1. Safety: Being Tall and White, I tend to stick out.
At 5'8" my height is only a little above average for a girl in the States. Here in Ecuador, I'm a good amount taller than most people. If I'm wearing my boots or heels, I can pretty much guarantee I'll get lots of staring eyes. (At first this was annoying, but now I'm more accustomed to it.) I'm also pretty fair complected --super gringa--so most assume I'm not from here. Since I can't exactly blend in- I'm at a greater risk to be stolen from, but I have 3 assets in my favor.1. I know the language. It's fun to see how people react when I speak to them with clarity in Spanish. 2. I am "lista." I'm sharp and I can be very observant when I'm in a new area.
3. Most importantly, I have friends who are looking out for me. They have been showing me the best way to get around town and the times when watching out for your stuff is necessary.
2. Public Transportation: Buses are WAY cheaper.
One of the great things about Ecuador and similar countries is how much public transportation they have! I don't have a car here, and I won't need one. In Quito, taking a bus from one place to another costs 25 cents. Taxis cost at least 2.50 and that's only if you're going a short distance. Taxis are necessary, however, at night or for traveling with luggage within town. The downside to the buses is that I do have to watch my stuff carefully, they fill up with people (it's a good thing I'm not someone who needs a lot of personal space), long legs can get a bit squished, and I really have to be prepared to get off and on the buses quickly. I'm slowly getting the hang of it!
3. Toilet Paper: Don't go anywhere without some!
A fact I already knew about bathroom manners in most of Latin America, including Ecuador, is that people don't flush their toilet paper; instead they put it in a waste basket beside the toilet. What I didn't know is that many public bathrooms do not have toilet paper available. I quickly learned to keep a little toilet paper with me in my purse wherever I go.
4. Racism isn't only a problem in the States.
Racism exists in many countries including Ecuador. There are certain areas of town (in Quito and Ibarra) that I have been told not to visit partly because those areas have many dark skinned people. Many people have asked me if I would date an Ecuadorian. I answer that I would if he has the qualities I'm looking for. One time (when I was with friends I truly adore) after I answered yes, I was asked specifically about "morenos" or dark skinned men. I gave the same reply: "yes," and I added that I think dark skinned men are handsome. Apparently that was too much and they said, "Imagine Melody with a moreno!" To them it was funny, but to me it's a nice picture.
5. Showers: take them quickly!
So far I've stayed with 5 friends and all of them have had different kinds of showers. Most have options for hot showers, but the warmer for the showers is electric so if you don't turn the nob for enough water the warmer won't turn on and if you add too much water it will be cold. They are very finicky! I've resorted to taking military showers most of the time. Step into the water enough to get wet; step out and add shampoo and soap, step back in and rinse off. It's all about adapting.
6. Wifi is a gift from God.
Praise Jesus! The majority of my friends have wifi at their houses! That may sound ordinary to people from the States, but 5 years ago when I went to Peru- connecting online was not so easy. Wifi makes it loads easier to connect with friends and keep up all the necessary communication. My cell phone from the states no longer has service so I have to have wifi to use my apps. Most restaurants and cafes also have wifi. All I have to do is ask for the password. God keeps providing.
7. Being single is not as easy as it once was.
Surprisingly being single is probably my most difficult struggle in Ecuador. It's harder here and I think I know why. In Kansas, I was pretty much used to being single. I had my routine; I knew how to fill my time and enjoy time spent alone. I could avoid social media (where the majority of the romantic gestures are displayed) if I didn't want to feel lonely. I was content and independent the majority of the time.
Ecuador is a different story. People here are so much more public with their affection. Anywhere I go, I'll see couples holding hands, hugging, and kissing. Someone once said "Envy is the thief of joy," and I think that's what's happening for me. Romantic gestures are not as public in Kansas so I was able to ignore that desire of mine. Now that it's right in front of my face, the desire to be pursued and to share experiences with someone special is very real. I know some Christian girls who beat themselves up for wanting a boyfriend, but I don't see the point in that. Instead I'm just being honest with myself. It's a true desire of mine. God knows that and hears my prayers. I just need patience until He decides it's the right time. If you are praying for me- please concentrate your prayers in this area.
8. Music here... Music there... Music everywhere
Music is constantly being played throughout each city. Of course in the bigger cities, there are more sounds, but I can't go very far in most places and not hear awesome tunes. Being a big fan of all kinds of music- I love it! Sometimes it's live music inside a restaurant; other times it's music blasted over the radio of a neighbor; or it's even English music played at the Super Maxi (like a neighborhood Walmart). I've heard "I Took a Pill in Ibiza" so many times! hahaha
9. Like a princess
I can't express how amazingly my friends and their families have treated me here. Even friends that I didn't know all that well before have been so good to me. They look out for me, check up on me, and make sure I'm safe and well fed. This whole experience would be a lot more difficult without them. I'm so so grateful for their help, affection, and friendship.
10. The balance of compassion and judgement
Homelessness and poverty exist everywhere in the world. It breaks my heart. Ecuador is no exception. The difference between the homeless in the States and the homeless here in Ecuador that I've noticed so far is that in Ecuador it is illegal to beg for money, so those with little use ingenuity. They buy inexpensive products and sell them on the streets or on buses. They use what they have to gain a little more. This is impressive to me and points to the hard-working spirit of many Hispanics. Sometimes street vendors can be quite forceful about their sell as well. I have to use a combination of judgement and compassion to decide who to give to and who to buy from.
There you have it. Ten things I'm learning about how things work here in Ecuador. I'll post about last week as soon as I get a chance. So many pictures!!!
This week: I'm on the coast in Esmeraldas. Instead of needing a bigger jacket like in Quito, now I need more sunscreen. I will also improve my listening skills. Costeños speak faster and have a thicker accent. I return to Quito towards the end of the week and start my journey south after that. I hope all of you are enjoying your summer and experiencing God´s love every day!
Wow! So cool! I am so enjoying your experience!
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