Between 3 Extinct Volcanoes

I taught for World Teach in Ibarra, Ecuador from September 2004 to July of 2005. My Field Director, Jessica Gillota was very professional and supportive. The month long training session in Quito prepared us for the teaching that was required and gave us a introduction to culture of Ecuador.

I worked at a small school in the mountains with two other young men. I was 55- years-old. In spite of the age difference, we had suppers and Pilsners every Thursday night. We had a 4-day work week, so we were able to take side trips on the week ends.

Ecuador is a beautiful country. I lived in the mountains in a valley between 3 extinct volcanoes. ( I used to go to the roof of my house to watch the sun set.) I flew to the Amazon Basin in Ecuador during a vacation from school. We had our World Teach mid-service meeting on the unspoiled Pacific coast. At the end of my school year, my husband came to Ecuador, and we visited the Galapagos Islands. It was all fascinating.

I think that my biggest lesson came from the indigenous people near Ibarra. It is a lesson that I carry with me now. You do not have to have a lot of material things to enjoy life. You do not have a big house to enjoy your home life. Tradition and history should never be forgotten. Celebrate your own culture with pride.