I'm back from the beach and doing well. I have a lot to write about and tell everyone, but even more reading to do for my classes tomorrow. Sorry, but reading is going to win for right now -- I'll try to write later tonight. If not tonight, I'll write on Wednesday.

:-)

Hey everyone!

I’ve had a very busy week – and it’s still not over. I’m pretty tired right now (we had a midterm today) but I wanted to write and update the blog before leaving for the beach tomorrow. The rest of this week will be just as busy, but with less stress (always good).

I spent last weekend with Nancy and her family and it was amazing. The wedding was beautiful and I had a lot of fun. There was a ton of dancing... and I think I’m finally starting to get this salsa business down. We went to Papallacta on Sunday – back to the hot springs – and had another great day. Nancy’s family is a lot of fun and they’re all very nice. It was a great weekend.

Having Nancy here was like having a full dose of Caroline, and it was great. I miss everyone at SBC so much… it was really nice to have someone around for a few days that could help to remind me of home. After spending so much time with Nancy I can see how and why Caroline has grown into being the person who she is. Nancy’s amazing and Caroline is just like her – sweet, energetic, unconditionally caring for others, and just happy to be living life. I’m sad she had to go back to the States!

I’m not going to write too much more tonight because I’m really tired. But thing are still going well down here. We’re going to the coast tomorrow and we’ll be there until Sunday night. I’m excited to see the ocean! I’ll be sure to update here as soon as I can when we get back into Quito, but until then, take care everyone!


P.S. I heard that 2011 won the rock and hitching post fight – is this true!?! Haha sophomores... my sister class rocks!!!! :-)

the great side of quito and the not-so-great side of quito...

Hmm, well I have two recent things to tell y’all about.

Yesterday Nancy (Caroline’s fantastic childhood nanny) came to PUCE just as my morning class was getting out. She brought her sister, her brother, and her sister-in-law with her. What a cool family! We went out for an enormous lunch and I got to learn all about Nancy’s life in Quito. Caroline has told me tons of great things about growing up with Nancy and childhood trips to Ecuador – I always though she must be exaggerating about how great of a time she always had – but I know now that there was no exaggeration at all. Nancy and her family are wonderful. We didn’t get to spend too much time together because I had an afternoon class… but on Saturday I am going to see her again. The family is having a wedding in Quito and then a reception about an hour outside of the city. Nancy has invited me to come along and see what an Ecuadorian wedding is like --- I’m so excited! We’re going to stay the night outside of the city on Saturday and then on Sunday we’re going to Papallacta before returning to Quito. Papallacta is cool – it’s the same place that I went with IES to the hot springs. There is a lot to do there and I’m looking forward to going back. I’m looking forward to the entire weekend in general. :-)

