Ecuador Participants Question
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Samuel Connell
Feb 14, 2009, 11:39:48 AM2/14/09
to ecuador...@googlegroups.com
This a series of questions from Amy Archer, a new student on the Foothill Program 2009. I am hoping it can be answered by someone who has been on the program and is going to be a staff member in 2009.
Thanks
--
Samuel Connell
Department of Anthropology
Foothill College
12345 El Monte Road
Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
650-949-7197
http://sites.google.com/site/connellsamuel/
http://www.foothill.edu/bss/anthropology/
www.pambamarca.net
Thanks
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <amyla...@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, Feb 14, 2009 at 4:50 AM
Subject: Re: Ecuador Participants
To: Samuel Connell <connell...@gmail.com>
Good morning! I had some questions about the trip. Would you recommend bringing a laptop? I'd hoped to use that to stay in touch with family (rather than a cell phone) but didn't know if there would be available wifi at the dormitories. Also, I noticed it was recommended to bring a sleeping bag. Are we going to get to do some camping-style weekend trips? Thanks for your help! Looking forward to the trip.
Amy Archer
On Feb 13, 2009 4:08pm, Samuel Connell <connell...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hello,
> You are receiving this email because you have already submitted an application to the Ecuador Program. If you have not received the official Ecuador Acceptance Letter it is attached. Welcome! We
> offer you a warm introduction to the Pambamarca Archaeology Project. Ecuador is a
> wonderful country full of amazing people and places, and we are excited to be
> sharing it with you.
>
> There are a number of things you should prepare to do in the coming months. This
> email serves as your first official project news flash, with many more to
> come. Parts of this email will be redundant to those of you who have
> reached out to us on email or who have visited our online communities; but please read it
> carefully all the same.
>
> First check out the project website, and in particular the Participant Information section which details many of the things you need to know.
>
> http://www.columbia.edu/itc/anthropology/v1007/PAP_PUBLIC/public_access.html
>
>
>
>
> Date
> of Arrival
>
>
>
> If you choose
> to arrive in Quito on the official start date of
> the project (June 28th), you will be met at the airport taken to a hotel in Quito or directly to the town of Cangahua depending on when you arrive. Someone will be at the airport waiting for you because you will have sent us your itinerary.
>
>
>
> For
> those of you who want to arrive on Sat. JUNE 27th, which is one day before the
> official start date of the project, there will be plenty to do in Quito and we will provide you with a hotel or hostel where to stay, but you we are not responsible for you. In fact, plane flights are even cheaper mid-week, so you may want to come early and explore Quito.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Your
> Application Status
>
>
> Step
> 1: As a member of the Foothill program you are required to complete your
> $1,500 program fee payment. Most of you have already submitted the $100
> application fee; therefore a $1,400 payment is necessary. This can be
> accomplished by either making out a check to Foothill College
> or filling out the attached Fee Remittance Slip.
>
>
> Step
> 2: Fill out the Waiver Agreement Form that is also attached.
>
>
> Step
> 3: Mail both the Program Fee check and the completed waiver form to:
>
>
> Sam
> Connell
>
> Department of Anthropology
>
> Foothill College
>
> 12345 El Monte Road
>
> Los Altos Hills, CA
> 94022
>
>
> Step
> 4: Following the payment of the program fee you will be allowed to enroll and
> register in 6-12 units of Foothill Classes this will take place in May or June. This can all be done online with a
> credit card at www.foothill.edu
>
>
>
> (the
> first two are required)
>
> ANTH
> 11 ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIELD METHODS (4 units)
>
> ANTH
> 11B ARCHAEOLOGY SURVEY (2 units)
>
>
> (the
> second two will depend on the amount of interest. If we get 20 students signed
> up for these then they will go)
>
> ANTH
> 8LX ARCHAEOLOGY LABORATORY (2 units)
>
> ANTH
> 36Z SOUTH AMERICAN ARCHAEOLOGY (4 units).
