Juramento a la Bandera - Flag Swearing Ceremony

Every student kneels to kiss the flag in the Juramento a la Bandera.

Today is Día de la Bandera Nacional (National Flag Day) in Ecuador. On this day, as declared by Ecuadoran  law, students swear to the flag with a kiss that symbolizes their love of and allegiance to Ecuador. At Colegio Americano, the 6^th course students (seniors) participate in the Juramento a la Bandera with a procession and a kiss in a solemn ceremony. The ceremony also includes recognition of the highest achieving 6^th course students with diplomas of honor.

Sixth course student Xavier Torres
is the honored bearer of the Ecuadoran Flag.

The 5^th course students (juniors) who have high academic achievement receive the privilege of carrying the historical flags of Ecuador.

My translation of the "Group Swearing to the Flag"

"Swear by God and your honor, before the flag of Ecuador, to faithfully fulfill your civic duties, according to the Constitution and laws. Do you swear to be worthy citizens, lovers of the Fatherland, to give your lives if necessary, in defense of the country and its institutions?

If you so swear, the country will reward you, otherwise you will be judged."

Adrean, Lori, Mike, Nicole, and Joselyn pose for a photo before the ceremony.

Humpback Whales

(You can click on the pictures to enlarge them.
Use the back arrow to return to the original size.)

From June through October the Humpback whales follow the cold Humboldt current up the South American coast from Antartica to feed on the krill and bear their young. We took a CercaPez excursion to see the whales the first weekend in August. We stayed at the Hosteria Mandala in Puerto Lopez, and they arranged the tour for us. The tour cost $37 per person, and included whale sightings, a hike on the Isla de la Plata, and snorkeling at the island.

Of course, whale sightings aren’t guaranteed, but we saw lots of them on our trip. They were amazing!

The tour agency is located on the main street of Puerto Lopez. Although we got a ride there in a tour guide's pick-up truck, most people catch a ride through town in the little mototaxis.



They fed us tuna and cucumber sandwiches on the boat. I was wondering if they came from this vendor who was making and  selling his sandwiches in front of the tour agency.




The tour boat we went on held about 14 people. It was similar in size to the boats nearest to the shore. No match for a whale!

 

A view of the coast from the boat.

 

Hello! An adult and young whale waving their fins.



The End...
tail



Computer Troubles

I've had computer troubles! First, my laptop screen started to malfunction. It was just a few extra vertical lines at first, but it quickly turned into a flashing mess. We tried to get a replacement screen, but nobody in Ecuador had a compatible screen. I had to buy a new computer. I didn't think that would be too much of a problem, and it wouldn't have been if I was o.k. with a Spanish  language operating system. I can get around pretty well with the Spanish menus, but the Spanish keyboard and Spanish only spell check would have been a problem. After some searching, we were able to locate an English operating system.

Being without a computer set me back a little, both in my work and my blog. I'm starting to get caught back up, and I have a lot to post! We've seen whales, blue footed boobies, and the Galapagos.

Whale pictures are coming soon.