Hello from Quito, Ecuador!
I’m sitting in my new room, listening to the sounds of the busy street that I live on. In one week, I have already learned so much and done so much that I can barely believe it. It hasn’t been an easy week, but it’s been a good one and I’m so thankful.
First things first, I love my host family. My EcuaMama and my hermana here are absolutely amazing. They are both so kind, have a great sense of humor, and have given me so much grace in my less than ideal Spanish skills. I’m so excited to continue to get to know them and live with them this semester.
Most of the week has been spent in IES Orientation. We’ve spent a lot of time learning about safety, cultural customs, and daily life here. One of the highlights of the classroom portion of Orientation for me has been learning Ecuatorianismos (common phrases here in Ecuador) and Quichuismos (phrases from the indigenous language Quichua that are popular here). My two favorites are qué chévere (very cool!) and achachay (the English equivalent to brrr when one is cold). It’s fun to know some of the local slang and to be able to use it in conversations.
IES also did a great job making sure we got out into the city during the week. On Day 2 of Orientation, we had an extra long lunch break, so a group of us went walking in La Parque Carolina, which is a gorgeous park right across the street from the IES Center. On Thursday, we spent the late afternoon and evening exploring the historic district of Quito. We visited La Basilica del Voto Nacional, which is a huge church with impressive architecture. However, instead of gargoyles like those in Europe, all of the gargoyles on this church are animals that can be found in the Amazon Rainforest or the Galapagos Islands- a really cool representation of the culture here. We also visited the Ecuadorian equivalent of the White House, a serene monastery, and El Panecillo. El Panecillo is a huge statue of the Virgin Mary, which is on a giant hill in the middle of the city. We went at sunset, and the views were absolutely amazing. On Friday, Juan Carlos, one of the staff members at IES took us on an adventure around the city- through a park, to the mall to buy cheap cell phones, out to lunch, through the party district (Gringolandia, as the locals fondly call it), and on the most crowded bus of my life.
Yesterday was the highlight of my time here so far. We traveled out of Quito into the mountains, visiting a huge waterfall, a local indigenous town, Otavalo (a giant indigenous market), and la Laguna de Cuicocha (a beautiful lake in the crater of a volcano surrounded by mountains). Overall, we spent 14 hours together as a group, which lead to a lot of laughter and bonding. I genuinely love everyone in my program and am excited to spend the semester exploring Ecuador together.
As fun as all the adventures have been this week, culture shock is definitely a thing and it’s definitely affecting me. Here are some new things that I’m adjusting too:
-Personal Space: anyone who knows me knows that I love having space and am not extremely fond of physical touch. However, I’m quickly getting over my need for personal space. In Ecuador, it’s custom to greet everyone with a hug and a kiss on the cheek (un beso y un abrazo), and I’m starting to enjoy (!!) this practice.
-Riding the Bus: I have about a 20 minute bus ride to school everyday. The buses here are less organized than in the US and I’m learning how to pick the correct bus to get onto. In addition to this, they are so crowded! I’ve never been pressed up against so many people in my life. Like I said, I’m quickly getting over my need for space haha. This week I have to start riding the bus without my host mom or sister, but I think I’m ready!
-Meals: Here, breakfast and dinner are relatively small, whereas lunch is the main meal. For breakfast, I usually have a cafecito or a tecito (which is a coffee or a tea) along with bread, fruit, and jam. It’s perfect and I love this meal. My host mom is a great cook and I enjoy the food here.
-Altitude: Living at almost 10,000 ft above sea level makes me feel pretty weak sometimes, especially when I’m winded after climbing up one flight of stairs. However, I’ve adjusted well and feel great most of the time (PTL).
-Speaking Spanish: I know way more Spanish than I thought I did. I know way less Spanish than I thought I did. Sometimes I’m impressed by the things that come out of my mouth. Two seconds later I can’t remember the word for spoon. It’s hard, but I’m determined to keep improving every day.
Classes start tomorrow, and this weekend we’re hoping to travel. Overall, I love it here and I’m so excited about the semester ahead of me.
Aw! I loved reading this. I’ll be looking forward to more 🙂 My favorite line is about how you have to “pick the correct bus,” haha. Sounds like you have lots of fun adventures ahead!
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Hahaha thanks Katie! Picking the correct bus truly is an adventure
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Great to hear from you Emily. I had a great talk with your mom today at church. She sure does love and miss you but knows God is going to use you in a mighty way. Always in my prayers. Love Kathy
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Thank you Kathy! Always appreciate your encouragement!
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I love to read about your adventures! You have such a gift for writing and can’t wait for your next blog. Sounds like you had afun weekend! Did you find that handmade sweater you were hoping for? I’ll be praying for your first day of class and the bus ride solo. I love you!!! ❤
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Gracias Mom! Yes I did! Love you!
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AYYYYYY so excited for you! Your words warm my soul and put a smile on my face. You write in a way that is freakishly relatable….jajaj one second I’m suprised and the next I forget the word for spoon… I want that quote on a poster in my future spanish class someday!
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Haha thanks Bri! Take some good notes for next semester 🙂 And I’m glad you appreciated that line- use it in your future classroom anytime!!
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Gosh I love you. Cheers to picking the right bus tomorrow, YOU GOT THIS!! I totally believe in you. Abrazos, chica! Y posible un besito..posible
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Love you Lex haha
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Happy to hear your first week has been successful. Loved hearing the adventures. You’re always in my prayers. Grandma E
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Thank you Grandma! Love you!
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I’m so excited for you, Emily! I wish you all the best an many amazing adventures during your stay and travels! God bless you and stay safe. Love always, Sra. Caterina Savone
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Muchas gracias Señora Savone!! Still have so many fond memories of AP Spanish and still using what I learned there as I start this adventure!
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I love reading your blog Emily. Thanks for including me.
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Thank you so much!!
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Emily I’m so excited for you. I read your blog because I’m Facebook friends with your Mom. I’d love to continue reading your adventures. Blessings to you !
Becky Sassak ( Ethan’s Mom)
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Thanks so much Mrs. Sassak!!
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