The other thing that has happened recently isn’t as exciting, not in a good way at least… it was more of a learning experience, and a little bit of a scary one. I spent most of the day today with my friend, Laura. She’s one of the first friends I made when I arrived in Quito and I’m sure she’ll be one of the friends I stay close with after returning to the U.S. After our morning Spanish class we decided to walk to the IES center (a little over a mile) and have lunch with some of our other friends. We made it to the center okay – we walk between PUCE and IES at least 3 times a week – and spent about an hour at the center. After lunch we went back out into the city to look for a camera store that one of the directors had told Laura about. After Laura had got what she needed we were walking back towards IES on a road called Amazonas. I live two blocks off of this road (about ½ a mile down from where we were walking) and I know it pretty well from going back and forth between home and PUCE on the bus. But, this was the first time that I had walked this stretch of it. As we were walking Laura was telling me about how one of our other friends in our program had said that this area could be dangerous at night (it was 2:00pm). We were chatting and walking for quite a while and I noticed three men about 200 feet in front of us who were also chatting and walking in the same direction. Two women were coming from the other direction towards us – when they passed the men they stopped for about 30 seconds and started talking to the men. It seemed strange to me because they were all really close to each other, as if they were friends passing each other and saying hello, but they didn’t do the traditional Ecuadorian greeting upon first meeting (a small hug and kiss on the cheek). After about 30 seconds the women continued walking in our direction and the men continued ahead on ahead us, glancing back over their shoulders at the women and at Laura and me. Laura and I were a lot closer to the men at this point because they had been stopped for so long with the women. I didn’t think much of how the five people had stopped – it seemed odd to me but I didn’t really think much of it – Laura was telling me something and I had been listening to what she was saying. The two women passed us. Laura was on my right and they passed to our left. The woman closest to me turned just as we were passing and grabbed my arm harder than anyone has ever grabbed me before. I instinctively grabbed on to Laura and tried to pull away from the woman. She started speaking really, really fast, “por favor, no pasan, no pasan. Necesitan venir con nosotros, los hombres son ladrones. Tienen chuchillos.” Roughly translated she was telling us to turn around because the three men ahead of us had just robbed them and had knives. Really, we didn’t have much of a choice as to if we were going to turn around and go with the women or not; she pretty much pulled me with her. We turned around and went the other direction with the women (they were careful to sandwich us between them because they had already been robbed and it was obvious that Laura and I aren’t from Ecuador) and they took us about ¼ of a mile back down the road until they could get us onto a bus. As we were walking they told us that the three men had came up really close to them (as I saw taking place) and held them at knifepoint the entire time. Once they were happy with what they women had given them they let them continue on – making sure they were leaving and then looking to me and Laura.

We’ve been told at IES to be really careful about robbers and violence that takes place in Quito – it happens and it’s not something that is going to go away. So far everyone in our programs has been okay. But the experience today just goes to show how out of your control these situations can be. The two women who helped us, both natives to Quito, were completely taken by surprise with the three men. What’s more, where we were walking is one of the busiest streets in Quito and it was 2:00pm in the afternoon with tons of people nearby. It just goes to show that you can never, ever let your guard down – not even for a second or two.

The good thing is that Laura and I (and the women, too) are okay. We were a little shaken up but otherwise we’re fine. We were lucky that the women grabbed us like they did and that the men didn’t try anything funny when the women took us. Like I said earlier, Laura had needed to go get something for her camera and she had a lot on her that could have created trouble with the robbers. Plus - they were dangerous to begin with. Plus - we’re obviously gringas. I’m hoping that we won’t have anything like this happen again while we’re in Ecuador… one story is more than enough for me.

But again we’re both fine. We got back to the IES center and told the directors what happened in a very Spanglish splash of a story. I don’t think I’ll be walking that part of Amazonas ever again, but other than that I’m trying to think of this as just another day abroad and another lesson learned. It was an interesting afternoon.

p.s. – no one is allowed to tell grandma this!! Or Mary and Helen.

So it has been an interesting couple of days. Tomorrow I am going to go climbing – finally!! – and then I have to get ready to leave with Nancy on Saturday morning. I probably won’t post again until Sunday night or Monday – whenever I get back into Quito and have time to write all about the fantastic wedding and reception and trip to Papallacta.

(Brother… last night I went out with some of my friends to karaoke. Haha, you totally would have been proud of me! Except that the selection of English songs in a Spanish speaking country is kind of small – we had quite the variety of your typical “American” songs to chose from and I think the Ecuadorians we met are never going to want to hear another English song again. Or see a pack of 15 white kids who can’t sing to save their lives… :-)

This is a photo that one of my friends managed to get while we were at Otavalo. I though it was so great (it really captures the life and spirit of Otavalo) that I had to share it with y'all. Smiles (and Helen...) marshmallows and fluff, :-) Lizzie

Hey friends,

I’ve had a great couple of days – and I have another great few to look forward to. Time is really passing fast (tomorrow I will have been here for 3 weeks already!) and I can see that the semester is going to fly by. It will be 22 Dec. before I know it!!

