendly couple from Columbia in the hostal last night. I befriended them. I told them how safe it is to walk in Cuenca. But I said you still have to be mindful as people still get things stolen such as thieves snatching cell phones from tourists. 

I come back from class today to find the couple talking to the landlord.  They realized their camera was stolen. They were in tears over it. I felt bad for them.

Jan 1: watching the 'Furd represent the Left Coast