This time last year I was celebrating American Thanksgiving in Salasaka, Ecuador. I had volunteer at a school called Escuela Katitawa teaching children in an indigenous community. Around Thanksgiving we had about ten volunteers that all lived in a big dirty house they called PachaMama. There was only one other American in the house, but somehow the American holiday became something we all decided to celebrate. As many of you know, I don’t usually strive to celebrate American holidays when I’m abroad.
The volunteers were allowed to cook their own meals, which was great because we were able to plan our Thanksgiving dinner. I don’t know how to sugar coat it so here’s the truth, Thanksgiving was a disaster. We had two vegetarians, and thus it was decided that every single meal would be vegetarian including our feast. I was thinking that it would still be OK, until we discovered that our normal Thanksgiving dishes were nowhere to be found in Ecuador. I would have killed for sweet potatoes!
Dinner turned out to be simple with boiled veggies and mash potatoes, and a very confused couple from South Korea. In the spirit of Thanksgiving I suggested everyone name what they are thankful for, and they just smiled and nodded. I felt bad that no one seemed to welcome them because of the language barrier. I would have been okay with our misfit holiday and added it to my list of cultural experiences, if our living situation wasn’t such a nightmare.
Escuela Katitiawa had sounded great when I was researching volunteering in South America and found that it only cost $10 US a week. What a deal! Most agencies just want your money, but I thought “this place must for real!” Well, you get what you pay for. The house was by far the dirtiest place I have ever lived in my life. There was mould, dirt, bugs, broken windows, and mice that invaded our kitchen. The leader at the school even told us how he once found a dead mouse in the oatmeal that they serve every morning and just scooped it out and used the rest of it. To make matters worse the showers were ridiculously cold, and dogs barked and chased us on the walk to school. Next time I will definitely choose a more reliable volunteer opportunity, and give thanks that I don’t have to return there.
Photo captured 2013
The kids were the BEST part about volunteering!
This year, I am happy to be celebrating the holiday with my wonderful adopted family in Texas! A beautiful, normal, Thanksgiving is something I am very thankful for today!
Thanks for the meal Salasaka, but I’m passing through Texas this year!
Passing Through 
Hmmm… I seem to remember inviting you to visit me in Baños. Sounds like you could have used a break from there! At least you had fun with the kids!
I tried really hard to make it work there, but it was pretty gross. Next time I’ll spend all my time in Banos!