Carnival & February

Carnival is the most well known holiday not only in Ecuador but most parts of South America. Carnival comes from a latin word "carnaval" meaning the absence of meat. It is a Catholic tradition following the 40 days of lent.Various festivities take place throughout the different provinces in Ecuador. I stayed close to the coast during Carnival. Carnival is very popular in the Sierra such as Ambato and Guaranda. I celebrated at a near by beach called Canoa. Canoa is a small village with great food, a beautiful beach, and filled with people from all over Ecuador and even stretching down to Chile! One of the traditions of Carnival is the throwing of eggs, super soakers filled with soap, and of course water! You will be walking down the street and out of nowhere get pegged with something. It's something you cannot get offended at for it is just a "game" of Carnival!

Eggs, Soap, Water...

                         

Brett, Monica & I in Tena

February was a short month for me. It was also a month for readjusting. Two of our teachers (also my really good friends) finished their term with WorldTeach and headed back to the states. I spent a lot of time with them and so it has taken the entire month to get use to the fact of them not being here! So, to keep my mind off of it I kept myself busy this past month. I had a lot of vacation time where I spent time at the pool, hanging out with friends, grilling out, and of course...the beach! As I began teaching this week, I was ready to see my students and I believe my students were ready to learn some English!


February was a great yet rainy month. February is the "rainy, summer" season here in Ecuador, and especially the coast. It rains almost everyday but the sun still shines and of course it is about 85 degrees. I have to say my time here in Manta, Ecuador is flying by way too fast. March is now right around the corner, my students are finishing up their third level of English, and before you know it...July will be here and I will have to make decisions on whats next. I am not looking ahead for I am living each day here moment by moment because the time is like a streak of light. If I do not live my life here to its fullest everyday, my experience will be gone before you know it! 

La Playa during Carnaval

          


Adiós Febrero, hola Marzo!