Please mourn the loss of Sara's iPod

  Otavalo, Ecuador
Monday, March 12, 2007

El Centro Historico

SARA SAYS....

We're in Quito now and it seems Ecuadorians have stickier fingers than Colombians.  We're both lighter a few items.  Steve, his sweater/jacket (apparently there's a really big Ecuadorian out there who was cold) and me, my beloved iPod.  By lost, it's obvious that I didn't merely misplace it - someone managed to outwit me yesterday on a bus trip to Otavalo.

I'm sure that Steve has a bit coming about this, but I need to preface this story by saying the bus system in Ecuador is downright nuts.  We started off as the only ones on the bus at the bus terminal, but after countless random stops along the road, the bus was completely full of people.  The seats, the aisles, the floor.  It seems the motto in Ecuador's buses is "there's room for everyone". 

I was sitting in the smallest seat possible beside Steve near the front of the bus, with my small backpack held firmly right between my feet.  I "may" have had my eyes closed at a few points along the way, but Steve was awake, and neither of us saw or felt anything.  If only we had instant replay to see who took it and how it was done.  How did they manage to open two parts of the pack without us noticing?  Was it the old men behind us, the old woman sitting on the floor beside Steve, the two children (and I mean, under 10 years old) also sitting on the floor at the front of the bus, or was it the bus company? 

If only I didn't bring it on the trip (I threw it in my bag at the last minute at 6am, further proof that I am not a morning person).  If only I put the bag on my lap, or my iPod with my important stuff on my person.  If only, if only, if only.  I knew it was going to happen eventually, but I didn't think it would be this soon. 

Two sidenotes...
1)  Someone is also in possession of my toothbrush, moisturizer, quick-dry travel towel, Tiger Balm, playing cards, empty money belt and two luggage locks.  And Emma, they also took "Captain Bad", your traveler's good luck charm.  Talk about kicking me while I was down.
2)  Julie knows how hard I worked to create the best possible playlist.  And Julie, aren't you glad now that I didn't take yours? 

Overwhelmed by the volume accumulated in 1 day

So, for those of you who know me well, won't be surprised to see how I coped with this loss.  We were on our way to Otavalo in Ecuador, the largest market in South America.  This was a must-do for me, and I practically dragged Steve along with me, so I can't even blame the iPod loss on him.  I started to shop.  And I mean, really shop.  It was a combination of really great deals, a great variety of merchandise and trying to fill the empty void of loss.  I bought tapestries, bags, silk scarves, jewelry... you name it, I probably bought it.  I bought so much that Windsor can expect a package from me because there's no way this stuff will fit in my backpack.  At least, I hope it will get there before I get home or more importantly, gets there at all. 

I'm trying to get over it , but to think of someone sitting around somewhere listening to my iPod, with my special playlist, headphones, case etc......or worse, trying to sell it somewhere for a few bucks.... I feel robbed! 

In order to justify the purchase of a new iPod as soon as possible (maybe an early birthday present from Dad with the playlist from my computer, sent with Steve's mom in May???), Steve and I went to the police station in Otavalo to get a police report.  Like many places here, no one spoke English.  Katherine, you'll be happy to know that I used your travel phrase book for "I need a police report for my insurance company".  I ended up sitting next to the police officer by his computer, writing on a pad of paper to help him fill out the form.  But it's done, it's over.  I got the police report; but my iPod's still gone.   

You can help me mourn the loss of my iPod in any way that you see fit.  

At the Borja's

A full update on Quito will come later, since we're going to be here several weeks taking one-on-one Spanish lessons.  But so far, we've spent time with my Aunt Diane's friend's family, who lives in a beautiful place in a suburb outside of Quito. 

Sitting on the Equator

And today we visited the official "middle of the world" - the Equator line.  Today I had one ass cheek on one side of the world, and one on the other! 

At the Equator

STEVE SAYS...

To be fair, there´s not many days Sara doesn´t have one ass cheek on both sides of the world if you know what I mean. Can I say that. Uh oh.

And Sara says she was ¨outwitted¨ for her iPod, I mean this person must´ve been an evil genius or something to accomplish that. But it´s true I was awake for most of the ride, so I guess god didn´t intend for me to be a night watchman.

However, I´m proud to report that later that same day I listened to my iPod, while pretending not to hear Sara bickering, ¨You better take that off right now....you´re an asshole.¨ I guess god didn´t intend for me to be a nice boyfriend either. That´s it, I think I sufficiently hijacked Sara´s blog.  

Be sure to look for my next 4,000 word blog on the ¨Magic of Shopping at Crappy Markets in South America,¨ I´m still shaking from the experience.        

SARA SAYS...

That's what I get for letting Steve read what I've written before I send it.  I guess I have to allow those rips about me for the sake of humour, but look out Steve, if this is the way you want to play, I know where you keep your iPod (and your passport and money too).