>
>
> The
> Foothill College schedule website is:
>
> http://www.foothill.edu/schedule/index.php
>
>
>
> YOU
> WILL NOT BE ABLE TO REGISTER FOR SUMMER CLASSES UNTIL MAY, SO SIT TIGHT AND I
> WILL ALERT YOU AS TO THE DAY.
>
> PASSPORT
> We can't overemphasize this -- your passport is essential for travel to Ecuador, but you will not need a visa.
>
>
>
> Optional
> Orientation Meetings
>
>
> From
> what we can tell by looking at the list of students who have expressed an
> interest in the Foothill program you are spread our across the country, which
> means you are not required to attend a pre-departure orientation meeting.
> This is not a problem since we will spend plenty of time together in Ecuador getting
> ourselves oriented. Depending on where you are, however, there are a few
> orientation opportunities you should know about. Sam Connell will be
> meeting with students in the Bay Area and Chad Gifford with students in NYC.
> We also have veteran staff members living around the country and in Canada, so you
> should let us know where you live and we can try to match you with a staff
> member who could meet you informally to talk about the project.
>
>
> Project
> Resources Online
>
>
> As
> you surf through the project websites
> you will find that we provide everything we feel you need to know about
> participating on our project. The Participant
> Information page is especially helpful. Our staff members read the
> online posts regularly in case student questions come up. You will see
> that there are threads of prior conversations that you might find very helpful.
>
>
> UCLA
> Archaeological Fieldschool Program
>
>
> You
> will see and hear reference to another set of students joining the project
> through UCLA. You will meet the UCLA students (and each other) on day
> one. In terms of coursework there are some differences between the two
> programs: UCLA students will write an independent research paper at the end of
> the session (to be handed in by early September) and Foothill students will be
> required to design and implement an in-field service learning project involving
> a community outreach program.
>
>
> Airline
> Travel: Purchasing Tickets
>
>
> We
> have found that ticket prices are much cheaper mid-week, enough to make it a
> good possibility for you to come to Ecuador a few days early. If you do
> come early there is plenty to do in Quito
> but please let us know so that we can assist with arrangements. However,
> we are not going to be available for pick-up until June 28th!
>
>
> You
> may also want to leave some free time at the end of the trip to travel.
> Many students in past years have taken the opportunity to travel in Ecuador following the field school, because
> after all you are in Ecuador.
>
>
> Once
> you have purchased your airline tickets to arrive in Quito please email your full itinerary
> directly to us so that we know when to expect you.
>
>
> Finally,
> please make sure that your PASSPORT is up to date. Passport applications
> are taking up to 12 weeks to process and the expedited process is taking longer
> than previous years. We also recommend that you purchase short-term
> travelers insurance. There are a number of vendors, such as www.eglobalhealth.com
> where we see quotes for $60.00 which covers up to $1,000,000.00 for the month
> of July.
>
>
> If
> you have any questions please do not hesitate to send us an email or give us a
> call. We are excited to meet you and stay in touch as you make your
> plans.
>
> For me personally, I think that this year will be one of our best. The students who I know already are all great people while the archaeology and community service work should be special. I know this will be an excellent season.
>
>
>
> Best,
> Sam
>
>
>
>
> --
> Samuel Connell
> Department of Anthropology
> Foothill College
> 12345 El Monte Road
> Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
> 650-949-7197
>
> http://sites.google.com/site/connellsamuel/
>
>
>
> http://www.foothill.edu/bss/anthropology/
>
> www.pambamarca.net
>
>
From: <amyla...@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, Feb 14, 2009 at 4:50 AM
Subject: Re: Ecuador Participants
To: Samuel Connell <connell...@gmail.com>
Good morning! I had some questions about the trip. Would you recommend bringing a laptop? I'd hoped to use that to stay in touch with family (rather than a cell phone) but didn't know if there would be available wifi at the dormitories. Also, I noticed it was recommended to bring a sleeping bag. Are we going to get to do some camping-style weekend trips? Thanks for your help! Looking forward to the trip.
