Fire and Rain

Yes, there has been a lack of funny at Spork.  Sorry to say, this entry will be no different.  I have been forced to work 8 hours a day, 5 days a week.  This is not what I agreed to when moving to Ecuador.  All of my witty responses have been used up on students questions like: "Why do we have to work on art in art class?" "Can I study for my science test?" "Can I draw a pack of cigarettes?"  Good news:  As of this Friday, I will be unemployed again.  I will be more focused on providing you with the best Ecuadorian entertainment possible.  Within reason, Grandma is tech savy.  I know most of you are surfing the internet while "working" so Spork hopes to bring you a little warm fuzzy during the work day.  We'll be laughing next week.

New mural in the works downtown.

This was the seen in our community a couple days before we left for Christmas.  An open lot caught fire and you can see one of the firemen in this photo.

Little D ready for the rain.  It rains everyday now that we are in the rainy season.

Ahoy Captain

The pirate speaks, "Ahoy! everyone. I have excitin' news.....I have accepted an offer t' be t' full time Elementary P.E. and Technology Teacher next year. " The pirate speaks agin, "For those o' you askin', "How did that happen?", I have no good anser fer you. Pirate luck me guess. Instead o' bicyclin', swimmin' and playin' futbol by me self t' pass t' day, I now have many little helpers t' make up teams and compete against. " The pirate speaks agin,"I'm hopin' me size will give me an advantage over thier energy. Danielle be hopin' they zap me energy! As for t' Technology side, I don't think thar be anythin' an Xbox or Play Station can't teach them. Why t' pirate talk? See below: "

Ever hear of the Eiffel Tower? Well, Mr. Gustave Eiffel also spent some time in Guayaquil and designed this lesser know building, Mercado Sur Guayaquil. It is made of mostly glass and features many of the same iron charactoristics as the Eiffel Tower.

That ther is NOT swimming water.
Pirate Lovin

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!