Clips of Guayaquil

This week you get clips of Guayaquil. No, there wasn't any major outing this weekend due to the Elections. Ecuadorians are required by law to vote (not a bad idea) and have to travel to their original place of birth to cast that vote (great for family reunions, bad for tourists). This equals many crazed drivers, large crowds and of course, corruption. Rumor has it, during last years election, you could earn $15 for voting for a certain candidate which was paid after your vote was submitted. Needless to say, these kinds of activities can generate some "conflict" so we decided to lay low at the Richert Ranch. Because you are more interested in pictures than my tender thoughts, here are some clips while in Guayaquil this last week:

This bike is fully loaded: largest milk carton in the world, rear rack, rear view mirrors and a radio enclosed in a steal cage with a lock. All on a little BMX bike.
Pretty sure you're not to feed the dragons

This guy takes "dangers of cycling" to a new level. No helmet needed.....it won't matter

This guy is forced to use his bicycle as a scooter. Unfortunately for him and many others, this city is not very handicap friendly

Saturday we went hiking at a park about 5 miles from where we live
Not a bad campsite

I doubt he'll feel so lucky during the green season

Suspicions

Nearly everyone in our gated community has a maid and it is common for them to live with the family. This is the case at the Richert Ranch. The only difference is that our maid is male. That being said, I have growing suspicions that D has been fooling around with our maid. Yes, I admit, he is somewhat handsome and a great harmonica player but the guy never puts in a full days work. Why would D keep a maid around 7 days a week when he only puts in 2 hours worth of work? Obviously, something fishy is up. Here's what I caught on camera:

Looks like work is being done......

but I caught him looking up bike porn on my computer
This guy takes as many breaks as I do when cleaning. Those sure are sexy legs though.

What do you think about my growing suspicion? Need more proof?

Velodromo

Yesterday's adventure led to the local bike track which looks to be apart of a sports training facility for our national teams. Access was granted by security after I repeated "Velodromo" multiple times while smiling real big and pointing to my map. Next thing I knew, I was walking with the Jr. International Soccer team and watching a cycling team train at the Velodromo.

Commitment Issues

I've got a good routine going: Ride with D to work, check email, read news, study Spanish, go on daily adventures, mountain bike - swim - and/or play soccer, tutor (job), ride home with D, play with friends who work from 9-5. Repeat. It is also my duty to share these adventures with you via Spork. The last thing you or I want is for something to get in the way of the emotional bonding Spork has allowed us. Why would we want to change this in the name of "Work"? Well, "Work" is knocking on the door, I'm peeking through the blinds and we're just staring at each other waiting for the other to make the first move. Some of you may find this funny but every school teacher I know has these same commitment issues come about August. Problem: That annoying companion, "Work", just kept knocking and I couldn't shake him. I have accepted a long term sub position for the Art teacher who is pregnant (7 weeks starting Oct. 15). Trust me, it was very hard to make this choice knowing it could jeopardize our commitment to each other through Spork. I promise there will still be adventures (I am working with Pre K - 12th grade) and we will work through this together. First thing to arrange for Art class: Nudes.

Zaruma: Series 3 of 3

Patience my friends. Did you really think you would get all 3 series in 3 days? Lesson #3: Electricity, water and plumbing are never guaranteed in Ecuador. It's good to be back. I missed you too.

Breakfast. Just add milk

Bird sanctuary

The only bird I saw. Good thing I'm fast with the camera

I appreciated the smile for this photo. Very photogenic

Can you tell which one is bullheaded?

One Jackass looking at another

Zaruma: Series 2 of 3

Day 2:

Very common outdoor patio/utility area
View's from Hotel room and roof top

Breakfast made from scratch......and rock

Beautiful Catholic Church

City center outside the church

Oh yeah, I was supposed to be watching after these kids. I just gave them a hard hat and told them to be in bed by 10. There was gold to be found.

Me with a pocket full of gold

Zaruma: Series 1 of 3

Need to know: For some unknown reason, someone at InterAmerican Academy thought I was responsible enough to be a chaperon for 15 10th graders to Zaruma on a 4 day trip. Of course I said, "Absolutely" and took the opportunity to explore somewhere new. Zaruma is an old mining (Gold) town founded in 1549 (yeah, that's old). The city is pasted to a mountain side in the Andes Mountains with concrete. Located in Southern Ecuador at an elevation of 1,200 meters (you figure it out), Zaruma is filled with history and culture, the people are very friendly and the view es hermoso (is beautiful). Due to what some may call A.D.D. (I prefer M.I.S.E: Multiple Interests, Self Entertained), you get 3 series of photos over 3 days. Day 1:

Rush hour while leaving Guayaquil

Banana plantation
Bike shop

Milk man

Don't mess with Ecuador.......or get caught taking photos of it's military. Apparently, Captain Ecuador didn't think he was a tourist attraction. Good thing our bus was faster than his tank.

Petrified forest caused by volcano

Reminded me of home

City street outside of Hostel

Futbol game. InterAmerican Academy kids vs. the locals

Pretty sure you are not to mix water and electricity