Amy Archer
On Feb 13, 2009 4:08pm, Samuel Connell <connell...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hello,
> You are receiving this email because you have already submitted an application to the Ecuador Program. If you have not received the official Ecuador Acceptance Letter it is attached. Welcome! We
> offer you a warm introduction to the Pambamarca Archaeology Project. Ecuador is a
> wonderful country full of amazing people and places, and we are excited to be
> sharing it with you.
>
> There are a number of things you should prepare to do in the coming months. This
> email serves as your first official project news flash, with many more to
> come. Parts of this email will be redundant to those of you who have
> reached out to us on email or who have visited our online communities; but please read it
> carefully all the same.
>
> First check out the project website, and in particular the Participant Information section which details many of the things you need to know.
>
> http://www.columbia.edu/itc/anthropology/v1007/PAP_PUBLIC/public_access.html
>
>
>
>
> Date
> of Arrival
>
>
>
> If you choose
> to arrive in Quito on the official start date of
> the project (June 28th), you will be met at the airport taken to a hotel in Quito or directly to the town of Cangahua depending on when you arrive. Someone will be at the airport waiting for you because you will have sent us your itinerary.
>
>
>
> For
> those of you who want to arrive on Sat. JUNE 27th, which is one day before the
> official start date of the project, there will be plenty to do in Quito and we will provide you with a hotel or hostel where to stay, but you we are not responsible for you. In fact, plane flights are even cheaper mid-week, so you may want to come early and explore Quito.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Your
> Application Status
>
>
> Step
> 1: As a member of the Foothill program you are required to complete your
> $1,500 program fee payment. Most of you have already submitted the $100
> application fee; therefore a $1,400 payment is necessary. This can be
> accomplished by either making out a check to Foothill College
> or filling out the attached Fee Remittance Slip.
>
>
> Step
> 2: Fill out the Waiver Agreement Form that is also attached.
>
>
> Step
> 3: Mail both the Program Fee check and the completed waiver form to:
>
>
> Sam
> Connell
>
> Department of Anthropology
>
> Foothill College
>
> 12345 El Monte Road
>
> Los Altos Hills, CA
> 94022
>
>
> Step
> 4: Following the payment of the program fee you will be allowed to enroll and
> register in 6-12 units of Foothill Classes this will take place in May or June. This can all be done online with a
> credit card at www.foothill.edu
>
>
>
> (the
> first two are required)
>
> ANTH
> 11 ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIELD METHODS (4 units)
>
> ANTH
> 11B ARCHAEOLOGY SURVEY (2 units)
>
>
> (the
> second two will depend on the amount of interest. If we get 20 students signed
> up for these then they will go)
>
> ANTH
> 8LX ARCHAEOLOGY LABORATORY (2 units)
>
> ANTH
> 36Z SOUTH AMERICAN ARCHAEOLOGY (4 units).
>
>
> The
> Foothill College schedule website is:
>
> http://www.foothill.edu/schedule/index.php
>
>
>
> YOU
> WILL NOT BE ABLE TO REGISTER FOR SUMMER CLASSES UNTIL MAY, SO SIT TIGHT AND I
> WILL ALERT YOU AS TO THE DAY.
>
> PASSPORT
> We can't overemphasize this -- your passport is essential for travel to Ecuador, but you will not need a visa.
>
>
>
> Optional
> Orientation Meetings
>
>
> From
> what we can tell by looking at the list of students who have expressed an
> interest in the Foothill program you are spread our across the country, which
> means you are not required to attend a pre-departure orientation meeting.
> This is not a problem since we will spend plenty of time together in Ecuador getting
> ourselves oriented. Depending on where you are, however, there are a few
> orientation opportunities you should know about. Sam Connell will be
> meeting with students in the Bay Area and Chad Gifford with students in NYC.
> We also have veteran staff members living around the country and in Canada, so you
> should let us know where you live and we can try to match you with a staff
> member who could meet you informally to talk about the project.
>
>
> Project
> Resources Online
>
>
> As
> you surf through the project websites
> you will find that we provide everything we feel you need to know about
> participating on our project. The Participant
> Information page is especially helpful. Our staff members read the
> online posts regularly in case student questions come up. You will see
> that there are threads of prior conversations that you might find very helpful.
