I passed the test!

Well, I'm happy to say I've passed the test here in the hotel... I was asked to lend a hand in the kitchen (as one guy had to leave suddenly because his wife was giving birth) and we had a big group of guests... I did my best to keep up with the fast paced chef... washing TONS of dishes, grating a buttload of cheese, etc. I guess that was all I had to do to prove I was truly a part of the team here. As I was told over and over by my students and friends that i was a real team player and they really appreciated my help. Not only that, but I was treated to snacks in the kitchen (WOW... had I known I might have been washing dishes all along)!
I also recieved my first "package"from one of my students who is currently on vacation on the "outside" as they say here! Remember the bartender who taught me a little bit about astrology? He sent me chocolate bars!!!! Wow... what a welcome surprise and treat.
Yesterday, I was able to join a tourist (cause she was all by herself and I didn't have classes) on a community visit. It was super enjoyable to just be able to sit and converse and drink chicha of course... then the man of the house invited me to stay! hahaha! He said he was looking for another wife, I had "mad pinink painting skillz" and I was Shiram "beautiful" with my face painted like an Achuar-ita! Yikes... had to politely turn that offer down!
On another good note, Simon and his wife (pictured below) have invited me to their house during his vacation at the end of the month so that she can teach me how to make Chicha... the true test of a good woman in this culture... if you can't do it, you just don't value as woman here! :) We'll see if I have what it takes to collect, mash, chew, ferment, and filter yucca or manioc to make a deliciously bitter, aquired taste, CHICHA! :)
Hasta Luego,
Kate