(Update: The apostrophe has been found, and is happy as can be indicating possession, and representing missing letters. Thank you to all those who voiced genuine concern.)
Hey all,
My first days have been wonderful and I´m settling nicely into this extravagant travelling lifestyle. I am constantly overwhelmed by this feeling of freedom that´s only complimented by the feeling of accomplishment I get when learning Spanish. It´s been refreshing not being constantly kicked in the chest by all the nagging concerns of real life (bills, jobs, bathing, etc. . .). I have a feeling I could get used to this.
The first few days I spent wandering the streets of Quito´s Centro Historico, which is a mosaic of gorgeous colonial architecture, numerous city squares, grand cathedrals and mediocre art museums. Apparently there´s a preponderance of dirty shoes in this city because you can´t hurl a guinea pig around here without hitting some 5 year old trying to shine your boots (note: guinea pig is a delicacy here in Ecuador called Cuy. I have yet to try it but it seems inevitable). They are damn persistent, sometimes following you for blocks. I swear, if someone had the gumption to kidnap these kids, teach them English and drop them into Harvard Business school, you would have a veritable army of sales people who don´t take no for an answer. Surrounding the entire city are green mountains that go on for miles and provide a perfect contrast to the center´s colonial buildings.
The second day I met Christie, a girl also from New York who, like Becky, also has a nice Jewish boyfriend at home, and who was finishing up her Ecuador experience at my host house. Even after only one day of being alone it was refreshing to have a friend to hang out with and the 2 of us explored some of Quito´s parks where there are vendors selling trinkets and art and people playing soccer. Her Spanish was better than mine and we talked Spanish a lot of the time which really jump started my learning. It´s interesting to note that the fast food import of choice here is KFC, and franchises seem to be everywhere. It should comfort those of you concerned with my safety that I´m never far from the watchful eye of Colonel Sanders.
I´ll see more of the city later, but now it´s time to pick out my outfit for my first day of school.
-Etan
Hey all,
My first days have been wonderful and I´m settling nicely into this extravagant travelling lifestyle. I am constantly overwhelmed by this feeling of freedom that´s only complimented by the feeling of accomplishment I get when learning Spanish. It´s been refreshing not being constantly kicked in the chest by all the nagging concerns of real life (bills, jobs, bathing, etc. . .). I have a feeling I could get used to this.
The first few days I spent wandering the streets of Quito´s Centro Historico, which is a mosaic of gorgeous colonial architecture, numerous city squares, grand cathedrals and mediocre art museums. Apparently there´s a preponderance of dirty shoes in this city because you can´t hurl a guinea pig around here without hitting some 5 year old trying to shine your boots (note: guinea pig is a delicacy here in Ecuador called Cuy. I have yet to try it but it seems inevitable). They are damn persistent, sometimes following you for blocks. I swear, if someone had the gumption to kidnap these kids, teach them English and drop them into Harvard Business school, you would have a veritable army of sales people who don´t take no for an answer. Surrounding the entire city are green mountains that go on for miles and provide a perfect contrast to the center´s colonial buildings.
The second day I met Christie, a girl also from New York who, like Becky, also has a nice Jewish boyfriend at home, and who was finishing up her Ecuador experience at my host house. Even after only one day of being alone it was refreshing to have a friend to hang out with and the 2 of us explored some of Quito´s parks where there are vendors selling trinkets and art and people playing soccer. Her Spanish was better than mine and we talked Spanish a lot of the time which really jump started my learning. It´s interesting to note that the fast food import of choice here is KFC, and franchises seem to be everywhere. It should comfort those of you concerned with my safety that I´m never far from the watchful eye of Colonel Sanders.
I´ll see more of the city later, but now it´s time to pick out my outfit for my first day of school.
-Etan
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