I miss Ecuador already. As soon as Delta flight 330 began its descent towards Atlanta, GA, I glanced out the window: no mountains, no scattered crayola-colored buildings--just plain flat land and tall and uniformed skyscrapers. But fortunately, my initial nostalgia was overshadowed by the excitement at seeing all the people I love again.
It has been a thoroughly confusing day. First of all, I couldn't locate the wastebasket to throw away used toilet paper in the bathroom. For some reason, I just couldn't get myself to drop it in the toilet-it felt like a crime. Then, while going through customs, I smiled and exclaimed to the suited man, "buenas tardes!" (good afternoon) and even thought it over in my head beforehand, making sure it was, in fact, past noon. The man raised an eyebrow, "Hi."
About 2 min. after, I accidentally bumped into an old woman and automatically responded, "perdon!" (excuse me). "Sorry," she replied. Wait a minute, people actually speak English here! I look around, and even more surprising, people are...taller than me...wearing name brands and matching outfits...driving automatic cars...not whistling at me everywhere I go. And there are other Asians! Strange. And what is this: 1 banana costs...WHAT, 1$?!?!?! (We get 17 bananas for 50 CENTS). No, gracias.
I ended up walking carrying my hunched backpack from one end of the terminal all the way to baggage claim--the opposite end of the airport from where I started. Dad picked up my baggage for me while I was about 4 terminals, or 30 min. away. It wasn't until I was 2 min. away from my destination when I realized there was a train that could take you there automatically from the beginning. So I hopped on for the last 30 seconds. Who knew of such modern conveniences?
I was finally reunited with my family-so amazing to laugh with them and be together again! Dad, Mama, my little sis Margaret and I packed into the Sienna (yes, one with a little red trinket hanging from the rear view mirror), and headed to "Asian Square" for some sinfully delicious, long-overdue Chinese food. Less than 1 hour later, the four of us completely devoured:
-20 or so home-made shrimp dumplings
-6 steamed pork buns
-4 scallion pork pancakes
-4 egg-wrapped fried dough
-Big bowl of beef noodle soup
-Big bowl of hot combo noodles
-Big bowl of fishdrop bean curd soup
-Chicken sticky rice dish
Yea, I guess I'm happy to be home :)
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
"Papanicolau"
Doctora: "blah blah blah, blah blah, blah papanicolau blah blah, blah?"
Me (pretending to know what's going on...my ultimate downfall): "ya ya ya, bueno!"
Dra. dons a pair of surgical gloves, motions me over to the patient bed, and hands me an ancient-looking metal clamp device. The patient, a woman in her 50s (although most women here tend to look a lot older than they are), starts unbuttoning her pants. Meanwhile, I'm holding this monster clamp in my right hand watching this woman willingly reveal her world, feeling my gracious smile beginning to twitch. What have I gotten myself into?
In Ecuador, like in most other countries in the world, high school graduates apply to universities as a medical student. In other words, there is no such thing as "pre-med." To save the confusion in trying to explain this minor discrepancy, I tell the doctors that I'm a 5th year med student (my logic being that I've had 4 years undergrad training as a pre-med, planning to start my 5th year as a medical student-here's hoping!). I'm about to find out just how much "5th year med students" in the US are perceived to know by Ecuadorian doctors...
The clinic where I've been shadowing for the past month functions under the Ministry of Public Heath in Conocoto, and provides free services to its patients who cannot otherwise afford basic health care. I would've walked right past the unlabeled building if it weren't for the locals directing me to it. It made the clinics in ghetto downtown Baltimore seem like penthouse suites. But I loved it.
Lines as long as those formed in Ohio on Nov. 4, 2008, appear every morning before it opens at 8am. The clinic has 2 nurses and 7 doctors (2 obstetricians, 1 gynecologist, 2 pediatricians, 2 general practitioners), who's showings are as predictable as Ecuadorian weather (that is, very UNpredictable). Over the course of the next couple months, I had the lucky opportunity to do clinical rotations and shadow a different doctor each week. On my first day (that is, after a few no-shows), I shadowed Dra. Espinoza, an obstetrician. She taught me the word papanicolau, which means "pap smear."
Details aside, I can now brag to the boys that I've gotten more visual action than they have since arriving in Ecuador. Not sure how jealous they are about this, but I'd like to think so.
It it weren't for the lack of liability, I think I would have been in some legal trouble. The staff just don't seem to fully grasp the meaning of "no, no todavia he aprendido eso" (no, I have not yet learned that). I've been asked to prescribe medicine, after first handedly witnessing my broken Spanish (don't worry, I didn't. Not about to build a malpractice track record that will haunt me for ages). But I did get to take patients' histories and fill out various medical forms in Spanish, fill out prescription forms (with proper assistance), and perform/record basic clinical procedures (blood pressure, weight, height, temperature). How accurate they were would be another story...seeing how I taught myself how to take blood pressure from a CVS pamphlet... But hey, the nurses seem to trust my measurements over their own. It must be the white jacket? Or being Asian?
