Cultural Week!

Today (Tuesday) was a day where we “ran” 10km. A lot of people took busses or paid taxis, but Auxi and I walked the entire way. In the heat. With the dust. And the hot clothing. But it was fun! We talked a lot, and when I got back, they gave me a trophy for being from the US. They also gave one to Janek because he is from Germany. Apparently we are now between the ages of 40 and 49…but that’s okay; it’s the thought that counts. I’m enjoying the school so far. Everyone seems kind, and most want to talk to me, and there are some great people who have really stopped to make sure I understand. (Shout out to Payton and Titta for wanting to go to Amazonas last year—so far, it’s been great!)

Today, Wednesday, I went to school, and basically talked and got asked a million questions. When I made a face at the words “Justin Beiber” everyone clapped for me. I’m glad that others understand it as well. After school, I was home alone, as usual, because I get out earlier than my siblings this week. I cried, because I missed the feeling of home. I was reminded of how I felt after we left Michigan. I missed my life, and the way I finally fit in somewhere. Here, I know everything is amazing, but, it’s all so new, and overwhelming. Leaving something you know and have grown to love for a year is one of the hardest things someone can do! I never really thought about how I would do if I did not let my emotions flow when they need to. I’m going to have to make a point to let myself cry when I need to! Yesterday, I got this cute thing done to my nails. I have pink on them with black mustaches! SO CUTE! (Emily Tsai, if you’re reading this, I thought of you the entire time they were being painted!!!)

Yesterday was a busy day! I found out at the Rotary Meeting on Wednesday night that I was going to Manta to register with the Ecuadorian Government. I learned how to sit in a car for many hours with two full grown women—very slender though—in a fairly small car. If I sat up straight, I hit my head every time we went over a bump. Lucky Janek...he got the front seat. Then, after we got back, I had a few minutes to think, and talk to my host sisters. I really enjoy talking to them; they may be a little younger than me-Nohelia not so much, but still younger-but I really learn a lot. I was told my Noemi that my Spanish is already getting better, and I can understand at a faster rate! After that, I went to the chiropractor, which isn’t really a chiropractor at all. It’s more of a physical therapy place, and I need a chiropractor!!! After the “chiropractor,” my counselor, her daughter and I went to eat and such. I ran into Kelly who invited me to a party thrown by the college. I talked to my counselor, and my mom, and they were both okay with it, so I went. Apparently there is a man who is running for a government position, and he is putting on a bunch of concerts for college age students to get their vote. Unfortunately for him, everyone got bored after about 15 minutes, so we left. This is when we went to this place (I forget the translation…) and I was the only one completely sober. (Hear that Charlie? I'm being the good little exchange student!) Apparently I can dance. I am shy, see? I don’t like to dance much. It’s like some people and singing in the shower. I dance alone, when nobody can watch, and nobody can judge. That’s one of the things I want to work on: coming out of my shell. I went home earlier than everyone else—2am. Then, I talked to Kelly about some exchange stuff, because it was weighing on my mind, and who would understand more than someone who has been through it? I got very little sleep last night (thanks to our friend the rooster), and am just about to head off to school. Chao! *kiss on cheek* (You know what’s strange? They always seem to go right cheek… Oh, and my Mexican ears can’t last long with how many double takes I have taken in the past week.)

Later Friday… I’m tired… I am going to spend some time this weekend with my counselor and her family. They’re nice people, always wanting me to do my best here in Chone. There is no school Monday—I guess because the teachers are having a party tomorrow where they drink, and they don’t want to teach? I’m unsure. I don’t believe this to be the reason, but that's what a student said. I learned how to tie a tie today. The party last night was fun, but my body is still vibrating from the music last night. It’s not used to loud noises. I guess the little bit of music some guys played today was not much help either! What else is not help is people playing horrible pranks on you in the middle of the night (you know who you are) and telling you that the police check for visas and such. It was when we were at that one place that I still can’t really figure out a word for, with the music. The police shut it down, because in Chone, on weekdays they can only run until midnight, and it was one. Sometimes, scaring someone to death is just not worth it… I find that just sad, but I forgave him. Today was fun, and I look forward to having more fun days and starting school Tuesday!

First Day of School

My first day of school... How can I put it? Well, this week we are celebrating the school's 45th birthday. There are different festivities all week, and I have to wear clothing to walk in tomorrow. I believe we are doing a parade around Chone. That's pretty exciting.

Everything feels dirty here. The heat, the dust, the difference. I love it, but I just only feel clean when I'm drenched in water. And even then, I know it's not entirely true. I brush my teeth with the water, wash veggies with it, but never drink it, and always rinse the veggies off with clean water after being washed.

I'm hot. We sleep with a sheet on top of us, and I have a fan blowing around me. I believe I have been comfortable once. I was in the ocean... The ocean... It's so beautiful here! The clear water, the sun shining on everything. I love it!

Last night, I got THREE bug bites! All on my right leg! My sister told me to put alcohol (the stuff for cuts and such) on them, and the redness has gone down on one of them. I also killed a mosquito in the principles office today. I REFUSE to get malaria! (Don't worry mother, I won't. I promise!)

