Today was spent completely with the community and our host family despite feeling ill throughout the day. We began by having a tour through different farms learning the production processes. We visited a finca de pina (pineapple farm), learned about yucca plants, coconut trees, cattle-raising, how pineapples grow and are harvested, and the sustainable efforts they are taking to become more efficient overall while remaining sustainable and organic. I have to admit, the pineapple we tasted there was the most delicious I have ever tried. We finished our tour by visiting our host family's barn, where we learned about the natural manure-and-worm filtering process to make the manure reusable for energy purposes. I feel we from the United States have much to learn from these workers; I was very impressed. We also had the opportunity to enjoy coconut water and meat.
We enjoyed the evening by driving to see a pleasant view of sunset and eating a good home-cooked meal (I've been missing those, by the way). Tomorrow we will have the opportunity to milk the cows...which I have never done, so wish me luck! I think the most notable aspect to take from this home stay, which I noticed in Ecuador as well, is how satisfied and happy these folks seem to be here. Technology here is lacking, well, it still exists here but not as frequently in more urban areas, and still they find joy in the most simple things. It almost makes you wonder what makes a "fulfilled life," or whatever that means - I think it varies across individuals and cultures, but having the opportunity to experience this community has definitely planted a seed for thought. We leave tomorrow morning and I am sad to go, but am happy to have had this experience.
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