Nonetheless, these experiences have confidently prepared me for medical school in the future, which I am immensely grateful for. I can definitely see myself, and plan to be, working long-term in a clinic that serves underprivileged citizens such as this (apart from the flakiness). However, it did, I have to admit, confirm my interests to not specialize and instead go for primary care...at least over ob-gyn. :)
Me (pretending to know what's going on...my ultimate downfall): "ya ya ya, bueno!"
Dra. dons a pair of surgical gloves, motions me over to the patient bed, and hands me an ancient-looking metal clamp device. The patient, a woman in her 50s (although most women here tend to look a lot older than they are), starts unbuttoning her pants. Meanwhile, I'm holding this monster clamp in my right hand watching this woman willingly reveal her world, feeling my gracious smile beginning to twitch. What have I gotten myself into?
In Ecuador, like in most other countries in the world, high school graduates apply to universities as a medical student. In other words, there is no such thing as "pre-med." To save the confusion in trying to explain this minor discrepancy, I tell the doctors that I'm a 5th year med student (my logic being that I've had 4 years undergrad training as a pre-med, planning to start my 5th year as a medical student-here's hoping!). I'm about to find out just how much "5th year med students" in the US are perceived to know by Ecuadorian doctors...
The clinic where I've been shadowing for the past month functions under the Ministry of Public Heath in Conocoto, and provides free services to its patients who cannot otherwise afford basic health care. I would've walked right past the unlabeled building if it weren't for the locals directing me to it. It made the clinics in ghetto downtown Baltimore seem like penthouse suites. But I loved it.
Lines as long as those formed in Ohio on Nov. 4, 2008, appear every morning before it opens at 8am. The clinic has 2 nurses and 7 doctors (2 obstetricians, 1 gynecologist, 2 pediatricians, 2 general practitioners), who's showings are as predictable as Ecuadorian weather (that is, very UNpredictable). Over the course of the next couple months, I had the lucky opportunity to do clinical rotations and shadow a different doctor each week. On my first day (that is, after a few no-shows), I shadowed Dra. Espinoza, an obstetrician. She taught me the word papanicolau, which means "pap smear."
Details aside, I can now brag to the boys that I've gotten more visual action than they have since arriving in Ecuador. Not sure how jealous they are about this, but I'd like to think so.
It it weren't for the lack of liability, I think I would have been in some legal trouble. The staff just don't seem to fully grasp the meaning of "no, no todavia he aprendido eso" (no, I have not yet learned that). I've been asked to prescribe medicine, after first handedly witnessing my broken Spanish (don't worry, I didn't. Not about to build a malpractice track record that will haunt me for ages). But I did get to take patients' histories and fill out various medical forms in Spanish, fill out prescription forms (with proper assistance), and perform/record basic clinical procedures (blood pressure, weight, height, temperature). How accurate they were would be another story...seeing how I taught myself how to take blood pressure from a CVS pamphlet... But hey, the nurses seem to trust my measurements over their own. It must be the white jacket? Or being Asian?
Nonetheless, these experiences have confidently prepared me for medical school in the future, which I am immensely grateful for. I can definitely see myself, and plan to be, working long-term in a clinic that serves underprivileged citizens such as this (apart from the flakiness). However, it did, I have to admit, confirm my interests to not specialize and instead go for primary care...at least over ob-gyn. :)
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
SI SE PUEDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WOW. I cannot even begin to express how ridiculously ecstatic I am!!!!!!!!!! The expat/international support for our NEW PRESIDENT is extraordinary and truly inspiring. I was moved to tears tonight, along with the rest of the nation, and still feel so overwhelmed and proud of the UNITED States of America. This has definitely been one of the most exciting historical moments I have experienced in my life, and am grateful to have spent it with my wonderfully Obama-loving Manna family.
From the equator, Salud to change that we need and new hopes for tomorrow :)
Debate gatherings of expats (and reactions):
B.O. rep (debates + election day)
"Como se dice, como se llama...Obama! Obama!!!"
...and the results are in!!!
OBAMA/BIDEN 2008.
From the equator, Salud to change that we need and new hopes for tomorrow :)
Debate gatherings of expats (and reactions):
B.O. rep (debates + election day)
"Como se dice, como se llama...Obama! Obama!!!"
...and the results are in!!!
OBAMA/BIDEN 2008.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Program Update
*Clases de ejercicios para las mujeres*
A woman’s exercise program is in the works! After coordinating a couple meetings with the community church leaders of Tena’s
On the first day of class, we plan to measure the participants’ physical and mental well-being, which will be qualitatively assessed through surveys and quantitatively measured through the participants’ weight, blood pressure, and heart rate. These physical measurements will be taken once every two weeks.
Most importantly (and sacrificially), the girls that will be leading the class will be making an unprecedented effort to not consume one carton of ice cream and jar of peanut butter/nutella per day, and limit to one per week (unless we are PMSing).
