Independence

And all of a sudden, I'm done with school and with BCA. It's all over, and now I have 5 weeks to myself before I head back to the states.

Finals were not too bad, just a few papers and two finals. My Quichewa final went well, however my Latin American poltics class final was the worst ever. It's a long story, but basically, I was a half hour late to an hour long final, and the format was different--and in another languge, that just kills your grade. So a struggle, but I got through it.

I also had to do a final presentation/reflective project for BCA, and I'll upload it here soon.

I have also packed up, and moved out of my host familys house for the most part (my stuff in sitting in a suitcase in the closet). It was sad to do, and I learned a lot living with them, both about the culture and myself. I was not always outgoing around them (usually because I was always just too tired), and therefore, my ecua mother takes to calling me timid and quiet (ha). I also realized that a broken glass, or a late night does not make a difference at all. My host mother was so nice to me the entire time and always supported me. I will miss her, the house, and my neighborhood--Jipijapa (pronounced hippy-haupa).

But now, I am at the beach in Montenita! Whooo! It took 14 hours, and 3 buses, but I made it. The town is colorful and full of life--very welcoming to foreigners. I spent the day hanging out on the beach and walking around.

The next few weeks, more travelling. I'll keep you posted.

Basilica del Voto Nacional

A couple of weekends ago, I visited the main basilica here in Quito. It is huge, has beautiful gothic architecture and can be an adventure if you choose to climb to the top.

Here is a view of South Quito and the Panecillo--Virgen of Quito over looking the city. This is from almost the top of one of the clock towers.

The other tower we are going to climb after.

This is literally how you climb a both towers. Crazy ladders and steep, ricketly climbs that would never be allowed in the United States or be considered safe.

A wooden/concrete platform built over the congregation that leads you to the other, smaller tower.

Me in front of the belltowers--the right clock is broken.

Seriosuly--I wish I could explain how the you climb the side of the tower (that was built on--not part of the original tower) to climb up. It is somewhat scary. But provided beautiful sights of Quito.

getting the accent just right

I have been here in Ecuador for almost five months now and WOW has my Spanish has improved. I cannot believe how much more and more it keeps getting better. Instead of translating Spanish to English when I read or hear it, I simply try to think in Spanish. It is weird to realize that when I think about speaking--I think in Spanish, but when I am just thinking in general, it is usually still in English.

Now that I understand the language quite well, I am working on my accent. The problem is if you do not have an accent from Quito, then you are going to get ripped off or it makes you a dead give away if you are trying not to stand out. When I am with my friends from the states, I cannot help but get ripped off as they some of them are blonde and white. I, only being half-white, can fit in if I try. And that's where the accent comes in.

Now, it has gotten to the point where I get into a cab and the driver asks how much I usually pay! He doesn't offer a price, thinking I am a local and he cannot charge me more. This is not because my accent is perfect, but I know exactly how to ask to get to locations. And I practice saying them beforehand as I cleverly try to minimally say the words that I know I can say correctly. The other day though, a taxi driver called me out on it and asked where I was from as he complemented my Spanish, even though I was stumbling now and then in the conversation. It gives you a bit of new confidence and makes me feel as though all of my patience and hard work is starting to really pay off.

Video Blog 6--Galapagos Islands

Here's my video blog about the Galapagos Islands!