Friends and Family

D and I had a great time visiting friends and family over the holidays. Most of the time was spent eating, talking and couch lounging but we did manage to get out for a couple adventures. We are now back to Guayaquil and instantly in the rainy season with a high humidity. In Ecuador, if your not sweating, you're not having a good time!

After spending time in a 3rd world country and then stepping into Hollywood, it was a freeing reminder that latest fashion, the newest cars and large homes are not necessities of survival or happiness. That's me holding up T-Mac.



Miller Time and I working out the details for my first solo Harmonica album. Be looking for it's national release in summer 2010.Imagine me jamming with my Harmonica while break dancing.

Open Ear's

When the people speak, Spork listens. From now on, all insightfull, life changing, mind altering "Would you rather" results will be posted after the poll closes. This will allow you to express the "why" behind your vote for the "Would you rather" survey that, no doubt, consumes your thoughts. So, our last entry was:

Would you rather play professional:

Chess: 2 (10%)

Badminton: 3 (25%)

Rock, Paper, Scissors: 7 (58%)

Now, simply click on comments below and share your "why" behind the vote. My example:

I voted for Rock, Paper, Scissors because it's both a mental and physical challenge that can also be used for major decisions (See the Bush Administration).

Take the Spork challenge!

As you leave your comments, submit your own "Would you rather" question for a chance to win a photo of you and Spork posted with your question in January. Deadline for all entry's will be December 31. Good luck to all Sporkers!

Of course you are all here for the Ecua photos so, shots from body boarding Sunday:

Banos: An Adventure Orgasim

I'm still breathing heavy and my body is a flutter. Biking, hiking, a cable car ride across a canyon, suspension bridges, canyoning and yes, bungee jumping. We have found an adventurers playground! This was the best weekend I've had with Danielle since being in Ecuador. The pictures tell much more so let's get to it:

This is when I wet my shorts.

A mothers saying: "Just because your friend jumps off a bridge, should you?" My answer: "HEK YAH!" This is Mark making the big jump. Go Mark!

Ecuador security offered by our canyoning guides. Fortunately we only had to use it once for a guy who hit his head on the rocks. Ended his headache quickly. (Not true)

One of the many surrounding volcano's blowing off steam.

These little pigs weren't the fastest of the bunch.

Living the good life.

Birthday Dinner

Last Wednesday (my birthday), D and I had the privilege of being invited to the U.S. Consulates home for Thanksgiving dinner along with some other teachers and the Peace Corp. Once we got past security, we enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving feast, service by those dressed in penguin suits, story's of service work in Ecuador and an impromptu piano concert. The host even brought out a candle and the group sang Happy Birthday for me in 4 different languages. Which 4, I don't know! The family of the U.S. Consulate are wonderful people and it made for a very memorable Birthday. I'll be honest, I couldn't help but take a keepsake. I safely tucked it where the sun don't shine and ran like a man runs from seeing Larry Craig's hand waving under his bathroom stall. Check it out:

30 in Ecuador

I'm excited to be experiencing my 30th birthday in Ecuador. I may not have drinkable tap water, hot water, decent cheese, sweet singletrack trails, consistant electricity, a job (no complaints) or friends and family here to help celebrate, but I am experiencing something I never thought I'd be doing in my previous 29 years. I wouldn't give it up for any missed luxury's. Each day I wake up to a wonderful wife, palm trees, iguanas, multi colored birds and a new culture to be explored. Everyday there is a real possibility I may see something I have never seen before. Living the good life. I have no doubt this experience will change how I live my next 30 years. Cheers!

Turkey's

Yes, those are my feet and hands on the white board below. It's Turkey Day's in Art class! How appropriate, I've got the turkey's making turkey's. We are responsible for making 200 place mats for the upcoming Thanksgiving dinner hosted by the school. The new teacher that I am, did not plan for the extra time needed to cut out 6 fingered hands, removal of shoes/ socks (the turkeys were just supposed to trace around their shoes) and lecturing on the danger's of running with scissors. Needless to say, the seniors will now be taking part of this project. I'm sure that will have it's own hurdles.

This is what I'm typically looking at while Tutoring. Where's the student? Your guess is as good as mine. It's much safer to stay in my seat. If I chase him down, I risk loosing my voice and spraining an ankle.

Pizza Hut and Domino's delivery fleet

Montanita

Montanita: Surf Town, Ecuador. One great weekend! Body boarding, relaxing, good food, friends and a citizen's arrest. Drunk driver driving through town was stopped by the locals, pulled out of his car, shirt torn off, a little verbal harassment and his car confiscated. It's a shame we don't see more of this back home. Surf's up dude!