I haven’t been able to update y’all much since last Friday, so I’ll start back there. On Friday I only have that 6-credit, never-ending, 3-hour-and-15-minute class… and then at 12:15pm I’m free for the rest of the day. Last Friday I spent the afternoon with three of my friends, Laura, Katy, and Becca, and we went on a mini adventure around Quito. We were using the Lonely Planet book and looking for cool places to visit and see. We certainly found many places, but we did manage to get a bit lost. The Lonely Planet book is fantastic – it has everything in it… maps, places to stay, museums, awesome food places, transportation recommendations, climbing places!!!, outdoor adventure suggestions – everything. We just need a little more practice at reading/following a map, and then we’ll be set. Next time we’re going to try using it for starters.

Our adventure ended up taking up all of the afternoon (which was totally fine). We all went back home to change and get ready for a cocktail that PUCE was hosting for all the exchange students. There was A LOT of dancing at the cocktail – salsa mostly, which I’m still pathetic at, but learning slowly – and it was still a ton of fun. The cocktail ended around 11:00, at which point we decided that we hadn’t had enough dancing, so we continued on to La Mariscal. It was a great night with all of my new friends and I really had a lot of fun.

I slept and studied for most of the weekend. I was pretty tired and didn’t feel up to doing much so I spent most of the time getting ahead on class work. I definitely had my first real bout of homesickness/SBCsickness. I’m through it now, but it was kind of tough. I was actually doing okay until I read a really sweet e-mail from Helen and saw a picture of Laura Jahnke on Facebook… then I got pretty bummed out for a little while. I’ve decided that homesickness is a bittersweet thing. It totally sucks to feel it – it’s pretty awful – but at the same time it wouldn’t be there if you didn’t have something wonderful and worthwhile to miss. I’m not bummed anymore, I feel a lot better, but I do have to say that I’m a lucky kid to have so many great friends at SBC and in WI and VA to miss, and so many family members to look forward to seeing. I never imagined that I would miss home like I was a few days ago; it was something totally new to me that I’m hoping not to have too much more of… and yet I appreciated at the same time.

The other thing that I was thinking about with going home is how strange it is going to be to go from August to December without experiencing any change in the weather. When I left DC it was sooooo hot, even for me, and I’m always cold. When I go home in December it will be two days before Christmas and cold again. Quito is the same temperature and same weather every single day (with the exception of wet season and dry season cycles). In my mind it’s still summer time in DC and that’s how it’s going to stay… I’m not experiencing any change at all in seasons down here. It’s going to be a strange transition to go through.

I’ve been able to experience some more of the culture and daily life in Quito. It’s cool how diverse the culture is down here – there is everyone from Europeans to indigenous cultures, and everything in between. A lot of people follow their traditional customs and beliefs (whatever they may be) while others seem to more like what we’re used to seeing in the States.

How people dress is a whole new thing to me. A lot of indigenous people (women in particular) follow their native dressing traditions. It’s really neat – I’ve seen some beautiful scarves and ponchos that they make themselves. The thing about dressing down here that confuses me the most though is how people dress for work. I’ve noticed, more often than not, offices have “uniforms”. This is true at PUCE – all the office workers must wear light grey and light pink (the exact same shades) everyday. PUCE’s is rather simple from what I’ve seen… some of these offices get really elaborate with their dress codes. I saw some women earlier today and they were wearing black with the same striped pattern of different colors. I’m not sure why they dress like that for office work, but it’s more complex than I’ve ever seen at home. People who are vendors on the streets also have uniforms that they work in – but they’re more like jumpsuits. Generally big and blue and look super hot to work in.

Another thing that I’ve noticed (I think this is pretty specific to Ecuador) is how many diminutives are used while speaking. At first I didn’t think too much of it – or I just didn’t notice too much – but with more time here I have really started to pick up on how often words are used differently. ‘Momentito’ seems rather normal to me… but ‘enfermita’ and ‘mapita’ were starting to push it. And then, yesterday in my environmental class out came the word ‘animalitos’. Seriously? ‘Animalitos?’ Yeah, Ecuador likes the diminutives. I though this was all too much until earlier today when I was eating lunch with one of my friends and I used one myself. It’s contagious!!!