***UPDATE as of 7th of November, 2008***
We currently have 24 women ages 16-68 years registered for the program. 14 people showed up on the first day; 21 on the 2nd; 24 on the 3rd. This has been the most successful initial turnout in any MPIE program--que buena! The women have consistently been requesting for more classes per week as well as program continuation into the next year. Starting Nov. 17th, we'll be offering 3 classes/week, one of which will be devoted to abs (the women are obsessed with ab workouts), where Dana will be taking the reins.
General class structure is as follows (varies each day):
-10 min. stretching
-25-30 min. cardio/taebo/weights/abs
-15-20 min. yoga
According to the preliminary health assessment, a significant majority of participants indicated "nutrition" as their primary health topic interest. Thus, every class, we distribute a different handout outlining a specific nutritional topic, ie, how to read a food label; how to calculate BMI; how to measure heart rate/blood pressure and what the numbers mean; basal metabolic rate; food pyramid; caloric contents; keeping a food diary, etc. Feedback has been incredibly positive so far, and we remain optimistic.
I have to admit though, the hilarity of watching the various women doing jumping jack round-house kicks is not to be underscored. With every class, however, they are improving significantly, and really get into it along with us profes.
DALE DURO SE ACABO NO SE RINDAN USTEDES PUEDEN!!!!!!!! (work it hard that's it don't quit yes you all can!!!) -consistent words that spontaneously find their way out of my mouth
*Extensión de la clínica de salud de la Fundación Aliñambi
Mark and I are helping to incorporate the Aliñambi clinic into the public health system through the Municipio de Quito, so the clinic can be self-sustainably open to the wider communities of the valley. The long-term goal is to make Aliñambi a public, cost-independent, and sustainable clinic with a full-time Ecuadorian medical director that serves the communities of the valley. This will be reached through short-term financial assistance from US-based Foundation Healthechildren as well as our assistance in fostering these efforts. We will be responsible for constructing a 5-year contract that outlines the specific objectives and responsibilities of Aliñambi and Healthechildren, to be signed by each party. The contract will first be revised by Aliñambi and then Healthechildren before the final version is implemented. We will continue to facilitate and maintain communication between Aliñambi and Healthechildren, aid Aliñambi in any way possible with the smooth execution of its responsibilities, and physically distribute the funds provided from Healthechildren to Aliñambi. Healthechildren has also submitted a proposal in early July 2008 to generate funds for Aliñambi (up to $460,000) under the Guess application, and is one of two finalists. We will find out within the next month the status of the application. Exciting stuff!
Beginning on Monday, 9/1/08, we’ve been assisting children ages 7+ with their homework and general study habits, every Monday to Thursday, from 2:30 to 4pm at la casa barial in
*Mingas (community projects)*
Day 1: 9/20/08 (to be posted)
Before...
Day 2: 10/4/08 (to be posted)
...50+ trash bags, 100s upon 100s of cancerous bottles, toxic fumes and a dead dog corpse after:
*Clases de ingles*
La profe Jocelyn is kept busy lesson planning for the beginner English class for adults, which takes place right before woman's exercise. Dunc, Eliah and I are the "substitute" teachers, stepping in to teach the students how to sing "I am the Walrus," "Head, shoulders knees and toes" and Fuzzy Wuzzy, to name a few.
Profes Jocelyn and Eliah in la clase de ingles:
Fuzzy Wuzzy...
For a more complete summary of all our programs, please visit our webpage.
Friday, October 3, 2008
1 Gringa, 1 China, 2 Pilseners, 4 bare legs
When daylight wanes, ventas and restaurants begin to close their doors. This occurs around 7pm, give and take 15 minutes.
It was 9pm on a Saturday, 9/6/08. Jocelyn and I were wearing dresses, not caring one bit how they clashed with our beloved raincoats. 9/10 times a car drove by, piropos (flirtatious wolf whistle) ensued. Ecuadorian piropos take many shapes and forms: the common wolf whistle, the serpent hiss, the sticky lip smack, and occasionally the "chi-chi" (hint: meaning is derived from the tunnel through which we were conceived). We were used to this by now. Today, however, we were pretty much asking for it. Picture una Gringa and una China, in Cheojijon, plopped on the side of a street with bare legs, downing 40oz Pilseners, with an over-eager cow that could probably be heard 5 miles away.
Let's rewind 3 hours.
6pm: Jocelyn and I attended church in Tena to get to know some community members more personally and introduce the possibility of starting a woman's exercise and English class program. Church is a great starting point to recruit participants to programs as well as to expose yourself in a safe social environment...that is, unless you go to an Evangelical Christian Church. Two important lessons:
1) When the Evangelical pastor asks if you believe in God, you don't respond with "I'm agnostic." That doesn't work very well. Oh Dios Mio that will get you in trouble here.