>
>
> UCLA
> Archaeological Fieldschool Program
>
>
> You
> will see and hear reference to another set of students joining the project
> through UCLA. You will meet the UCLA students (and each other) on day
> one. In terms of coursework there are some differences between the two
> programs: UCLA students will write an independent research paper at the end of
> the session (to be handed in by early September) and Foothill students will be
> required to design and implement an in-field service learning project involving
> a community outreach program.
>
>
> Airline
> Travel: Purchasing Tickets
>
>
> We
> have found that ticket prices are much cheaper mid-week, enough to make it a
> good possibility for you to come to Ecuador a few days early. If you do
> come early there is plenty to do in Quito
> but please let us know so that we can assist with arrangements. However,
> we are not going to be available for pick-up until June 28th!
>
>
> You
> may also want to leave some free time at the end of the trip to travel.
> Many students in past years have taken the opportunity to travel in Ecuador following the field school, because
> after all you are in Ecuador.
>
>
> Once
> you have purchased your airline tickets to arrive in Quito please email your full itinerary
> directly to us so that we know when to expect you.
>
>
> Finally,
> please make sure that your PASSPORT is up to date. Passport applications
> are taking up to 12 weeks to process and the expedited process is taking longer
> than previous years. We also recommend that you purchase short-term
> travelers insurance. There are a number of vendors, such as www.eglobalhealth.com
> where we see quotes for $60.00 which covers up to $1,000,000.00 for the month
> of July.
>
>
> If
> you have any questions please do not hesitate to send us an email or give us a
> call. We are excited to meet you and stay in touch as you make your
> plans.
>
> For me personally, I think that this year will be one of our best. The students who I know already are all great people while the archaeology and community service work should be special. I know this will be an excellent season.
>
>
>
> Best,
> Sam
>
>
>
>
> --
> Samuel Connell
> Department of Anthropology
> Foothill College
> 12345 El Monte Road
> Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
> 650-949-7197
>
> http://sites.google.com/site/connellsamuel/
>
>
>
> http://www.foothill.edu/bss/anthropology/
>
> www.pambamarca.net
>
>
--
Samuel Connell
Department of Anthropology
Foothill College
12345 El Monte Road
Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
650-949-7197
http://sites.google.com/site/connellsamuel/
http://www.foothill.edu/bss/anthropology/
www.pambamarca.net
Morgan Hoke
Feb 15, 2009, 11:24:11 AM2/15/09
to ecuador...@googlegroups.com
Hey Sammy,
I'm not sure if anyone already did, but I sent Amy and email answering her questions. Hope you're well!
Cheers,
Morgan
I'm not sure if anyone already did, but I sent Amy and email answering her questions. Hope you're well!
Cheers,
Morgan
Joci
Feb 24, 2009, 5:59:38 PM2/24/09
to EcuadorProgram
Could you send me the e-mail you sent Amy because i too am wondering
about bringing a laptop.
On Feb 15, 8:24 am, Morgan Hoke <mkh2...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hey Sammy,
>
> I'm not sure if anyone already did, but I sent Amy and email answering her
> questions. Hope you're well!
>
> Cheers,
>
> Morgan
>
> >www.pambamarca.net- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
about bringing a laptop.
On Feb 15, 8:24 am, Morgan Hoke <mkh2...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hey Sammy,
>
> I'm not sure if anyone already did, but I sent Amy and email answering her
> questions. Hope you're well!
>
> Cheers,
>
> Morgan
>
> On Sat, Feb 14, 2009 at 9:39 AM, Samuel Connell <connell.sam...@gmail.com>wrote:
>
>
>
> > This a series of questions from Amy Archer, a new student on the Foothill
> > Program 2009. I am hoping it can be answered by someone who has been on the
> > program and is going to be a staff member in 2009.
