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!