These people know how to party!
This was in front of me, there were twice as many behind.
Our pueblo, Nayón, where we’ve been living during our ten weeks of training, has a population of about 30,000. For the past three weekends, it has hosted the “Festival of Nayón.” The festival could be boiled down to a stage in the town square with music and dancing, but it’s so much more than that.
When I think of our hometown—St. Charles, Illinois, population 33,000—and its biggest event, the Scarecrow Festival, I picture a mediocre craft show in Pottawatomie Park, a fun scarecrow display in Lincoln Park, and a stage on River Street with a bad cover band playing to a sparse crowd.
Not here. This place was bumpin’. (Is that the proper use of that word?)
Soooo many people packed the square to hear the bands—mostly brass ensembles playing traditional Ecuadorian music. People were dancing, drinking, eating street food, and genuinely having fun. It was infectious, and it was super fun to watch and be part of.
Jenny and our “sisters”, Pamala and Dyana.
One of our favorite young volunteers trying not to accept yet another drink.
Cheers!
There was also a parade on Sunday. The dancing and costumes were amazing.
Earlier in the week we went on a cultural trip to visit an afroecuatoriano community called El Chota followed by a visit to an indigenous community called Agota. There’s not really much diversity in Ecuador, so it’s valuable for us to be able to visit and learn from members of these communities.
This is Dona Anita. She’s 80 years old and president of her pueblo. We chased her all over a mango orchard as she picked the ripe fruit. Jenny and I were lucky enough to have dinner and spend the night at her house.
Us volunteers played a game of football against these kids and the results were as you would expect. 10-2 Ecuador.
This is Jenny’s Spanish teacher, Rolando, and his granddaughter. Rolando grew up and still lives in the community.
We visited a traditional textile workshop.
Next week we learn where we’ll be living for the next two years! Stay tuned and thanks for reading!
