Mother and Child

"If we do not have the strength to shake everyone else's hands, if we do not have the tenderness to hold the world's children in our arms, if we do not have the will to clean the earth of its armies, this small planet will become a parched black body in space." - Oswaldo Guaysamin

The Banana Mercadito

Chone, Ecuador: Known to the rest of Ecuador of its beautiful women, its small community, its kind people, and its absolutely amazing food. Ciao, Chone.

Jose Carlos, Not Carlitos

Homestays are common, but becoming part of a home is rare. Thank you to these two wonderful kids whose trust and games made our homestay feel like family in just two weeks.

Green Parrot

"Our domicilio house visits are focused on four pillars: prevention, inclusion, curative, and rehabilitation. We are a relatively new program in Ecuador, but we have the backing of the Ministerio de Salud Publica, and our goal is to help all people - especially those who are marginalized in our current health system."

Tuesday Morning Surgery

Laproscopic surgery on a Tuesday morning. Incisions and holes were made on the patient's tummy to remove a diseased gallbladder. Chone, Ecuador.

Puerto Lopez, Ecuador.

A small fishing village where dolphins, whales, manta rays, and international and local tourists can be found in its waters. Heard around town: "Swells are coming. I've been waiting all year for them. We brought surfboards...We're ready." "My original plan was to go see the glowing phytoplankton at night, but apparently I drank too much and woke up in my tent the morning after with no idea how I got there." "Giant squid and octopus: $2.50. But you can have the giant squid for $1.50."

Remy's Cafe

"The people here, they're all going one way," said the restaurant owner, spinning to the left and windmilling his arms. "But I spin the other way," and he demonstrated, "and when people see me, they say, Hey man, what you doing?" He shrugged his shoulders. "And I don't mind, because I am free." On his wall is written: "No Wifi Aqui * Conversamos" "No Wifi Here * We Converse" -Puerto Lopez, Ecuador.

Blue-Footed Boobies

We took a boat from Puerto Lopez to Isla de La Plata, the Island of Silver, passing whales in mating along the way. There are two theories as to how the island got its name. For one, it is believed that pirate Sir Francis Drake buried his plunder among the earth and the coves. For another, blue-footed boobies roam the hills, and their white poop is said to make the island shine like silver at night.

Chone Foundation Day

Chone Foundation Day

Liberty, Pride, and the Privilege of a People to be Prosperous

Domicilio Visit

"I'm afraid of dying. My husband depends on me, and so do my three children and my grandchildren," said the old woman, starting to cry. "What if I die?" "Why would you die?" the doctor asked. "You will not die for those reasons. Your husband, your children, your grandchildren are your every reason to keep living." -The words of Dr. Macias to his patient, en una visita domicilio

Hospital IESS in Chone

We sat as the day grew longer, watching the movements around us, the strangers with their white coats trailing after the doctors y doctoras, and seeing one of them with a camera, I waved to show that I saw them just as they had seen me. -@ the Hospital IESS at Chone: 35 beds, 5 specialists, and 1 ultrasound. #DianaInEcuador Follow on instagram at dianazaurus

On the Bus to Chone

And the hills wrapped Quito in an emerald blanket, as the wind ruffled the many grasses, the cows mumbled over their feed, and the houses sat with their peeling faces against the hot summer sun. #DianaInEcuador Follow on instagram at dianazaurus

Boarding the Plane

Spotted on my flight: The incredible, well-dressed, and amazing Special Olympics team from Trinidad & Tobago!!!!!! You are all such an inspiration to us!!! So honored to be graced with your presence!!! #DianaInEcuador follow on instagram at dianazaurus

Leaving for Ecuador!

Mani, Pedi, and Ready for a month of travel and learning in Ecuador!! In an attempt to be better at social media, I have started a word/photo blog at dianayzhao.wix.com/ecaudor and I'll be posting a series on Instagram using #DianaInEcuador. Follow dianazaurus for fun & shenanigans!