Carnival, and Carnnival-Related Last-Minute Packing!

Well, as has been pointed out to me before, we are flying straight into the teeth of the Carnival season in Quito. This is, in many ways, incredibly lucky - we're going to see celebrating and festival-ing at a fever pitch. On the other hand, it's a bit of a drag - a lot of places might be closed for the week. We'll have to play it by ear. I'm hoping that, especially on our first Sunday in Quito, there will be a lot of Masses to go to, parades, outdoor performances, things of that nature. But I'm not sure - it may also be quite dead. Hard to say - the online editions of the newspapers don't show a lot of detail about what's in store for the capital city. We'll buy some papers and ask the staff and the locals when we arrive, and arrange our day accordingly. Whatever the conditions are on the ground, we'll make that particular sort of hay!

What I am certain of is that Saturday night, there will be a lot of noise around. I'm guessing cars with loud music driving past, laughing and singing people, and the occasional blast of fireworks. If your students are earplugs-wearers, I'd suggest throwing some into the carry-on.

One of the traditions of this time of year to keep in mind is "playing Carnival". Here's a description I just found online:

"Be warned: Carnival in Quito and in Ecuador consists of a lot of throwing water – so be prepared for a good-natured drenching, and take a spare set of clothes with you on excursions!!"

I have been the victim of some good-natured Carnival soakings in my day. And, as one would expect, I have been the victim of some less-than-good-natured soakings. You sigh, smile, say "Ohm", and move on. But keep in mind: Cameras don't like water. A ziploc baggie for the camera might be another thing to toss into the suitcase.

The above quote is from this page, which also has a picture. Now, if you look at that picture, you'll see a lot of people in jeans. But look carefully at the jeans: None are ripped, none are tight, none are especially faded. What's acceptable for Ecuadorian jeans-wearing and what's acceptable in Lenox jeans-wearing are not the same thing at all. That's why I don't want kids to wear jeans: Too much room for interpretation. Be conservative and comfortable.

More updates as necessary!