Birthdays aren’t really celebrated in Kichwa culture. These people live in the moment, so such occasions aren’t important.

Nevertheless, Byron and I decided to invite Gonzalo, Byron’s father, to Tena for his birthday.

We planned a little shopping trip. We bought Gonzalo and his wife Violeta everything from underwear to shoes and trousers. Afterward, we enjoyed a nice dinner at the Buche Roto restaurant. It was clear they weren’t entirely comfortable in the town of Tena. So, I decided to buy us a nice dessert and enjoy the rest of the celebration at the Pakashka-Sacha student residence with all the students. This suggestion was very well received.

Happy Birthday!