Yo no habla Espanol muy bien...

We made it!

I slept on the plane from Minneapolis to Atlanta, and on the flight from Atlanta to Ecuador watched two movies (Distract 9 and Whip It, both good). So the traveling went pretty quickly. We arrived in Quito at 11pm and after getting really strange looks and questioning from customs (because of having a huge duffel bag full of teddy bears, which were for the orphanage, but they obviously didn't know that) Robbie picked us up from the airport and brought us to his house in Cumbaya. He lives here with his fiance, Johana, her brother who is currently in Germany so we won't get to meet him, and another room mate, Wilson.

 

the walk back to Robbie's

It's been about 80-85 degrees today. Kevin and I walked to a little bakery/convenience store this morning for breakfast (the pastries were 10 cents each) then came back and watched a little Family Guy with Robbie and Wilson before they went to play basketball, and we just walked around and explored a bit. There's a park not far from Robbie's and there is a school nearby; the people here, mostly the children, couldn't seem to pry their eyes off of the "gringos" (white people) which we heard them saying to each other on every block. I'm just trying to soak up the culture here because it's such an extreme difference from Minnesota. The only thing that makes me a little nervous is the language barrier (even in Spanish speaking areas of LA I still always knew that I could find someone who I'd be able to communicate with). I wish I could say I remembered more from high school Spanish class, but I've got the utmost basics, and a phrase book that will come out when needed. I've realized that since I learned French more recently than Spanish, I tend to make my Spanish words sound French which is even more confusing, but also slightly entertaining.

 

the park

Johana had a big exam today, she's in med school, but when she gets home we're taking everyone out for a late lunch. After that, we'll be getting on a night bus to Esmeraldas which will probably take 6 hours or so, and then a short ride to Same, the beach we're staying on. We'll check in at Green 9 tomorrow morning and I just want to lay on the beach for a few days!

Adios amigos.

They're coming...

I'm having a hard time patiently waiting. Two things: of course the first is my trip to Ecuador, and the second is SPRING! Everyone in Minne will be slightly more bubbly, day by day, as it gets sunny and warm. I'm glad I get to opt-out of the cold a bit early (or late, considering I did choose to come back to the cold from LA). Ecuador is going to be much more toasty at this time of year. Is anyone else planning a trip for spring break?

A suitcase full of my ideal vacation adornments would include stuff like this.

spring break by magatronclare

 For the list of items, prices, etc. check it out at Polyvore.

What would you put in your suitcase?

xo

Look what I found!

If you like music,

(which you better, or please leave and never come back)

you should get bunch of free songs on iTunes from NYLON magazine!

It was originally their "Holiday List" but don't worry, the songs have nothing to do with jingle bells or dradles.

Some of the songs you may have heard before, such as the power-grunge band The Boxer Rebellion's "Evacuate". On the other hand, some of the songs you'll definitely delete the moment you hear them. (For instance "Might Like You Better" by Amanda Blank will NOT be a favorite of yours unless you're into foul lyrics and dirty electronics.) There's a little bit of this, and a little bit of that. A little bit of chill Cass McCombs, and a little bit of strange darkness from YACHT, and a little more on the rock-n-roll side of things they have White Denim or White Rabbits (sorry no White Stripes). Oh, and the song titled "Woof Woof" on this mix is possibly the most obnoxious song I've ever heard.

Just click here, then click Download on iTunes. Simple. Each song is pretty unique, so whatever you like, there might be something for you. And it's free. Need I say more?

OH, and when you're done listening, come back and comment to let us all know what you think. Do you agree with me on some of them? Which ones do you love? Hate?

Thanks, NYLON!

xo

New COOL Recordings!

OMG.

The phenomenal, internationally known, and well-distinguished artist Rude Kevin just released three new recordings on his MySpace page. You have to listen NOW and tell all your friends.

While you're at it, definitely check the artists that everyone's talking about: world-famous celebrities Wyatt's Torch, another awe-inspiring group of musicians to come out of Minneapolis!

Coming SO Soon!

Here it comes, our trip to Ecuador will begin March 4th!

We're still taking donations for Hands for Humanity to cover all the costs of the trip. If you or anyone you know is interested send (tax-deductible) checks written to Hands for Humanity to:

1008 Southwind Drive

Burnsville, MN 55306

Here's simplified version of our itinerary:

March 4:

Take off, one quick stop in Atlanta, then arriving in Quito around 11PM

March 5-12:

Arrive in Esmeraldas which is one of the northernmost cities, literally on the coast

March 12-17:

Kevin and I will be going wherever we want for 4 nights so we're still deciding what city we'll be exploring (Guyaquil, Otovano, Banos, Cuenca... so many choices)

March 17-26:

Staying in Portoviejo (spending the day in Crucita on the 20th) back to Quito to fly back at 11:30PM

March 27:

Arrive back in Minnesota around 9:30AM

We will have very limited computer access throughout the trip and our cell phones will not work at all, but will update when we can, and when we get home. I would love to have your thoughts and suggestions for our trip! Feel free to leave a comment below or email me.

xo

In the next TWO days...

1. Read previous blog post

2.Check it out:

If you (or anyone you know who frequently flies) can donate frequent flier miles to my Delta account, we will receive them PLUS an additional 50% of them free if they're transferred before the 31st of January. We will cover the fees accrued. This would be highly appreciated!

 

3. Call/email me I'll tell you how. 

xoxo

Songs for Humanity

Most of you who know me also know Kevin Mayer (otherwise known as Rude Kevin). The two of us will be playing an acoustic concert on Saturday, February 6th at 6:00PM. The reason for this, aside from our love for music, is to raise money for our trip to Ecuador this March with Hands for Humanity. This organization is a nonprofit charitable foundation reaching out to meet the needs of the underserved children of Ecuador. The focus is to enhance quality of life through medical and surgical exchange programs, local service projects and cultural enrichment opportunities. Kevin and I will be working at an orphanage in Portoviejo.

View Larger Map

The show is free, all we ask is that you donate what you can afford and enjoy the music.

The set will include some cover songs and some originals. BUT: you can request a song for a donation of $20! Send me a message with the song & artist, and we'll see what we can do to learn the song and play it for you at the show!

Even if you are unable to make it, we will still greatly appreciate ANY donations to the cause from you, your friends, family, companies, etc... just send a check written to Hands for Humanity to: 1008 Southwind Drive Burnsville, MN 55306

The location is: 2400 Highland Drive Burnsville, MN 55337

Thank you everyone, we appreciate your support!