Every country has their own traditions when celebrating holidays. I had the chance to experience celebrating the New Year here in Manta, Ecuador. It was a bit different but great. New Years is a time where the entire family gathers together, eats a big meal, and burns paper dolls. Yes, burn paper dolls. What is the purpose? The purpose is to burn/kill the old year and begin ringing the new one! Ecuadorians take paper mache figures and build huge pyres on the beach and watch them burn. The figures are burned in the streets as well. The dolls symbolize what has happened in the past year (famous figures, people in the family, symbols of television, etc.). After the dolls are burned, family and friends have a huge feast and then head out to celebrate! It's a great way to start the New Year.
Now that the New Year has passed, I have to readjust back to my old routines such as teaching! I have to say, first day back in the classroom was a bit difficult-but was expected. My students have 2 weeks left of cycle 2 and then they will hopefully move onto cycle 3! I have yet to fully acquire my old habits since I have been back in Ecuador. I only have taught 2 days and the rest of the time I have spent on the beach soaking up the sun. But it has been nice to take some time off and get back into the swing of things. I have reconnected with my friends here as well as my students, and have been spending time with my family. I can feel myself slowly moving back into the life I began before Christmas!
There is much to look forward to within the next couple of weeks. A travel to Mindo for WorldTeach Mid-Service Conference is one out of the few. Although I will be working, it will be great to see the other volunteers and be able to share our experiences with each other. Mindo is known as one of the most beautiful places to bird watch and see butterflies.
Another exciting yet sad vacation coming up is a despedida in Montañita. Yes, I am heading back to Montañita but with a different group of friends. There are two really good friends of mine in Manta who depart in February, so what better way to say goodbye then to say it in the world of it's own beach, Montañita!
And lastly, let's not forget one of the most memorable holidays coming up, Carnival!
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