Quirks and Cracks

When my airplane landed in Quito, I was full of nervous anticipation. It was late at night and I had visions of being stranded at the airport in a foreign country with no idea where to go. You know what the Bible says- worry is fruitless. As it turned out, I was the first volunteer to arrive.

As the taxi drove the 45 minutes from the airport to our hostel in Quito, Morgan, Chloe, Leah and I had a chance to bond and take in the sights. If you've ever ridden in the car with me, heard about my car accident, or talked with me about God's beautiful country, you know I love to take everything in- the old buildings, the people, the landscapes. If you didn't know, well, I'm kind of obsessed. It's no secret.

Things in Ecuador are much different than anywhere I've ever traveled in the US (and I like to think I've been a fair number of places). There are buildings (that people live in) that have walls and windows missing. There are lines for hanging laundry on roofs (there are also a lot of vicious dogs on roofs). The sidewalks have gaping holes, cracks, metal poles, and general safety hazards that would result in a lawsuit or twenty in the states.

According to our survey answers, infrastructure here is our "biggest threat" (we had to choose something!). In fact, I almost lost my roommate/partner in shenanigans to a giant hole and slippery sidewalks. You really have to watch where you're going around here!

Anyway, some of the first warnings we received upon arrival in Ecuador were:
1) Don't drink the water
2) Don't flush your toilet paper
3) Sanitation standards are not the same as the US, so be careful what and where you eat.

The whole toilet paper thing has been slightly difficult (I've flushed it a couple times...oops), but generally, the transition has been smooth.

Our first few days here were training and orientation for our volunteer program, along with Spanish lessons and a little sightseeing. Let me just say, ten hours of Spanish lessons was not enough, but was a great refresher for things I'd forgotten. Morgan, Steven and I struggled through the lessons together, totally embracing the awkwardness.

I have so much I want to/will share, but I want to say that the people I've met here are amazing. The adventures I've had are amazing, and if you speak really slowly in Spanish I might be able to figure out the main gist of what you're trying to say!

Live and love.
Katey❤️