2) There isn't really an Ecuadorian Spanish word for "awkward." Without giving Jos and I previous warning, the pastor, Francisco Haro, asked us to speak in front of about 80 church members on stage, under the "house of God," about ourselves, our purpose here, MPI, etc. I tried walking as slowly as possible up the stage to try and formulate some sort of elevator speech on the spot; however, Jos's 5 foot 9 stature did not allow this to happen (we call her "piernas", or legs, for a reason). This is when being un-fluent in Spanish comes in handy, because then you're not expected to talk fluidly in awkward improvisational situations such as this. I took full advantage of this, aka adding a couple words here and there as Jocelyn gave the general schpiel about our organization. Good news is, there is definite interest in a woman's exercise program as well as English classes. So that will be in the works. Stay tuned for upcoming details...
Everyone at the church did welcome us (children of God) with open arms, and really appreciated what we were trying to do.
After our arms almost fell off "levantar'ing los manos" during 20 minutes of singing songs about our love for God, we were invited to one of the community leader's homes (Bertha), and met the entire family (who also formed the band at the church). Jocelyn and I were bombarded with questions (some religious) that Bertha insisted upon us. Inevitably, I was asked if I knew kung-fu (accompanied with imitating arm movements) immediately after they found out I was Chinese. This would subsequently occur 2 more times (two of them from the same person). Before we left, Bertha kindly read us a Bible verse about how we should close our eyes and ask for Dios whenever we are feeling sad or afraid, and He will save us. I won't go into details of our conversation in that house, but I can tell you three words sum it all up: AWKWARD AS HELL (God forgive me).
The bus ride home was another story. I learned that you should trust your instincts over an Ecuadorian’s words (yes, even my spatial orientation instincts).
Bus personnel: “Si suba suba!” (Yes, come up come up)
30 minutes later (after we paid), we realize this bus is going a different route.
Me to bus personnel (in Spanish): “Uhhh, is this bus going to Conocoto?”
Bus personnel: “No, a Amaguaña.”
Me, turning to Jocelyn: "F@%#. Not again."
Bus screeches to a stop in the darkness. "Baja baja!" (get off)
Great. Pepper spray in pocket. Closes eyes and asks for Dios.
After walking about 15-20 min in complete darkness, we finally find a small venta that is opened, and ask where we can catch another bus or get a taxi. Apparently we were going the opposite direction of Conocoto. We were literally in the middle of nowhere. After a few failed attempts at calling a taxi, we finally got in contact with one, which arrives almost an hour after. That’s when we decided it was a good idea to get a couple beers to make the time go a bit faster.
Thank God for Pilseners.
It was 9pm on a Saturday, 9/6/08. Jocelyn and I were wearing dresses, not caring one bit how they clashed with our beloved raincoats. 9/10 times a car drove by, piropos (flirtatious wolf whistle) ensued. Ecuadorian piropos take many shapes and forms: the common wolf whistle, the serpent hiss, the sticky lip smack, and occasionally the "chi-chi" (hint: meaning is derived from the tunnel through which we were conceived). We were used to this by now. Today, however, we were pretty much asking for it. Picture una Gringa and una China, in Cheojijon, plopped on the side of a street with bare legs, downing 40oz Pilseners, with an over-eager cow that could probably be heard 5 miles away.
Let's rewind 3 hours.
6pm: Jocelyn and I attended church in Tena to get to know some community members more personally and introduce the possibility of starting a woman's exercise and English class program. Church is a great starting point to recruit participants to programs as well as to expose yourself in a safe social environment...that is, unless you go to an Evangelical Christian Church. Two important lessons:
1) When the Evangelical pastor asks if you believe in God, you don't respond with "I'm agnostic." That doesn't work very well. Oh Dios Mio that will get you in trouble here.
2) There isn't really an Ecuadorian Spanish word for "awkward." Without giving Jos and I previous warning, the pastor, Francisco Haro, asked us to speak in front of about 80 church members on stage, under the "house of God," about ourselves, our purpose here, MPI, etc. I tried walking as slowly as possible up the stage to try and formulate some sort of elevator speech on the spot; however, Jos's 5 foot 9 stature did not allow this to happen (we call her "piernas", or legs, for a reason). This is when being un-fluent in Spanish comes in handy, because then you're not expected to talk fluidly in awkward improvisational situations such as this. I took full advantage of this, aka adding a couple words here and there as Jocelyn gave the general schpiel about our organization. Good news is, there is definite interest in a woman's exercise program as well as English classes. So that will be in the works. Stay tuned for upcoming details...
Everyone at the church did welcome us (children of God) with open arms, and really appreciated what we were trying to do.