>
> > Thanks
>
> > ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> > From: <amylarc...@gmail.com>
> > Date: Sat, Feb 14, 2009 at 4:50 AM
> > Subject: Re: Ecuador Participants
> > To: Samuel Connell <connell.sam...@gmail.com>
>
> > Good morning! I had some questions about the trip. Would you recommend
> > bringing a laptop? I'd hoped to use that to stay in touch with family
> > (rather than a cell phone) but didn't know if there would be available wifi
> > at the dormitories. Also, I noticed it was recommended to bring a sleeping
> > bag. Are we going to get to do some camping-style weekend trips? Thanks for
> > your help! Looking forward to the trip.
> > Amy Archer
>
>
>
>
> > This a series of questions from Amy Archer, a new student on the Foothill
> > Program 2009. I am hoping it can be answered by someone who has been on the
> > program and is going to be a staff member in 2009.
>
> > Thanks
>
> > ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> > From: <amylarc...@gmail.com>
> > Date: Sat, Feb 14, 2009 at 4:50 AM
> > Subject: Re: Ecuador Participants
> > To: Samuel Connell <connell.sam...@gmail.com>
>
> > Good morning! I had some questions about the trip. Would you recommend
> > bringing a laptop? I'd hoped to use that to stay in touch with family
> > (rather than a cell phone) but didn't know if there would be available wifi
> > at the dormitories. Also, I noticed it was recommended to bring a sleeping
> > bag. Are we going to get to do some camping-style weekend trips? Thanks for
> > your help! Looking forward to the trip.
> > Amy Archer
>
> > On Feb 13, 2009 4:08pm, Samuel Connell <connell.sam...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > > Hello,
> > > You are receiving this email because you have already submitted an
> > application to the Ecuador Program. If you have not received the official
> > Ecuador Acceptance Letter it is attached. Welcome! We
> > > offer you a warm introduction to the Pambamarca Archaeology Project.
> > Ecuador is a
> > > wonderful country full of amazing people and places, and we are excited
> > to be
> > > sharing it with you.
>
> > > There are a number of things you should prepare to do in the coming
> > months. This
> > > email serves as your first official project news flash, with many more to
> > > come. Parts of this email will be redundant to those of you who have
> > > reached out to us on email or who have visited our online communities;
> > but please read it
> > > carefully all the same.
>
> > > First check out the project website, and in particular the Participant
> > Information section which details many of the things you need to know.
>
> >http://www.columbia.edu/itc/anthropology/v1007/PAP_PUBLIC/public_acce...
> > > Hello,
> > > You are receiving this email because you have already submitted an
> > application to the Ecuador Program. If you have not received the official
> > Ecuador Acceptance Letter it is attached. Welcome! We
> > > offer you a warm introduction to the Pambamarca Archaeology Project.
> > Ecuador is a
> > > wonderful country full of amazing people and places, and we are excited
> > to be
> > > sharing it with you.
>
> > > There are a number of things you should prepare to do in the coming
> > months. This
> > > email serves as your first official project news flash, with many more to
> > > come. Parts of this email will be redundant to those of you who have
> > > reached out to us on email or who have visited our online communities;
> > but please read it
> > > carefully all the same.
>
> > > First check out the project website, and in particular the Participant
> > Information section which details many of the things you need to know.
>
>
> - Show quoted text -
Morgan Hoke
Feb 24, 2009, 6:05:41 PM2/24/09
to EcuadorProgram
Dear Joci,
I hope this helps!
Hi there Amy,
My name is Morgan Hoke and I'm a senior staffer with Pambamarca. If
your questions haven't already been answered allow me to answer them
now or even add my take to anyone who may have already answered.
I don't recommend that you bring a laptop. While security in our
residences is good, Ecuador can be a little tough on your technology.
As far as keeping in touch with your family it's easy to do without
bringing your own equipment. There is a computer lab with Internet at
the Hacienda where our lab is located as well as several Internet
cafes in Cayambe, the larger city near the town where we live. Also,
last year, an Internet cafe opened in Cangahua, the town where the
Casa Communal is located. I'm not sure it will still be up and
running but let's hope so.
Phones are readily available and fairly affordable. In Cangahua, it
costs about 25 cents a minute to call to the United States. In
Cayambe, it's even cheaper, maybe 10 cents, naturally, it is also
cheaper in major cities like Quito, last year I think it was around
six cents a minute. Also you can always purchase international
calling cards.
