Back "home"

For the past two weeks we've been traveling around Southern Ecuador and Northern Peru, trying to get out of the city for a break before school starts. We're back in Quito now, and I'll post some pics and a short story about our trip soon, but until then, here is the latest dispatch from the Blue Footed Booby. I think it's a good one, though (for now) the pictures online don't quite match the article...I wish I looked that good in a bikini!

The Blue Footed Booby...swallows his pride.

And, also, a link to a facebook photo gallery of our trip to Peru.

A Short Trip to Peru

In a Catholic country? For Real?

Well, Ecuador's new constitution has been written...and lo' and behold, there is a bit of controversy. I imagine we'll be getting some "political unrest" days out of this when the voting commences in September. Those are kinda like snow days, but, with road blockades and tear gas instead of snow drifts and frostbitten appendages.

Particularly interesting for a Catholic country, is the inclusion of same-sex marriage rights, and an ambiguously worded clause about abortion that is not definitively pro-life. The Ecuadorian Archbishop has got his habit in a wad over all of this.

Also, finally, indigenous languages are officially recognized...and some traditional phrases have actually been woven into the wording of the new constitution. Finally, the US Air-Force base in Manta will not be allowed to renew it's 10 year lease on the land. But hey, given the trend in the states, they were probably going in to foreclosure anyways:)

Read more here.