Oh I´m Part of the Magic, Alright

Therese always told us to never turn down an invitation from anyone in Ecuador. You never know what could happen. I´ve had my share of ¨kidnappings¨ and ¨darring vueltas (i.e. going in circles)¨ during my time in Ecuador and breakfasts that last till 7PM, but I very rarely regret taking invites from students and friends while here. I´ve gotten to visit tiny pueblitos in the North, I´ve eaten typical food at students´ homes and most recently, I´ve gone to a magic show at the University with my friend Rachael and her student, Mauro. When Rachael asked me to tag along, I didn´t know what to think. Magic shows can either be really cool or really hokey. We arrived a little late to the Politecnica´s auditorium, where we joined close to 200 students taking a break between finals and thesis writing. Some of the jokes were difficult to understand and untranslatable without ruining the punch line but every time the Magician from Argentina came around looking for volunteers, Mauro hinted to not make eye contact and we wouldnt get chosen...but alas, the magician was looking for an assistant who he described would be ideally ¨chiquitita¨ and thus my magic career began walking on a man who was hypnotized and laying on a bed of nails. Thought you all might enjoying seeing the photo!