This day, was by far, one of the most overwhelming days of the
trip. It started with us going to Otavalo, a city where a huge market is held.
We went last time we were in Pijal and it was overwhelming and fabulous. It’s
overwhelming in the sheer number of people, stands and having to bargain.
Bargaining is not something that we ever experience in the United States, so
being put in a situation where you do something you’ve never done before is
always interesting. Last time we came, this was my first exposure to this sort
of market, something I would have to become accustomed to while abroad. When we
got there we met up with Alexandra and her son Johan who we spent a fair amount
of time last time we were in Pijal. Johan is now between five and six. It is
unbelievable how much time has gone by and how quickly. He seemed to recall
spending time with us once his Mom clarified who we were. It was phenomenal to
spend time with the two of them again. Having these connections built in, is
just such an interesting experience I’m still getting used to. It really makes
it feel like a home and emphasizes the fact that my community is no
international and exactly how strong it is.
Also, sorry there won't be too many photo's this post; I didn't want to lug my camera through the market.
(Photo credit to Jess Ho)
After
a few hours of bargaining for jewelry, blankets, mangoes and other goodies, we all
gather at a restaurant. One girl, who hadn’t been feeling well the night
before, was feeling even worse. Of course, being sick in a foreign country is
overwhelming and being sick in general sucks. She wasn’t running a fever but
was clearly sick given her discomfort you could just tell. We also had another
girl, when we got back on the bus, find out that a best friend of her family,
had passed away. Sam, had a degenerative disease that caused him to age
rapidly. The inspiring part came along about how he lived his life so
positively, there are TedTalks with him that you sound really check out. Sam
had lived far beyond the years the doctors gave him, but in the end knew he
would die as a result of this disease. Watching his TedTalks and hearing Sierra
talk about him was enlightening; it reminds you to recognize how lucky you are
and not take advantage of anything; that you can live a good and happy life
through everything. With that being said, it was still tragic that Sierra wasn’t
going to be able to be home for the funeral. It was an emotional day.
We
went to another waterfall which was beautiful and held a reflection about the
events of the day, as well as a moment of silence for Sam. The waterfall gave
people a chance to focus on something else for a bit, as well as a chance to
relax.
We got soaked....
After
we got back to Pijal, Lauren, the girl that wasn’t feeling well, was taken to a
clinic in a neighboring city, Ibarra, for treatment. I think this also shook
the group a bit and people started paying a lot of attention to anything out of
the ordinary. Jeff went with her to the clinic and stayed to act as a support
and translator. Sierra was able to use the wi-fi at Don Antonio’s to talk with
her family. Eric and I chatted and both agreed that the next day should be
taken easy given how emotionally exhausting the day was. It was the midpoint of
the trip and I find that no matter how long the trip is, the midpoint always
ends up being the most difficult. For whatever reason, I think part of it is a
mental block at realizing you’re only half way there. On these trips SO much
happens and it feels like a lot, so when you look back and realize you’ve only
completed half the trip, it’s like holy crap, how can I do all of the things
coming my way? I think that this pump is overcome pretty easily, hopefully, and
that people were going to be able to enjoy the rest of our time in Pijal and
Quito.
No comments:
Post a Comment