After our arms almost fell off "levantar'ing los manos" during 20 minutes of singing songs about our love for God, we were invited to one of the community leader's homes (Bertha), and met the entire family (who also formed the band at the church). Jocelyn and I were bombarded with questions (some religious) that Bertha insisted upon us. Inevitably, I was asked if I knew kung-fu (accompanied with imitating arm movements) immediately after they found out I was Chinese. This would subsequently occur 2 more times (two of them from the same person). Before we left, Bertha kindly read us a Bible verse about how we should close our eyes and ask for Dios whenever we are feeling sad or afraid, and He will save us. I won't go into details of our conversation in that house, but I can tell you three words sum it all up: AWKWARD AS HELL (God forgive me).
The bus ride home was another story. I learned that you should trust your instincts over an Ecuadorian’s words (yes, even my spatial orientation instincts).
Bus personnel: “Si suba suba!” (Yes, come up come up)
30 minutes later (after we paid), we realize this bus is going a different route.
Me to bus personnel (in Spanish): “Uhhh, is this bus going to Conocoto?”
Bus personnel: “No, a Amaguaña.”
Me, turning to Jocelyn: "F@%#. Not again."
Bus screeches to a stop in the darkness. "Baja baja!" (get off)
Great. Pepper spray in pocket. Closes eyes and asks for Dios.
After walking about 15-20 min in complete darkness, we finally find a small venta that is opened, and ask where we can catch another bus or get a taxi. Apparently we were going the opposite direction of Conocoto. We were literally in the middle of nowhere. After a few failed attempts at calling a taxi, we finally got in contact with one, which arrives almost an hour after. That’s when we decided it was a good idea to get a couple beers to make the time go a bit faster.
Thank God for Pilseners.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
la Mitad del Mundo
The closest I can get to all my loves in the Northern Hemisphere :)
las chicas
Splitting the Equator
las chicas
Splitting the Equator
Welcome to the center...
...OF THE EARTH!!!!!!Bailamos
Friday, August 29, 2008
Things I wish I had known...
*1. When possible, choose the window seat on crowded buses (esp. if you are a female). You never know what to expect in this "machismo" society. Avoid standing/sitting next to men wearing gym shorts. You might end up using an entire bottle of antibacterial gel on your leg...
2. Sometimes it's better to admit you can't understand what someone is saying instead of pretending like you do. Example:
-'Planned parenthood' lady (in Spanish): "Are you on any kind of contraceptive/protection plan?"
-Me (no idea what she just asked): "No mucho." (Not much)
-'Planned parenthood' lady and Eliah: *laughing at me*
-Me: *awkward smile and chuckle*
3. Never flush ANYTHING down the toilet.
4. Always bring your camera with you (in case a cow decides to give birth in front of the classroom like Jocelyn and Dunc)
5. Avoid carrying anything over a 5 dollar bill; otherwise, you may not get change.
6. Pennies are worth saving.
7. Use "tengo calor" to say "I am hot" instead of "estoy caliente" (which is a more inappropriate meaning of "I am hot").
8. Don't rely on the internet to find information on...anything around here.
9. If you like someone, say "Me caye bien" instead of "Te gusta." (Girls will think I'm attracted to them, and guys will think dirty dirty thoughts)
*10. On Wednesdays, immediately leave Bungalow seis after 10pm when they let all the hungry Ecuadorian males in (ladies drink free 6-10pm every Wed).
*11. Do not look at an Ecuadorian man on the street in the eye for over 3 seconds. They will think you're interested.
12. Don't trust a stray dog like Diego who will use Gringos for food and then leave you and break your heart.
13. Do not tell an Ecuadorian you don't like Pilsener (an Ecuadorian beer) even though it really is gross. It will shatter their national pride and they will get defensive.
14. Don't attempt to play soccer with locals until you have had plenty of time to acclimate.
15. Always bring a rain coat with you...everywhere.
16. The Godfather is the most confusing movie ever made in the history of mankind.
17. "Chinese" restaurants are owned by Ecuadorians.
18. Bed bugs actually DO bite.
19. Try to put national pride aside if you want to conquer the world in "Risk."
20. Don't tell Ecuadorian Evangelical Christians you are agnostic, or worse, atheist.
*Disclaimer: Not trying to give off the wrong image of Ecuadorian men. Many are really genuine and respectful, and almost everyone we've met are extremely helpful and friendly.
2. Sometimes it's better to admit you can't understand what someone is saying instead of pretending like you do. Example:
-'Planned parenthood' lady (in Spanish): "Are you on any kind of contraceptive/protection plan?"
-Me (no idea what she just asked): "No mucho." (Not much)
-'Planned parenthood' lady and Eliah: *laughing at me*
-Me: *awkward smile and chuckle*
3. Never flush ANYTHING down the toilet.
4. Always bring your camera with you (in case a cow decides to give birth in front of the classroom like Jocelyn and Dunc)
5. Avoid carrying anything over a 5 dollar bill; otherwise, you may not get change.
6. Pennies are worth saving.
7. Use "tengo calor" to say "I am hot" instead of "estoy caliente" (which is a more inappropriate meaning of "I am hot").
