The Boned Chicken

The Boned-Chicken

March , 2009

So, I just ripped off chicken from this mass of bones and I think it was from the part where the respiratory system converges. I’m not sure. There were tubes. It was gross. Let’s just say the cat, Mariano, apparently likes the respiratory system of chickens; and, now, he likes me. Having that as a part of your soup can be very disheartening and it almost turned me into a vegetarian while on my two-year stint here in Ecuador. Ironically, it wouldn’t be a problem because there are quite a few vegetarians that decided to join the Peace Corps. I was slowly coming around to their point of view after I witnessed a gruesome killing of a guinea pig. I was also encouraged to join the vegetarian camp after being served the head of a trout. I graciously turned it down but was made fun of by my family because I didn’t eat the fish skin. It didn’t look that appetizing. It was another bonding experience between the cat and I. My journey onto the vegetarian way of life suddenly fell apart this week when I discovered them in-taking eggs as a part of their diet. I quickly became confused. When I had an intervention with them they claimed the egg did not have a nervous system and was therefore not off-limits. I decided they had no claim and went back to my carnivorous ways; chicken tubes and all.

Sadly, I could go on and on about the pitiful nature of the food here in Ecuador: tasteless and an enormous amount of rice with every meal. I could make a list, very quickly, of foods I would love to have at this very moment. It would be extensive and specific. That list would be pointless. I’m destined for chicken soup and rice until Christmas. America, your food choices are grand. Don’t forget it.

I don’t know if you’ve ever put sunscreen on to go out and mash your dirty clothes between your bare hands and a rock but you should try it. The cleaning of clothes in the rural corners of Ecuador is not all that fun – it’s a neat experience for about one minute but after that it’s quite ridiculous. You use bar soap and a water hose and push your clothes into a very rough cement block. I’ve started to spot wash my clothes for fear that they may wear out during the wash cycle before I can actually wear them out. The sunscreen is a necessity because here in the Andes Mountains we are much closer to the sun which provides for a surprise sun burn. I’m beginning to manage with a layer of sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. The next time you see me you’ll think I’ve been chilling at the beach, but please realize they do not serve boned chicken respiratory systems as a part of the surf and turf menu here in Ecuador. I was just close to the sun for about two years.

Last week I decided to join my family at the local Catholic church meeting. Apparently, it was fairly important because half the town decided to show up. It was so important that a woman just waltzed in with a kid attached to her left breast. Also, a five year old child sitting nearby decided to pass gas indiscreetly during the discussion of the confirmation plans of the local children. Our entire section of the auditorium laughed for a while. I couldn’t stop laughing and had to excuse myself from the meeting.

Life in Ecuador has been busy with language classes and training. Living with a local family has definitely been an experience. There is no shower curtain and the bathroom door doesn’t close all the way; much less lock in any fashion. Warm water and even hot water is hard to come by. One afternoon this week, however, I discovered a very comfortable amount of hot water during my shower and decided to stay for a while. Unfortunately, the water is electrically heated and I blew the electricity out of the entire house. It was easily fixed and I had a great shower so I slept happy.

For a few days I was calling my host mother Mamacita until I was told by my Spanish teacher that doing so was not the best idea. She said that Mamacita was used as a catcall for flagging down prostitutes. I ceased that term of endearment immediately.  I now refer to her as Mamita which has not sprouted any problems.

I’ve now been here for over two weeks and it feels like six months. The days are full and long but will soon pick up. Right now, I’m living in Cariacu which is a community outside of Cayambe but will soon be moved to my permanent site.

Eat something tasty for me!