First Days

Since I can’t get on the computer and update as often as I would like, I thought I would keep a journal about what’s going on day by day and just keep it under little sections within each blog. What does that mean for you? Each blog will be long… yes, I said long. But this is my life as I know it right now, so enjoy!

Thursday, May 28
The flight from Little Rock to Houston was rather uneventful – a typical flight. I sat next to a pilot who was on his way to Houston for his annual certification classes. He was a very nice man (beautiful gray-blue eyes) who had been a pilot for 20 years – he did NOT look that old! We had a good conversation, as far as conversations with complete strangers on a plane can go. Oh! The actual pilot for the plane was a hottie! ß yes, I had to put that in there… J
Anyway, Paola (my travel companion and advisor while I am in Ecuador) and I made it to Houston, where we had a 4 hour, 45 minute layover… one of the longest I’ve ever had! But all was well. We talked about different things for this summer. It was good.
The flight to Quito, Ecuador, was 5 HOURS LONG!!!! We left Houston at 6 pm and finally arrived in Quito at 11 pm (good thing it’s the same time zone or that would’ve been some kind of screwed up). During the flight they served a meal (hamburger and salad) that I thought was decent but it turned out that my stomach did not really care for plane food. I’m still not quite back to normal again after that haha. The in-flight movie was “Marley & Me”. It was the first time I had seen it and it was sooooo good! I had to stop watching at the end because it was making me cry! I know, I’m pitiful lol. The plus side was that I got a little bit of sleep on the plane. YAY!
Anyway, so we made it to Quito at 11 pm, then had to go through immigration and customs. The line was so long! It took us 2 hours (dos horas) to get completely through. CRAZY! The original plan was for us to stay the night in the airport and fly to Loja, Ecuador, in the morning (around 6 am or so). Instead, a friend of Paola’s met us and took us back to his parents’ house in Quito for the night. Needless to say, I was very ready for bed.

Friday, May 29
Sleep was fitful. I think I was too exhausted, if that’s even possible. I woke this morning to the sounds of cars rushing by outside the window (Quito is a very packed city). I went downstairs to find that Paúl, Paola’s friend, had made a rather large breakfast for all of us. I don’t eat much breakfast, so it was difficult for me to eat as much as I did (and that really wasn’t that much). It was quite good, though. After breakfast, he took Paola and me around Quito, to El Centro de Historica. Here we toured a few Catholic cathedrals – very elaborate and exquisite. Unfortunately, I couldn’t take any pictures inside the cathedrals, but I snapped a few of the outsides. I would’ve taken more pictures of Quito, but the cabbies there are INSANE!!!!! You think people in LR are bad? They’re the safest, best drivers in the world compared to these people! I feared for my life… on more than one occasion. Anyway, a good time was had by all in Quito. J
Paola and I left Quito at 4:30 pm and arrived in Catamayo, a town ~30 minutes from Loja, at 5:30 pm, where we met her father (a very nice man). This plane ride was pretty awesome. I sat next to a guy who works at La Universidad Tecnico Particular de Loja (UTPL) – which is where I will be spending time this summer. He spoke very good English, and enjoyed the time practicing on me lol. Random (awesome) side note: he was bald with facial hair (yes, Rodnie, you know exactly what I mean). I tried to talk him into coming to the States for a visit, but don’t know if I was successful or not. We shall see. He also rode with Paola and me to Loja, so we talked for that entire time, as well. I enjoyed myself immensely!
My first view of Loja province was absolutely breathtaking. There was a lot of cloud cover and our descent was mostly gray because of it. But once we broke through, the view was amazing. “¡Que bonita!” doesn’t even begin to describe it. The mountains here are just… well, there are no words. I have a few early pictures that I was able to snap before it got too dark, but more will come. J Paola and her sister drove me around Loja this evening – it was fun, even though I am utterly exhausted. I am now staying with them for the night. I get to meet my host family tomorrow. Thus began my siete semanas (7 weeks)!

PS: I think I’m having contact withdrawals. This is pitiful lol…

Saturday, May 30
Today has been a good day. I slept fairly well last night, even though I miss my bed. After breakfast, Paola and her sister took me to meet my host family. They are very nice people, and the great thing is that their children speak English, so I don’t have to worry about communication! My room is at the top of the house. There is a beautiful view from here (I took pictures!). If my impressions serve me correctly, this family is more well-off than most. They’ve housed many students for UTPL over the last few years (one from Costa Rica, one from Michigan). <> After meeting the family, Paola took me around to some places in Loja. We saw one of the major parks – Parque de Jipiro – as well as La Puerta de la Ciudad (the Door to the City). Very beautiful old buildings. We also ate lunch while we were out. They give so much food! I’ve never been able to eat it all since I got here haha. But it was very good. Now it’s late in the evening and I’m back at mi casa, relaxing in my room. The only other person in the house is Maria Mercedes, the oldest daughter. It’s been a long day and I miss home. I think in a few days, once I get a routine down, things will be much better. I’m still very excited about being here, though!

8:00 pm
My host family is so great! They are Christians and that was one of the first things the mother, Maria, asked me tonight. I’m so glad that they are such good people. Thank you, God, for one less thing to worry about while I’m here. Mercedes is going to introduce me to some students from the US and Canada, so I’m looking forward to that. I feel at home here now. These are good people.

Sunday, May 31
This morning, I woke up and went downstairs to find Marco (the father) cooking breakfast. Breakfast consisted of moto (I’m not sure how to spell it), which is corn that has been boiled until it’s swollen and eggs and ham. It was a very good breakfast. I also had some melon/papaya juice. I haven’t been able to bring myself to try the coffee yet. I’m not sure I will, since I don’t care for hot drinks. Anyway, I went to church with the family this morning. It is very similar to a Non-Denomination church at home, so it was good. Of course, I didn’t understand much, but it was still good. I do know that the sermon was about marriage, and keeping God in the marriage and in the family. When we got home, Marco put a TV in my room so I could watch CNN while I’m here to have some connection to home. Now I’m just relaxing, writing this, and thinking about reading some. I’ve already read ¾ of a book. I’m thinking I should’ve brought more lol. Tomorrow I start working in the lab at UTPL. I’m excited about getting into research. I think it’s going to be a very good 7 weeks!

7:00 pm
Today has been a good day. After lunch, I went for a walk with Maria, Marco, and Marcito (the son). We went walking up in the mountains around the neighborhood. I think I used muscles I didn’t know I had! Lol…. Now I’m tired and sitting in my room with CNN on the TV. I never thought I would be one to watch CNN, but I guess I still surprise myself. J Heck, I climbed up part of a freakin mountain! Of course I surprise myself!
I’m adjusting very well to the difference in altitudes. I’m also learning some Spanish, which is good. I’m also helping the family to practice and learn English, so that is good as well. J I think I can pick up more with them speaking in Spanish to each other than I could at first, so that is good. I understand the conversation for the most part; I just can’t always speak it. Ahh! In time, in time, I know. So, CNN reports that GM is about to file bankruptcy in the morning… so sad. Time for a new car! Haha… If there is anything new going on with anyone reading this, please email me or comment on here so I can keep up with your lives! I can’t call. I can text, but it’s $0.50 per text, so again, you’d have to pay for it when the bill comes in lol. Neither Rodnie nor I can afford it! J Ok, I think I’m going to read for a while. I already finished the book from earlier (it was very good), so on to a new one! Much love!