Mark McMahon’s Blog

June 5, 2001 - Ingapirca, Ecuador

 
For being so close to the equator, Ingapirca is surprisingly chilly. But the warmth of our hosts, Jose and Asoura, more than made up for the climate. 
 
In general, the people were extremely shy and timid towards strangers. But beneath their protective shells were bundles of smiling curiosity.  

 
Every morning we were treated to a parade of school kids and women shepherding their farm animals down the dusty road in front of our temporary home. The long road was the only access to the large co-op farm and the tiny schoolhouse.

 
For the second time in Ecuador I was treated to cuy for dinner. Yes, guinea pig again! And again, very tasty! We also ate a lot of choclo, a hearty and chewy form of native corn that is a staple in the area.

 
Most of the indigenous groups  in this country can be distinguished by their distinctive hats. This region has customs that go along with their headwear. The womens’ felt bowlers come with two dangling balls; either on the front or the back. Front or back indicates marital status. I won’t tell you which is which. You’re on your own when you come to visit. 
 
Our hosts went all out to share their customs and their countryside with us. We got tours of nearby villages as well as mountains and lakes. A lengthy expedition to a secluded lake did not yield as much fish as we had hoped but the views were spectacular. 

May 22, 2001 - Quito, Ecuador
 
The Spanish language school business is extremely competitive in Quito. One-on-one classes can cost less than two dollars. Any one who speaks Spanish here can and often does call themselves a Spanish teacher. 

I decided to brush up on some advanced grammar and I was introduced to two sisters and a brother who were just opening a new school.  

 
They listened intently as I shared my insights into the mind of the gringo/ traveler/ consumer. “Change your name.” “Put a picture of the cute sisters in your ads.”   
 
They implemented my ideas and I got free classes!! A heck of a deal for everyone. 
 
Learning Spanish here is an incredible deal here. You can get weekly homestay packages that include meals and a cultural exchange certainly not available at the Hilton. And there is a weekly Salsa dance class included. I recommend my new friends at La Puerta Latina very highly.

May 19, 2001 - Tucson, AZ

Here I go again. Questioning. Wondering. Again from my current perspective. This time the thrill and excitement of it all has waned. I’m struggling with my writing at the moment.
 
 
In the last seven weeks I have not completed and posted a single journal entry! Not that I haven’t started any… there are photos, titles, outlines and notes for at least six entries. I could complete them and continue but I’m just not into it!
The homepage on the other hand is complete and very cool. All it needs is some new content! Not that much to ask… or is it? I just haven’t followed through to completion. I seem to have multiple personalities. A part of me wants to complete these things and forge ahead. “Come on, you can do it Mark.” Another part, more dominant at the moment says, “**** it. I just don’t wanna. I ain’t into it.” 

Two voices. Two little birdies. A good angel and a bad? Very distinct. Not headed in the same direction. Perhaps some mediation or outside intervention is in order. Have both sides state their case and come up with some sort of compromise. The ‘**** it’ guy is not even interested in participating. The spokesperson for the Anti-Nike movement, “Just **** it!!” 
  

 
Well folks, that’s all there is to say. Tune in again soon to see if the stalemate is ever broken and the writer is able to push through to complete anything.

Hmm. That feels complete! It’s done! I finished an entry… I think there’s hope!