True story…although it was only about 10 minutes and instead of having to walk back down, I got to repel down a waterfall. It was the first time I had heard of canyoning and figured while in one of the most adventure friendly towns in Ecuador, I’d give it a shot. While I was unfortunately not able to spend Christmas with my family this year (LOVE AND MISS YOU ALL!), I was able to take advantage of the extensive vacation time (5 days!) and see a little bit of Ecuador. On Thursday evening I took a bus headed to Baños. While yes this does translate to bathroom (ahem Carly and Mom), it also means baths–Baños de Agua Santa or Holy Water Baths. As the town is located at the base of a volcano, there are plenty of hot springs nearby to visit. Not only is Baños well-known for its plethora of “extreme” sports and hot springs, but for its beautiful waterfalls. Day 1 I headed out for a bike ride through the mountains the check them out. Upside to the mountains…it’s not nearly as hot as it is on the coast…downside to the mountains…the weather is unpredictable, and it rains quite frequently. Pailon del Diablo is likely the most famous in the region, as it is one of the highest waterfalls in Ecuador (I was told it was the second highest, but not sure how much I can trust that). Upside to riding your bike in the rain...you're soaked so you don't think twice about standing at the base of the waterfall...downside to riding your bike in the rain...you're soaking wet and freezing. Thank goodness for the bus that took me back up the mountain. Oh and this wasn't just any bus...I rode back in a chiva, which is like a giant school bus with no windows and ridiculously loud reggaeton music (Latin American hip hop). The next 3 days I spent enjoying the lush, green mountains canyoning, hiking, and swing off the end of the world. In recent years, Instagram has helped Baños gain some notoriety #endoftheworldswing. I was fortunate enough to have a clear and sunny day, as well as a very enthusiastic employee help me get some air (thanks Cesaer!). I finished my stay in Baños with a relaxing evening in the hot springs at the base of a waterfall. While I would have loved to be with my family on Christmas, when you're traveling it feels just like any other day. It also makes all the time you do get to spend together just that much more special. Although I may not have been surrounded by family, I was surrounded by some very generous and kind individuals. From the shop/restaurant owners who sat and talked with me for well over an hour to the kind employees at the hostel who made every genuine effort to help me. Ecuador has truly touched my heart and continues to make a significant impact on me. I am grateful not only for the accepting people I have in my life every day, but for the abundance of acts of kindness from strangers. Looking forward to all that is to come. Next up as far as adventures...the second highest capital city in the world, Quito!
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One of the characteristics I most enjoy of my daily activities with FIMRC is how varied my weekly schedule is (except for my mornings which involves ~45 minute workout. Thank goodness I live across from a soccer stadium). One day we may spend hours researching and planning for a variety of programs while others are spent out in the community executing these plans. What initially attracted me to FIMRC was how individualized each chapter of their organization is. They don’t create a program and then implement it into various communities, they select a community and then through collaboration, develop programs personalized to the community needs. Here’s a brief look into what I’ve been up to in Anconcito: Monday—The morning started with a meeting between the site director, program coordinator and myself. This week was going to be a heavy planning week as many programs start back up after the holidays. As an intern with FIMRC I have the opportunity to head up my own project, so I spent a good majority of the day after that researching. I’m looking forward to sharing what my project is in February when it’s up and running 😊 Tuesday—After a morning workout I got to the office around 9:00 and spent the first several hours poring through information online. In total, my program lasts 8 weeks and with the holidays quickly approaching, I’m hoping to get as ahead as possible before the break. After lunch (which I share in the office with the director) I split the rest of the afternoon planning for my project and gathering things for our clubs at the end of the week. I finished the evening with a movie (Coco!) in the plaza. Naturally, we were the only adults there without kids. Wednesday—One of FIMRC’s programs is a mother’s nutrition club focused on preventing malnutrition among children under the age of 5. As a way to observe their progress, I helped to input data and create growth charts as a visual guide for an activity on Friday. After almost 2 ½ days in the office, it was time for some fresh air—we headed over to one of the 3 middle schools to evaluate an existing project, a water fountain (from what we’ve been told it’s one of the first in the state). Thursday—In response to community needs, FIMRC has created several “clubs” (one of which I’ve already mentioned, mother’s nutrition club). Due to the high prevalence of diabetes and the under resourced local clinic, a weekly diabetic club has been established, helping diabetics to monitor their sugar levels and gain the knowledge to manage it. Any diabetic I’ve known has had access to a glucometer, so I was surprised to learn that many are unable to check their sugar levels weekly, let alone before every meal. After an afternoon in the heat delivering invitations for Friday’s club we treated ourselves to some chocolate dipped frozen bananas (they’re only $.015!) before returning to the office to finish out the day. My evening was spent getting to know some more of the youth in the community as several of the girls from FIMRC’s basketball team came to bid our previous director a farewell. Friday—As children attend school during 2 different time blocks (morning and afternoon), many of the activities with FIMRC are offered during a morning and afternoon time slot. Friday morning and afternoon were spent with the nutrition club where I had the pleasure of helping distract little ones. I will gladly color and chase around kids any day of the week. Now that the work week had come to an end it was time to enjoy the weekend. Early Saturday morning, our team nutritionist and I headed to Isla de la Plata (“poor man’s galapagos”) for a tour. This included a boat ride out to the island, a 2 ½ hour hike in the scorching heat which was followed by some much-needed swimming and snorkeling with the fishes. Looking forward to another productive week, albeit cut short by the holidays.
Today marks my second week in Ecuador. While 7 months may sound like a lot, I’m certain it will pass in a blink of an eye. I have been welcomed with open arms by the genuine and kind-hearted community of Anconcito and can already tell this goodbye will be a difficult one—upon my arrival to my new home, my host mom was already calling me “hija” (daughter). While I have only completed 2 weeks of my internship, I feel I have already been a part of so much. Although FIMRC’s website emphasizes participation, it’s one thing to read it and another to experience it. My first day on the job was spent conducting community surveys and after the first week I had already taught a class at the school, shadowed a home visit with the doctor and represented FIMRC in a town parade. My hope with this internship was to gain valuable first-hand experience in the public health field and I’m positive I’ll walk away with that and so much more. As a part of my internship I have the opportunity to create and carry out my own program with the community. That being said, these past 2 weeks have been busy with planning my proposal as well as finishing up with an online class I started in August. Once I submit all my assignments I plan to write a longer blog sharing more about my daily tasks as well as Anconcito.
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