So, the past few days have been pretty awesome and I feel like I've actually started to accomplish things as a linguist. With my trusty recorder I was able to record some really interesting data in the form of some stories. A lot of these native Kichwa stories have to do with people who permanently transform into plantthis or animals, mostly because they couldn't cut it as good people. There are three basic laws in Kichwa culture: Don't Steal. Don't Lie. Don't Be Lazy. If a person couldn't follow these in the past, they would decide to turn into a plant or animal that was useful to humans in order to make up for their ineptitude. I was able to record a few of these stories and I'll be analyzing them later for my project. On a more fun note. We went into town yesterday and I bought a hammock!! It was sweet, the guy started at $19 bucks and I talked him down to $8 after some nice haggling in Spanish. I'll be going back for another one and a machete this week. Those are probably the most exciting things that have happened since my last post. The picture I'm including is a very pretty one, but its for all of you who may think that its just a party down here in the jungle. These are my legs, and they have been the subject of over 300 insect bites since I got here (its only been a week) and this is with bugs spray. Don't worry though, they don't itch too bad, but I am, quite literally getting eaten alive. But in spite of all of that, this is one of the best things I've ever done. Samashun.
Wow, David. So, does this mean that in the next few weeks the white skin between red bites will continue to diminish?
ReplyDeleteThe Native Kichwa stories sound interesting. I will look forward to see how you will go about your analysis of them. I sense your deep enthusiam for your work.
A mom question; is there available a more effect insect repellent agent so you don't get eaten alive?
Only so it doesn't distract you from your work.
Take care,love always Mom.
Aw yes, have to say this was the one thing that was not my favorite part of Ecuador. Eventually however after about 6 months they quit biting me. Maybe I became a little bit Ecuadorian, haha. I say this because they never seemed to bother the Ecuadorians that much. For the first 6 months I was bathing my self in the missionary issued insect repellant. It wasn't great however because it had a urine smell to it, oh well it made the insects leave me alone while I was wearing it. Sounds like you are having a blast. On a side note, Carly will have the baby next month. We are so excited to get to meet our little Charly Rachelle.
ReplyDeleteDave...my stars that picture almost had us itching too!
ReplyDeleteReally, isn't here something you could more effectively slather on or maybe eat...garlic...so you don't taste so sweet?! Ouch!
Those Kichwa stories sound fascinating. Those three basic cultural rules would have many of us transformed by now. I would choose to be a tree (does one get to choose?) Do they point out any of the transformed plants or animals?
Enjoy your hammock but no swinging at the 'biters' with your new machete and start eating garlic or drinking pickle juice! Maybe there is a species of bug juice that would help.
Stay safe and have a terrific time!
Sister Holt and Elder Holt