jueves, 11 de septiembre de 2008

The Beginning

So far, things have been going well. I'm living in the largest city in Ecuador called Guayaquil (pop. 3.5 million), which is about 8 hours away from Quito, the capital, and is near the coast. The weather has been hot (90's), but thankfully not unbearable! (To the Ecuadorians, it's "frio" - cold. Oh no.)

I live with a darling family in a small and delightful home in a neighborhood called Atarazana. The first week and a half I lived in a different neighborhood with a woman and her two daughters but it didn't work out, so I've been here since last Sunday. I live with Nelli and Oswaldo, an older couple, who are my host parents, and one of their three children, Veronica (30). They have two white poodles, Ricky and Chicky, who remind me of my extended family! Their family has been treating me like a member of the family in showing me around, taking me out for treats, and helping me with my Spanish. I have a little room with a great working fan. :)

So far, I have only traveled a little and have been trying to get used to the city (I will post more about my trips later). My days are pretty full with having 4-5 hours of volunteer work in the morning at Fundacion Crecer (more below), a little break in the afternoon (siesta, which usually consists of eating and a long nap), and then class in the evening. I'm taking only one Spanish class Mon-Thurs afternoons and a class titled 'Instituions of the Ecuadorian Society' for 4 hours every Friday morning. The latter class is specifically for my program I'm studying through, International Partnership for Service-Learning and Leadership (IPSL). There are only four others in this class and at the end of the semester, I'll be compiling the information I've learned in class with what I've learned through volunteering at my agency into some great paper.

I like aspects of Guayaquil, like Las Penas (444 steps where you can see the city), the Malecon (walking area next to the river), street vendors, and living in a city. However, it's also very loud, dirty, and not the safest. Although I do feel safe, I have to make sure I get home from school at an early hour, because once everyone is in their homes for the day, my neighborhood can be dangerous. But this is true for the majority of the city - the police are basically a joke. (Not to scare you, Family!) I've never experienced being a gringa, and I definitely get a (HUGE) cup of tea of it when on the public bus, walking on the sidewalk, etc. People just constantly stare. Speaking Spanish is sometimes exhilerating and sometimes extremely frustrating. It's amazing how I can get through conversations and can understand people, but when I work with little kids, or try to say something more than just how my day was and what I did yesterday, it becomes very exhausting, stressful, and overwhelming.

I had no idea studying abroad would be this exhausting or such an adventure! For my Institutions class we have to read a book titled, Charting a Hero's Journey, and journal in accordance with the chapters. The first and second chapters are, "Hearing the Call" and "Preparing for the Journey." We had to describe what we have packed and now that I'm here, there's only one thing I wish was different - I wish I had different colored, light, cotton t-shirts since literally all I have is white. In general though, I feel well-prepared, especially since "I remembered to pack two very important things in my bag that I call my stomach: trust and humor." (I know, it's cheesy.) :D

2 comentarios:

Sharon dijo...

Do you have a mailing address? I could send you a couple of colored tee shirts, if I can still find them in the stores.... it's getting cooler here.... Seriously, great blog post, and do send me your address when you get a chance. Love, your over-protective Mom

Anónimo dijo...

Heyy Anna! I found your blog via maureen- and was scanning your blog and saw you are reading "Charting A Hero's Journey
which I am doing as well. Are you doing IPSL? I hope you are having a sweet time in the South America. haha = )