8. Don't rely on the internet to find information on...anything around here.
9. If you like someone, say "Me caye bien" instead of "Te gusta." (Girls will think I'm attracted to them, and guys will think dirty dirty thoughts)
*10. On Wednesdays, immediately leave Bungalow seis after 10pm when they let all the hungry Ecuadorian males in (ladies drink free 6-10pm every Wed).
*11. Do not look at an Ecuadorian man on the street in the eye for over 3 seconds. They will think you're interested.
12. Don't trust a stray dog like Diego who will use Gringos for food and then leave you and break your heart.
13. Do not tell an Ecuadorian you don't like Pilsener (an Ecuadorian beer) even though it really is gross. It will shatter their national pride and they will get defensive.
14. Don't attempt to play soccer with locals until you have had plenty of time to acclimate.
15. Always bring a rain coat with you...everywhere.
16. The Godfather is the most confusing movie ever made in the history of mankind.
17. "Chinese" restaurants are owned by Ecuadorians.
18. Bed bugs actually DO bite.
19. Try to put national pride aside if you want to conquer the world in "Risk."
20. Don't tell Ecuadorian Evangelical Christians you are agnostic, or worse, atheist.
*Disclaimer: Not trying to give off the wrong image of Ecuadorian men. Many are really genuine and respectful, and almost everyone we've met are extremely helpful and friendly.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
8.10.08
Ecuador's Independence Day: the only day of the year when you will see thousands upon thousands of Ecuadorians out on the streets (mostly to visit the museums which are free that day). $1 cajita de vino durazno? por qué no?
1) Cathedral visits (not mandatory to pray)
2) "Hay mucha mucha gente"
3) Drum beats and Ecuadorian clowns
4) -"Hey Craig, a piece of the firework just fell on me!"
-"Je-Je!"
-"Smell it!"
-"Je-Je!"
5) "WOW!...MIRA!" (pyrotechnic show)
6) In good company
7) Mimers
8) Ruining the mosh pit
1) Cathedral visits (not mandatory to pray)
2) "Hay mucha mucha gente"
3) Drum beats and Ecuadorian clowns
4) -"Hey Craig, a piece of the firework just fell on me!"
-"Je-Je!"
-"Smell it!"
-"Je-Je!"
5) "WOW!...MIRA!" (pyrotechnic show)
6) In good company
7) Mimers
8) Ruining the mosh pit
Aliñambi memories
A few memories from our 2 week summer program with the children of Aliñambi:
"Oh Eliah." Snatchin' otra vez
La clase de panadería:
En el bus al Telefériqo!
Being a mother
~No te preocupes. Vamos a regresar!~
"Oh Eliah." Snatchin' otra vez
La clase de panadería:
En el bus al Telefériqo!
Being a mother
~No te preocupes. Vamos a regresar!~
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Lunch money
Remember when we used to get $1.50 for lunch money back in the day? Well, one of the kids I work with, Joselin, gets exactly a quarter each day to buy herself lunch. I accompanied her to the small venta nearby. It didn't have much to chose from. She didn't even have enough to buy a bag of bread (40 cents) or a chocolate covered banana (30 cents), so she settled for a pack of 2 gummy worms and a bag of fruity corn puffs for lunch--most fruitful deal she could get from her 25 cents.
The next day, her father forgot to give her money. Us profes bought a bag of cheese puffs to share with her so she didn't starve. (We're not suppose to buy or give things to students, which may create a sense of dependency).
Later, I found a quarter on the floor while sweeping the house. No one claimed it, so I got to keep it. I felt like I just won the lottery.
The next day, her father forgot to give her money. Us profes bought a bag of cheese puffs to share with her so she didn't starve. (We're not suppose to buy or give things to students, which may create a sense of dependency).
Later, I found a quarter on the floor while sweeping the house. No one claimed it, so I got to keep it. I felt like I just won the lottery.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Mean girls
We have been working at Alinambi for the past 2 weeks teaching English, art, math, panaderia, and geography classes for a summer program. I've become quite attached to the kids (age range 3-17), although they can be a handful at times. It's difficult to separate the line between authority and friendship, but we manage. We have about 20 kids that come on a daily basis, always greeting us "profes" with big smiles, hugs and kisses. It saddens me that tomorrow will be our last day working with them. I genuinely enjoy every moment spent with the kids, and I believe they feel the same way about us.