The vosotros form of verbs has vanished for the year. It’s not used, it’s not taught, and it’s not even really recognized as a verb form. (Sorry Spanish professors at SBC) …but I’m kind of glad to say my goodbyes. It’s funny, in class I keep waiting to go on to the vosotros form and they just skip right over it into uds. I’ve been studying it on my own, but it’s not used here, ever. P.S. – my best move in the world when I came to Ecuador – I brought my intermediate Spanish book from a few years ago. Brilliant move… it’s saving me just about every day and helping me review the basics.

My environmental professor came to class yesterday almost an hour late. When he finally arrived he told us why he was so late: his car was stolen over the weekend. He told us the whole story, but basically what it came down to was that the police won’t help him. He said that he and his son had spent two days looking for it, and thought they found it, but the people who stole it are looking over it with weapons. And when he called the police to ask for help they told him to handle the situation on his own and they didn’t care to help. How crazy is that!? Again, this is another thing that I read about and learned about back in VA, but it’s different to see it actually take place. My professor is essentially out of luck. Bad day.

Elections are also coming up in Ecuador. People are starting to get very active in trying to promote the candidates that they want to see take office. It has been interesting to watch. It’s also completely different from the U.S. I was talking to a political sociologist a few days ago about the election process in Ecuador and about politics in general. He was more interested in speaking English to me (for his practice), which I was completely fine with. My favorite thing he said (I had to write it down because it really made me realize what life is life down here, in a comical sense on his part)… he said to me; “…checks and balances in the U.S… the, umm, where you have to, how do you say in English… ah, ‘accountability’. We don’t have that word in Spanish; we don’t even know the concept actually.” I had to laugh, but it seems that what he was saying (this among other things) is true. It’s going to be interesting to watch what happens down here. Ecuador is very politically active right now and in the process of changing many things – it’s a good time to study and learn.

So with all that, things still going well in Ecuador. Classes are great (although I’ve never read so much Borges in my entire life!!) and I’m really starting to settle into Quito.

I had a great day today – Nancy, Caroline’s childhood nanny who I’ve gotten to know over the years at SBC – is originally from Quito. She’s in town right now and she called me earlier today. I love Nancy to death; she’s absolutely one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. Tomorrow I am going to meet her for lunch after my morning class and on Saturday she has invited me to a wedding with her entire family. I’m really, really excited – I’ve heard tons about her family from Caroline and I already know that they’re a great group of people. Plus I’ll get to meet more Ecuadorians and expand who I know down here. And a wedding!? Always fun…

When I got back to my host family tonight I told them all about Nancy and Saturday and the wedding. My host sister started pulling out dress after dress that I could borrow to wear. I got lucky with my host family – I have great parents and three siblings my age. ¡Qué suerte tengo!

I hope that everyone is doing well back in the States. I’ve had some really good (and long) Facebook conversations with some of you – and like I’ve already said, I miss you tons. Do your homework, study hard, play harder, and enjoy your year. I’ll see y’all in December or January and I expect good stories!!!! I already have some for you – ask Helen. :-)

hey y'all!!! things are great down here but very busy ~ I promise, promise, promise to write more later (either later tonight or tomorrow). But please don't worry about me. I've been getting e-mails and facebook messages because I haven't updated my blog. I'm totally fine! :-)

I've got lots to write about and I promise to do it as soon as I get some free time.

For now, I'm off to class.

Abrazos grandes, amigos,
Lizzie

p.s. CONGRATS! to Jenn and Marc - we have a new baby in the family!!!!!!!
p.p.s Dad, I met Raul Juanito Jorge Antonio Benedicto Pedro Rene Bonito de la Cruz. Just kidding!!! :-) (don't worry people, if you're not brother, Judi or my dad you probably won't get this joke...)

hot springs!! (last week...) :-)

Classes have started and they’re great – tough, but great. There were a ton of last minute changes at PUCE and I had to make some adjustments to my schedule. I feel a lot better now that things are settled and I know that this new schedule will workout.

