#3 Brat is safely home from Ecuador. He had a smashing time, and he’s full of stories and experiences. Like having an ant’s mound in the shower, seeing the Amazon, being south of the Equator, and seeing first hand that there are people who have to do without most of the things we believe to be necessities.
He also had a bout of altitude-sickness, but managed to steer clear of stomach bugs. And I don’t think he’d mind it if he were never to eat rice again…
He did well on the shopping, too – bringing gifts for everyone, which is quite an achievement for a boy of 17. He enjoys it though, and he also managed to bring back a proper machete knife for himself, something he’s dreamed about for a long time. (We did emphasize that he should never, ever try to put anything sharp in his hand luggage, because it would be taken away. At best. Luckily for him – he listened.)
By the way – have you ever gotten a boy back after two weeks in the jungle? Topped off with a 30-hour trip home? The poor fellow took his shoes off when he came through the door. Within 5 minutes, we were all gasping for air, ready to call the paramedics and pest control people. The shoes were put outside the door. In -22° Celcius. They have now (after 4 days in the cold and the snow) been tentatively allowed inside.
So far, we’re all doing OK.
Stumble it!
