Culture...Shock?

There are many things about the Cuencan/Ecuadorian culture to which we have had to become accustomed, but the hardest thing is the continuous fear of being hit with water balloons...yes, water balloons.

Since our arrival, the community has been preparing for Carnival, where stores close, and people pour into the streets to have a gigantic water / water balloon fight. Oftentimes, folks will throw some flour, raw eggs, instant coffee into the mix too. And if you don´t want to participate, well, too bad.

Walking calmly down the street one Sunday afternoon, we were looking for a panaderia (bread shop) when WHAM / SPLASH! A water balloon splashed onto my back. It was thrown from a passing car, and well, I, as the gringa (foreigner), was a target.

Carnival technically begins this Sat, but for Cuencanos, it begins in early January...

This weekend, we head to Vilcabamba where we will engage in friendly water balloon warfare. Prayers are greatly appreciated!