As for the sleeping bag, I definitely recommend it. Some bedding is
provided but it's not necessarily enough to keep you warm on those
cold Ecuador nights. You may have the opportunity for some weekend
camping trips although it will depend on the project scheduling and
staff availability to accompany you.
I'm so happy to hear that you're excited about the project. If you
have any other questions, don't hesitate to email me.
Cheers,
Morgan
> > >www.pambamarca.net-Hide quoted text -
I hope this helps!
Hi there Amy,
My name is Morgan Hoke and I'm a senior staffer with Pambamarca. If
your questions haven't already been answered allow me to answer them
now or even add my take to anyone who may have already answered.
I don't recommend that you bring a laptop. While security in our
residences is good, Ecuador can be a little tough on your technology.
As far as keeping in touch with your family it's easy to do without
bringing your own equipment. There is a computer lab with Internet at
the Hacienda where our lab is located as well as several Internet
cafes in Cayambe, the larger city near the town where we live. Also,
last year, an Internet cafe opened in Cangahua, the town where the
Casa Communal is located. I'm not sure it will still be up and
running but let's hope so.
Phones are readily available and fairly affordable. In Cangahua, it
costs about 25 cents a minute to call to the United States. In
Cayambe, it's even cheaper, maybe 10 cents, naturally, it is also
cheaper in major cities like Quito, last year I think it was around
six cents a minute. Also you can always purchase international
calling cards.
As for the sleeping bag, I definitely recommend it. Some bedding is
provided but it's not necessarily enough to keep you warm on those
cold Ecuador nights. You may have the opportunity for some weekend
camping trips although it will depend on the project scheduling and
staff availability to accompany you.
I'm so happy to hear that you're excited about the project. If you
have any other questions, don't hesitate to email me.
Cheers,
Morgan
Jocilin Solgat
Feb 24, 2009, 7:06:15 PM2/24/09
to ecuador...@googlegroups.com
Thanks so much am I going to have access to an outlet in the hacienda to plug a camera. Thanks bunches it is really nice to have someone who can answer my questions as I think of them.
From: Morgan Hoke <mkh...@gmail.com>
To: EcuadorProgram <ecuador...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:05:41 PM
Subject: Re: Ecuador Participants Question
Morgan Hoke
Feb 24, 2009, 7:10:06 PM2/24/09
to ecuador...@googlegroups.com
Yes, there are plenty of electrical outlets for your use! keep the questions coming!
Anita Song
Mar 12, 2009, 11:48:55 PM3/12/09
to EcuadorProgram
Hello,
It is mentioned somewhere that we could fly in Ecuador earlier for
cheaper tickets, would we have to book our own hotels then? if so,
about how much does a night in a Quito hotel cost?
Also, what is the casa communal like? and if we prefer to stay at the
hacienda how much extra would that cost?
Thanks!
Anita
On Feb 24, 5:10 pm, Morgan Hoke <mkh2...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Yes, there are plenty of electrical outlets for your use! keep the questions
> coming!
>
> On Tue, Feb 24, 2009 at 5:06 PM, Jocilin Solgat <peace2j...@yahoo.com>wrote:
>
> > Thanks so much am I going to have access to an outlet in the hacienda to
> > plug a camera. Thanks bunches it is really nice to have someone who can
> > answer my questions as I think of them.
>
> > ------------------------------
>
> > Thanks so much am I going to have access to an outlet in the hacienda to
> > plug a camera. Thanks bunches it is really nice to have someone who can
> > answer my questions as I think of them.