Today we witnessed a cruel episode of youth social politics as cliques began to unveil. It felt like a reality version of Mean Girls without the jappy bs. The middle-aged group (~8-12) decided to single out one girl, Carmen (names have been changed), and made fun of her the entire day--not letting her participate in their games, sit with her, or become a part of their group. It was so blatant that it was heartbreaking, and us profes could only do so much. The "ringleader", Emilia, would hit her at times, making her cry. I noticed she was "recruiting" all the other kids in the group to "join" her against Carmen. "pshhpshpshpsh..." whispers everywhere. I was livid, but actually predicted this happening sooner or later. It's a natural social phenomenon. Almost every social circle will naturally form outgroups in order to distinguish themselves, create imaginary hierarchies, feel empowered, and keep themselves entertained. It's a cruel, cruel time in girl world. I had a little chat with Carmen and Emilia and Holly even threatened to take away "la clase de Panaderia." This seemed to have stopped the physical abuses, but the manipulative sequences continued. We played "Red Rover Red Rover" with them to try and establish a more welcoming environment and fortunately alleviated the tension slightly. Carmen however was rarely called upon to be "sent over." I had a scheming thought of playing "trust fall" with them and purposely not catching Emilia, but that would have been mean.
More later...
La clase de panaderia
El Duncan y Alex
Field trip al Teleferiqo!
Holly y Ari
* * *
El Duncan y Alex
Field trip al Teleferiqo!
Holly y Ari
Today we witnessed a cruel episode of youth social politics as cliques began to unveil. It felt like a reality version of Mean Girls without the jappy bs. The middle-aged group (~8-12) decided to single out one girl, Carmen (names have been changed), and made fun of her the entire day--not letting her participate in their games, sit with her, or become a part of their group. It was so blatant that it was heartbreaking, and us profes could only do so much. The "ringleader", Emilia, would hit her at times, making her cry. I noticed she was "recruiting" all the other kids in the group to "join" her against Carmen. "pshhpshpshpsh..." whispers everywhere. I was livid, but actually predicted this happening sooner or later. It's a natural social phenomenon. Almost every social circle will naturally form outgroups in order to distinguish themselves, create imaginary hierarchies, feel empowered, and keep themselves entertained. It's a cruel, cruel time in girl world. I had a little chat with Carmen and Emilia and Holly even threatened to take away "la clase de Panaderia." This seemed to have stopped the physical abuses, but the manipulative sequences continued. We played "Red Rover Red Rover" with them to try and establish a more welcoming environment and fortunately alleviated the tension slightly. Carmen however was rarely called upon to be "sent over." I had a scheming thought of playing "trust fall" with them and purposely not catching Emilia, but that would have been mean.
More later...
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Baños y el loco
Viernes 7/25-Domingo 7/27
We took a weekend trip to Baños today, a lush vacation spot popular to both Gringos and local Ecuadorians. It is located in the middle of the jungle, surrounded by mountains, trees, and waterfalls. There are so many things to do here, including mountain biking, kayaking, white-water rafting, canyoning, puenting (bridge-jumping), thermal springs, massages, horseback riding, jungle touring, hiking, motorcycling, volcano-watching, etc. What more can you ask for?! It’s paradise.
For 5$, we rented mountain bikes to begin our descent to Puyo. It was sprinkling out, but that only made our ride that much more enticing and thrilling. The ride was mostly downhill, so it wasn’t too strenuous. The only scary part was biking through a pitch-black tunnel with semi’s zooming past you at 55mph. The descent was one of the most beautiful and exciting (and dirty) rides I’ve ever been on. We biked through dirt paths, cement, main roads, back roads, through towns and villages, jungles, waterfalls, huge puddles, tunnels, and hiked through the jungles for delicious empanadas de choclo. I noticed that many Ecuadorian women like to wear heels…everywhere. My feet started hurting just watching them.
Good food and good company:
Not the smartest thing to do:
Why?!?! No entiendo!
Descending for empanadas!
Cascadas en la selva:
The tunnel that we biked through earlier:
Un loco threatened to beat all 7 of us (2 local Ecuadorians, 4 ½ Gringos) today when Eliah stared him down after the loco grabbed Jocelyn’s behind. We had just gotten a couple cheap bottles of Zharmin and manzana soda, and then this loco threatened to punch our teeth out and beat us up, telling us he is the “Diablo” or devil. We continued walking, and a moment later he came charging towards us with his fists up. I had my thumb firmly pressed against the pepper switch. We saw a random door leading to someone’s kitchen/house, and ran into it. The people in the house were probably really confused watching 7 foreigners (well, 2 locals, 4 ½ Gringos) bombard into their house around 9 o’clock at night. The father headed out to scan the situation, along with his little kids, of course. The loco acted as if they were his best friends, shook the little kids’ hands, and then headed out. Maybe he just didn’t like Gringos? 20 min later, he came marching back with another family. We moved from the street corner to the snack shop across the street, and stayed there trying to blend in with the other Ecuadorian families (who probably thought we were all locos). We knew we are safe with the Ecuadorian babies protecting us. Next time pepper, next time.
We ended our weekend excursion with Dark Knight. If you haven't already, GO SEE IT. You'll actually be in Gotham for the full 2 hours and 30 minutes).
Coco note
Jueves 7/24
Lesson of the day: use a drill to extract coconut juice from a coconut
(My memory stick adapter got stolen, along with my favorite 3$ sunglasses, so pictures may be delayed for a few days. Lo siento!)
