March 7

Waking up in the Amazon was such a jaw dropping experience. Unfortunately, when we woke up it was pouring rain. The rest of the group continued on to do the hike to the sacred waterfall. I decided to stay behind today since I was still feeling a little ill from the hives yesterday. I continued to read my amazing book “Dead Men Do Tell Tales” by Dr. Maples from UF. It was a great Anthropology read. The group returned back around 3pm. Around 6 we met in the common area to learn how to make chocolates and shoot from blow gun. I made my target with the blow gun on the first shot. While learning how to make chocolate we learned about the fire and gas needed to cook it. The propane tanks are used to cook in most households and cost roughly $1.60. A natural resource of electricity used for a damn is estimated to finish in 2016; however, if the government then subsidizes electricity; therefore, increasing gas and propane prices. Currently Ecuador uses 210 like US but will convert to 220 like Europe in the newly proposed plan. At dinner we celebrated Professor Hall’s birthday! They made a beautiful cake from pineapples and nuts. They even picked her some beautiful flowers. Afterward we participated in a wonderful cultural exchange.