The food here is some of the best I've ever tasted! We eat this soup stuff called crema. It's basically like vegetables mashed up. You would think it would be gross, but it's not! It's like a taste of home without the chewing! Even the meat tastes better. Yesterday, I had lasagna con carne, and though the texture of the carne wasn't my favorite, it was really good! The way they prepare it is so natural tasting, but at the same time, masks the taste of it--for the most part.

So, I haven't really done any chores since I came here. I have made my bed on the days that the maid doesn't come. And put some left overs in the refrigerator, but really, all I do is talk to my sister. I really really enjoy talking to her. She is a sweetie, and always stops to explain things when I don't understand.

I believe my host sister was just denied her visa... The sadness I feel is one of the worst things I have felt since I got here. I'm not sure what happened, or why, but when they get home from Guayaquil, I'm going to ask. They did everything they needed. I even helped her with some English!

Some of my sisters friends should be arriving soon. I look forward to meeting them!

It's Begun!

My long journey ahead has officially begun. I have gone through security in the Portland Airport, and will be getting on the plane shortly. Sitting at the gate has not done anything to make this seem more real. This could be because I'm in shock, or it could also be that in the past 43 hours, I have only slept 8 hours!!!

At the gate, I here two languages: English and Spanish. I am assuming most people are going to Mexico City. It's a very fun gate to be at...especially for such an early time!! I see no other Rotary Blazers or shirts, but at least by Dallas/Ft. Worth, I should be among a group of at least 3, but probably more like 5 to 8. By Maimi, there should be around 10 of us headed out to Guayaquil.

Well, I never got to finish, like I thought I would. My first layover went well. I met up with a girl from Alaska, Holly, a boy from Canada, Derek, and a girl from Japan—I still have no idea how to say or spell her name. We got on the plane, and, guess what. We were all separated, AND we had to wait an hour for mechanical stuff while SEATED!!! Then, we had another couple of hours to kill. I was sitting next to a Rotarian, and a woman. She taught me how to knit! That was fun!

The second layover was only an hour, not two, because we were late! I met up with 3 more exchange students there, and we all stuck together. We all had our “pairs” to say, but only because we made those pairs. The plane was virtually empty. I sat next to Derek, and got asked a few philosophical questions. It was good to stay awake with someone to talk to!

After we got out of the plane, all went well. We stuck together through immigration, baggage claim, and customs. After that, we took a few pictures, and met our families.

The drive back was horrible! I have learned that I have a new distaste for speed   bumps. For what I could tell, there was a speed bump in the middle of the freeway! And, there were craters in the road designed to slow us down. All I can say is I feel bad for the cars. I slept a little, and when we got home, it was nearly four! We went to bed on the spot, and I woke up at 10. Right now, my mom is at work, and the others at school.

A few things I have noticed that do not seem like things I’m used to: dogs do not have homes, and are left to wander the streets; speed bumps are not always speed bumps, rather mixed with some craters taken out of the earth; wearing your seatbelt in the back seat is not necessary; I’m pretty sure the woman here with us is the house cleaner; I do not have any desire to have more than a single sheet over me to sleep, and no desire for a hot shower; they do not flush their toilet paper.

I start school on Monday, and am excited, but very nervous! I’m not sure what to expect.  I guess that’s how everything is going to be soon, especially because I cannot understand Spanish very well. They all talk so fast! One day, I hope to be the one talking too fast, and understanding it all. Until then, I guess I have a lot of leaning to do!

17 Days!!

Today, I got in touch with my second host family!! I have a host sister who will be in Nebraska for her exchange. I will have a mom (48), dad (50), brother (16), and grandma (75), and a dog living in the house! They have family in Portviejo, Quito, and Esmeraldas. They go visit sometimes too!!

I got my tickets and visa in the mail, so it's now official that I will be leaving from the Portland Airport at 6am and arriving in Guayaquil Airport at 10:05pm on the 23rd of THIS MONTH!!!! I really can't wait!!

Everyone who went on exchange in Ecuador (or pretty much any South American country) said to not drink the water! I went to LA area to visit my sister, and have been craving Medford water. LA water just plain tastes BAD! I'm kinda worried that I am going to crave water like I did for those five days that I was there--except worse!!

I got my business cards, and they're cute!! I find them informational--giving information that someone would actually have for a few years--like an email address! I have been wanting to have them for awhile, but I'm so glad they came before I left; a few people left before getting them! I think 4 people have left already, and I know at least 2 of them absolutely did NOT get them.

My room is currently a cleaning disaster! I have been cleaning like crazy! By the time I leave, I want to have few belongings--things I will actually want when I come back. I am also packing my suitcase with things and weighing it. It's an interesting experience to say the least. I can only bring 1 suitcase with 50lbs of stuff in it. The empty suitcase is 10lbs. This should be fun!!

I felt more excited than nervous of late, and feel like things are going pretty well. I am so glad I have everyone in Rotary around to help. I can say that without them, I would be having  pretty normal summer! I'm so glad it's not!