Monday, July 28, 2008
the Ecuadorian mindset
Miercoles 7/16
So Dunc’s padre, Cristobal, was held up by gun point today by the panaderia shop close by our casas. Awesome. And apparently, it may be dangerous to take a taxi alone porque there have been cases when girls traveling alone have been drugged by taxi drivers, then violated and robbed.
On a lighter note, we went to the cultural museum today and checked out some really amazing art, classical and modern. I’m not an art expert, but I enjoy and appreciate it mucho. My favorites were “la Apercicion,” “la Sed”, y “Desolicion.”
Random note: buses never actually really “stop.” They “roll,” and people jump off and jump on them whenever they want. They also like to change routes, so you never really know where you’ll end up. It’s a good thing I inherently have amazing spatial orientation skills. HA.HA.
Lunes 7/17
I learned the past tense (preterit) today. It was like a whole new world opened for me.
Seth, Holly and I visited Alinambi today (poor Joc was sick, and Eliah and Dunc went to meet with a microfinance contact), the school/clinic where we will be holding a lot of our programs, and where I’ll be spending most of my time working. Alinambi is located in the valley close to Conocoto, and houses about 30 or so children that come from impoverished backgrounds, with about 180 (double check) or so, grades 1st-8th, that attend school here on a daily basis. We met with the ow
ner of Alinambi, who outlined the history, vision, and objectives of Alinambi. It took painstaking effort to take apart his sentences...the most I got out of his speech was that Alinambi had no biases, and was open to people of all social, cultural, religious, political, and economic backgrounds. We got a tour of the school, which consisted of colorful buildings in a square-like arrangement surrounding a grassy field for recreation aka futbol. There was a classroom area, the clinic, dormitory space, a greenhouse, a small playground, and the administration office. We met a few of the kids there, really sweet and witty.
Two of them, Merienda and Brian, were somehow really fascinated that I was from
Every time I look at the kids, a big smile is planted on their faces. Such a simple life, yet so much more rewarding. The kids help the adults paint and clean the houses, without one word of complaint. I’m thinking back to the kids in middle-class Northern American society with their Wi’s, ipods, iphones, and PCs…what a dichotomy.
There’s only 1 doctor, Julia, the owner’s daughter, who works on site, along with a dentist that comes in once a week. We’ll be working with her to coordinate the clinic’s needs with our resources in attempts to meet their wishes. More to come. Can’t wait to start!
Holly and I went back to my place afterwards (took a bus all on our own!) and had an amazing yogur con pan de yuca y helado at mi madre’s prima’s little snack/restaurant. Delicious. And luck had it, MTV was on, so we mindlessly watched “Engaged and Underaged” (there really are no limits to reality television anymore). I think we both lost a piece of our minds and sanities in those 30 minutes.
Viernes 7/18
El telefériQo/Volcán Pichincha. Almost 4800m. Never had my hemoglobin worked so hard in my life. ¡Qué increíble! The views were absolutely spectacular. I felt like I was floating amidst the clouds. The magnificent mountains atop the colorful, tranquil city floating among the clouds, made me feel like I just dove into a children’s storybook. I don’t think I stopped smiling the entire 3 hours we were there.
We attempted to climb to the top of the Pichincha (on average, takes 3 hours roundtrip to climb to the top after taking the Teleferiqo). We started late, so decided it was best to try another day. Instead, we took a nap halfway to the summit. Felt really, really good.
Apparently, there was a serial robber/rapist that wanders the Pichincha scavenging for climbers. Fortunately, he was just caught a few weeks (or months?) ago. I propose we all get chastity belts loaded with ammunition, embedded with ladrón-sensitive radar detection.
Climbing this mountain definitely made the commute to school a whole lot easier. Afterwards, we went to a sushi restaurant (yes, 4-5$ sushi is expensive with my Ecuadorian mindset) and a “Beatle’s Bar.” Entonces chilled at Mark’s place playing “turrets” (thanks Jocelyn) and “that’s what she said.” Don’t ask. Dunquito = turrets champion. I also discovered a whole new meaning to my name according to urban dictionary.
Sabado 7/19
We spent 2 hours playing on a snail today. Brought me back to the good-ol’ CTC times (
I got a hat for $2.50 (non-Gringo price!). Thank you
Domingo 7/20
Guayasamin = one of my new favorite artists. Google him. He is absolutely fantastic. At first I wasn’t thoroughly impressed, but once I learned the deeper meanings behind each painting, and studied them more meticulously, I began to appreciate them one-by-one, more and more. I was hooked. Every painting told its own story—socio-economic, political, religious, moral, personal struggles…you name it. The amount of imagery, symbolism, and detail in each painting was mesmerizing. “respeK”
Personal record: 5 cups coffee in less than an hour
I learned to not carry bills over 10$. 10$ is even a stretch. Every time anyone uses a 5$ bill, people will check them under the light (you’ll see three clear “5s” to the left side of
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