Yesterday, I went with my host mother, Mirta, and bought my school uniform. School uniforms! I can hardly believe it. I look so hilarious in it, like a duck. If I can will myself the strength I may post pictures of it. It's so strange!
I've decided that, since everyone wants to know basically the same questions, I'm going to compile a FAQ. Hope it helps!
1. Why Ecuador?
I chose Ecuador because it best fit what I wanted in my exchange experience. It at first was not my top choice, but the more I've gotten acquainted with it, the more I think it should have been. It's a great combination of industry and nature, old and new. Although I live in a city with taxi cabs and shopping malls and streetlights, all it takes is about a 5 minute drive to sprawling fields, primitive-esque houses, and a short trip out to the Galapagos Islands and the Amazon rainforest.
2. What are the people like?
They're very friendly. They, in general, talk fast and move slowly. In the time I've been here, I have seen very little of the hustle and tension that's common in America, always having something to do and somewhere to be and always hurrying to get thigns done. Family is very important and of course, so is Futbol.
3. What surprised you the most upon arriving?
Traffic! Back home, I had a hard time driving because I was scared to death of fender-benders. Here, people are generally more offensive drivers, as opposed to defensive. Two-lane roads don't necessarily mean two cars, a third car easily, and often, squeezes in and just like that, you've got a three-lane road.
Also, McDonald's. Not only are they here, and in large numbers, but they have McCafes here, which are more or less starbucks, but run by McDonald's. I've read that this tactic of making McDonald's more upscale in appearance is being put into place in Europe, too-maybe we'll be next! Look out for McCafes popping up near you!
4. What do you miss the most?
I miss my friends and family, of course, but as far as "creature comforts", I miss my bed, and I miss Stewart's food, and I miss TV in English! It's tough adjusting to new beds, new food, new TV. I enjoy it, absolutely, but that's what I miss.
Whew! I think that's enough for now. Check back soon for more about those lovely uniforms, and more FAQ
1 comment:
Sabrina! It sounds like you're having a great time in Ecuador, i set up an accont soley so i could tell you that we have McCafes in Canada too!! So hopefully the states will be next, enjoy your sunshine, soon it'll be -40 degrees here. eek!
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