Overwhelmed and Underdressed

What a busy few days it’s been! On Saturday and Monday, we had orientation with Amanda and the larger Office of International Programs respectively. We learned about safety in Quito, classes, health (i.e. what gringos should avoid eating and drinking), and Ecuadorian culture. The most interesting part of orientation with all the international students was when our tour guide decided to do a pretty quick tour (campus isn’t very big) and then take us to Carlita’s, a bar across the street. There, he encouraged us to get $1 cervezas, which were probably as big as 2 beers in the US. Can you imagine that happening at BC’s international orientation!?

Our lunches have been outstanding as well. Lunch is the main meal of the day because the altitude slows digestion, so it is better to eat earlier in the day (or so says Amanda’s husband, Boni). We have been to Amanda’s home, which has a beautiful garden, to a restaurant on the side of a mountain with an absolutely breathtaking view of all of Quito, to Boni’s café, and two local places by USFQ. All the food so far has been delicious! The Ecuadorians are big fans of soup and fresh fruit juice. So far I’ve had jugo (juice) de tomate de arbol (a fruit we definitely don’t have at home), mango, and a few really delicious blends. Some other local treats I’ve tasted so far are ceviche de camarones (shrimp) and locra, a popular soup.

Sunday and Tuesday were spent on historical/cultural explorations of Quito with Amanda. We went to quite a few museums and learned a lot about Ecuador’s history, from the first indigenous people to arrive in South America through Ecuador’s Independence in 1809. Almost every name or date we have heard so far is a street name somewhere in Ecuador! We also visited the museum of Guyasamín, a quiteño who is renowned for his art. His was my favorite museum by far because his art was quite modern and abstract but commented on some serious political, social, and cultural issues throughout Ecuador’s history.

On Monday night, I went with Maqui and the girls to an 18th birthday party for Maqui’s niece, María Laura. They actually live next door to us in the building. I’m not sure how many condos there are in the building, but it’s a beautiful place and is mostly inhabited by Maqui’s family. Her mom and most of her 8 brothers and sisters’ families, all live here. The party was quite overwhelming. There had to be almost 50 people there and they were all talking so fast. Everyone was really friendly but it was hard to break into conversations among the various groups of friends and family members. I had a really good time talking with Melissa’s friends and then again when one of the aunts sat mw down at a table with her oldest son’s friends. They were hilarious, though I could only pick up about 50% of what they were talking about. I learned at the party that in Ecuador, the alcohol and the laughter flow pretty freely!

Yesterday was the first day of classes. I went to Cumbaya (the town where USFQ is situated, in the valley) early this morning because I had no idea how long the buses would take and I wanted to get to know the campus. Also, I went with Amanda to Colegio Menor, where I will be doing a pre-prac, to meet the principal of the high school. However, when we got there, we found out she had to leave for some reason or another and couldn’t meet with us. The campus of CM is beautiful too, not that I expected any less from the prep school for USFQ! It’s a private high school and most classes are taught in English. The first person I saw when I walked in was Maui’s sister-in-law, who lives in this building and teaches there too.

I only actually had one class yesterday, but WOW. USFQ certainly lives up to its reputation for being home to the most stylish, well dressed Ecuadorians. The girls are decked out in their high heeled boots and the guys in all their polos and designer shades. (And no, it’s not super hot here. Although we are more or less on the equator, the elevation keeps in cool. It’s definitely cooler at home in Quito than it is on campus). Yesterday kind of felt like the first day of high school all over again…it seemed like everyone knew each other and they were all hanging out on the stairs and lawns. (This morning is a bit better because it´s raining and everyone is indoors!) It was quite overwhelming again to know that I pretty much stand out, and probably will until I look like I know where I’m going and what I’m doing. Luckily, it was easy to run into the BC kids all day (after all, there are 17 of us!), which was comforting. I hope we all branch out and make friends with native students too, though! This morning, an Ecua classmate had to help me decipher the very messy note left on the door telling us that class was canceled. We went for coffee for a bit instead, which was nice because now I have a friend in my class!

Sorry this is so long…muchisimas gracias if you made it all the way through! I promise once I get an established and consistent internet connection at home I will post smaller, more frequent tidbits! Also, I’ll get some pictures up soon. Lots of love!!