>
> > *From:* Morgan Hoke <mkh2...@gmail.com>
> > *To:* EcuadorProgram <ecuador...@googlegroups.com>
> > *Sent:* Tuesday, February 24, 2009 3:05:41 PM
> > *Subject:* Re: Ecuador Participants Question
>
> read more »
Morgan Hoke
Mar 13, 2009, 12:17:03 AM3/13/09
to ecuador...@googlegroups.com
Hi Anita,
You will have to pay for your own accommodations if you arrive early to Ecuador. There will be staff in Quito and as we get closer you'll be contacted by someone who can help arrange accommodations for you. The cost will depend on the quality of place you're looking for. Normally, we stay in Hostels in the Mariscal (the gringo friendly part of Quito) these hostels run from $5 to $30 a night depending on if you're willing to share a room. Most of these hostels will have communal kitchens and bathrooms. Private hotel rooms cost upwards of $50. I recommend using hostels, they are fun, safe, and a good way to meet people. The hostel we most frequently use is call Hostel New Bask. It's likely that's where the staff will be before the project. I recommend you buy a guide book for Quito like Lonely Planet or Moon's. This will allow you to read up on the part of Quito we will be in and plan activities for yourself if you arrive early. Also they list hostels, restaurants and prices so you can plan how much money to bring.
As for the Casa Communal, it's great. Well, I love it anyway. The rooms are large with several beds in each room allowing you to get to know a lot of people. We don't usually break the rooms up by gender but if an issue arises we can try and adjust. There is a large room downstairs near the kitchen where meals and work take place, another multipurpose room where we project movies on the wall and generally just hang out. The three rooms upstairs are the bedrooms. The bathroom is communal, there are four toilet stalls and three showers so there's not usually a line. The food is delicious traditional Ecuadorian cuisine cooked by the lovely Ecuadorian women who work in the Casa. The women also clean the Casa everyday while we are in the field. The casa gets cool at night so sleeping bags are a must. There is electricity and plenty of outlets for hair dryers and ipod chargers, etc. The best part about the Casa is that it is located in Cangahua, a great little town with readily available phones, a drug store in case you lose your toothbrush and lots of other little shops, not to mention the people who are all wonderful and the street vendors who sell the best french fries. The Hacienda is more isolated, if you want to use the phone or buy something other than snacks you will have to take the bus. It costs quite a bit more to stay at the Hacienda, I can't give you the exact number right now, it's something you will need to talk to Sam about. If you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask!
Cheers,
Morgan
You will have to pay for your own accommodations if you arrive early to Ecuador. There will be staff in Quito and as we get closer you'll be contacted by someone who can help arrange accommodations for you. The cost will depend on the quality of place you're looking for. Normally, we stay in Hostels in the Mariscal (the gringo friendly part of Quito) these hostels run from $5 to $30 a night depending on if you're willing to share a room. Most of these hostels will have communal kitchens and bathrooms. Private hotel rooms cost upwards of $50. I recommend using hostels, they are fun, safe, and a good way to meet people. The hostel we most frequently use is call Hostel New Bask. It's likely that's where the staff will be before the project. I recommend you buy a guide book for Quito like Lonely Planet or Moon's. This will allow you to read up on the part of Quito we will be in and plan activities for yourself if you arrive early. Also they list hostels, restaurants and prices so you can plan how much money to bring.
As for the Casa Communal, it's great. Well, I love it anyway. The rooms are large with several beds in each room allowing you to get to know a lot of people. We don't usually break the rooms up by gender but if an issue arises we can try and adjust. There is a large room downstairs near the kitchen where meals and work take place, another multipurpose room where we project movies on the wall and generally just hang out. The three rooms upstairs are the bedrooms. The bathroom is communal, there are four toilet stalls and three showers so there's not usually a line. The food is delicious traditional Ecuadorian cuisine cooked by the lovely Ecuadorian women who work in the Casa. The women also clean the Casa everyday while we are in the field. The casa gets cool at night so sleeping bags are a must. There is electricity and plenty of outlets for hair dryers and ipod chargers, etc. The best part about the Casa is that it is located in Cangahua, a great little town with readily available phones, a drug store in case you lose your toothbrush and lots of other little shops, not to mention the people who are all wonderful and the street vendors who sell the best french fries. The Hacienda is more isolated, if you want to use the phone or buy something other than snacks you will have to take the bus. It costs quite a bit more to stay at the Hacienda, I can't give you the exact number right now, it's something you will need to talk to Sam about. If you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask!
Cheers,
Morgan
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