So, it is,

(1) Spanish/Ecuadorian Culture Studies – this is a six week class that is worth 6 credits. It has “intensivo” in the title and I’ve learned in three days that that part is no joke. We have class everyday (Mon-Fri) from 9am until 12:15pm. It is long and I always leave with my brain hurting. But – it’s a good jumpstart to some serious intensive Spanish learning/immersion/review. It is going to be an intense 6 weeks, but I think this class will be worth it and I’ll be glad I took it.

(2) Religion of the Andes – of all the classes I’m taking, this one is going to totally kick my butt. It is taught at PUCE and with all Ecuadorian students. It’s about religion but is technically out of the Anthropology department (which I don’t know much about). The class is 500 level and the professor is said to be one of the hardest. But, according to my entrance exam and our director “puedes, no te preocupa” Yeah, well see. I’m really interested in the topic. I think I’ll just be spending a lot of time in the book. The other problem with this class: PUCE’s semester doesn’t end until 18 Jan. I have to take my final over a month early and teach myself the material!!

(3) Environment!!! One of my two favorites – just because it’s environment. We’re learning a ton about the ecosystems and environmental problems of Latin America (more Ecuador, specifically, but Latin America as a whole too). Later this semester we’re going to go to the Galapagos Islands and the Amazon. :)

(4) Andean Literature – this is the other class that I think will be one of my favorites. I love reading. Having an excuse to read novel after novel makes me very happy. Our professor isn’t rushing us and he’s willing to help out with whatever we need. We’re reading 5 novels this semester (two of which are pretty long), and an additional 2 if we have time. It’s going to be so much fun.

I’m pretty happy about classes. They’re a bit stressful just because there is so much Spanish to take in in such a short period of time. But everyday I know more than I did the day before. The way they add credits down here is a bit strange. After the 6 week/6 credit class I’ll only have 3 classes to go to… but I’ll still be working on 10 credits. Normally I wouldn’t like the idea of this, but I think I’m going to need more time near the end of the semester – as more reading assignments are given and I’m getting ready to take that final a month early.


So for all my SBC friends, I had a total Lizzie-is-an-idiot moment yesterday and none of you were there to laugh at me!! It made me kind of sad.
I was on my way to PUCE (about a 15 minute bus ride - south from my house) for my morning class. The buses don’t run as frequently during the early hours. I got to the street where I normally pick up the bus and I waited for a few minutes… but none passed. So I started walking in the direction that I had to go and decided that as soon as one was coming down the street I would get on. I walked for a long time and got to an intersection that was more like a huge traffic circle. It had 6 different streets connecting into it. Being tired, dumb and Lizzie, I took the wrong street. So finally a bus came – I got on it – and before I knew it, I was at the airport (10 minutes north of my house). Quito is huge and all I could do was laugh at myself. I sat there for a few minutes and watched as they loaded a plane (that was going to Italy!! I’m not going to lie, I seriously considered trying to pass as baggage). But seeing the airport made me a little homesick, so again I went bus hunting. I felt so dumb. But! I still made it to class on time thanks to running like a crazy person. Don’t worry SBC people, all my friends down here aren’t going to let me forget my issues with the bus. (Really, this is just one of many problems I’ve had) :)

I don't have a whole lot of time right now to write about classes - but, they've started, they're going well, and I'm learning Spanish like crazy.

I met my host dad last night. He's really cool. He spends most of his time at our family's farm outside of the city. I haven't been able to get to know him too well yet because he just got home yesterday and classes are already keeping me busy. I think I'll learn a lot from him - he was telling me all about Latin American politics and culture (as he ate his supper of frosted flakes and chocolate milk). I got lucky with having an awesome host family.

Over the weekend I got into a fight with some kind of bug and I think it won. I have three bite marks on my leg. A few days ago they looked similar to mosquito bites... but now they are huge and swollen and solid black in color. Gladys, one of our directors, thinks they're spider bites. My host mom thinks they're from a fly. If it was a fly, that was one powerful and hardcore fly. The day I got them I also had swelling in my face and lips. The bugs down here are intense. I'm hoping my leg will go back to a normal color sometime soon.

I have two more classes tonight and then lots of work (already!). I'll write more about how they're going sometime soon... like after I've been to all of them at least once. :)