Medica Tonta

Still sick, suffering symptoms from seriously stupid shot.  In my last post I mentioned that the doctor prescribes strong medication, and indeed she did.  Along with my flu-like symptoms I now have to deal with my angry stomach.  However, I would still like to think that I am on the mend (at least I really hope so!)

Rosa must be worried about me, because every time I leave the bathroom she comes out of nowhere to ask if I'm doing alright in her high pitch "I'm fretting about you, and I'm not sure you understand what I'm saying" voice.  The first time this happened was around 4:30 in the morning, I came out of the bathroom and noticed a shadow to my right that looked a lot like Rosa. "JOY HOW ARE YOU? ARE YOU OK?" Yes, I was okay, and then you almost gave me a heart attack.  The next time it happened (an hour later) I came out of the bathroom and suddenly Rosa was talking right behind me, "JOY, ARE YOU STILL SICK?" Woman, you must be a ninja.   

Onto more exciting news, I'm pretty sure Carnaval has started early for the children in Lumbisi.  Carnaval is celebrated before lent, and in many parts of Ecuador Carnaval is celebrated by throwing water balloons (sometimes at your friends, but also at strangers/women walking on the street).  In some places I believe it's illegal to throw water balloons at people who aren't voluntarily playing, such as in Quito.  Of course, Lumbisi sounds like a free for all. Officially the dates for Carnaval are at the end of the first week in March.  My Ecua-Family (a.k.a host family) told me that some times girls will stay in the house because they don't want to get attacked by water balloons.  Apparently, people "play" Carnaval using non-water as well... including eggs and wonderful assortment of liquids and foods.  Well recently in English classes for Lumbisi kids, some boys have been bringing water balloons.  They mostly throw them at each other, but it's quite the challenge to manage.  During free time a little boy ran and hid behind me because his friend had a water balloon.  His friend stopped suddenly, and I could tell from his face that he was considering if he should throw the balloon anyway.  Not sure how I got out of that one. Maybe my face said the consequences if he did throw it at me. 

I thought it was just the children in class who had started Carnaval early, but when I got home all of my siblings were soaked.  They had just played Carnaval.  Carlos had gotten an egg to the head, too.  I asked my Ecua-parents, what's up? Carnaval's not for a month?  They told me that the kids start "playing" Carnaval now UNTIL the end of Carnaval.  That's essentially a month-long water balloon fight. 

If things really get as crazy as some people say they will, I plan on carrying an umbrella AND getting a few water-balloons for myself.  Interesting tradition right?  Imagine this going down in Illinois.  Well actually it wouldn't because the water balloons would freeze and everyone would be upset.