Week 1 Has Left The Building

The sun is literally setting right now on my first week in Quito. Despite all the bragging about my Spanish improvements, I´m still talking like a blind monkey with aspergers - grabbing wildly for the right words, still not having effective interactions with people, but probably entertaining all those watching. It´s strange but my understanding is much worse than my speaking and both are still decidely sub par. I'm curious to see how much actual Spanish I'll be able to speak in one month with four hours a day. I'm optimistic, but I'll probably return my Spanish language copy of War and Peace.


Last night I was duped by my Spanish school into attending some sort of cultural concert, which turned out to be an Ecuadorian Kenny G playing the pan flute over prerecorded versions of such hits as Celine Dion´s "My Heart Will Go On." The second part featured an amature dance presentation that was somewhat akin to the multicultural day assembly at Teaneck Highschool. It went on and on and, at the risk of being rude, I left after the second hour. It was certainly disappointing, but it made me excited (but not horny) to seek out real Ecuadorian music which, from what I´ve heard so far is delightful.


After my first week, I´m feeling a bit conflicted about how I´m spending my time here in Quito. On the one hand, I´d like to hang out with my fellow travelers, however it seems to take away from the Ecuadorian experience. The other night I went out with a few school friends and though it´s always fun getting drunk with Germany´s finest, it seems slightly ridiculous to do it in Ecuador at an Irish Pub, in a neighborhood the locals have dubbed "gringolandia". I've started contacting native Ecuadorians through couchsurfing.com (an amazing organization for those of you who haven't heard) and I'm hoping to make some more local friends who can show me the Ecuador that you won't see on television. I'm realizing now though that it´ll be a challenge to create a balance on this trip, as I'm once again going out tonight with my school buddies. I guess, when in Rome, do as those who are also visiting Rome do.

For those of you who don't know, Andy (my roomate) is joining me this up coming Tuesday for the remainder of my trip. I, along with the hearts and souls of Quito, eagerly anticipate his arrival. It'll be great to have a friend to travel with (and rub my back before I go to sleep). It'll also be great to practice Spanish as we have committed to using no/minimal English while we are here. I'm hoping that it actually happens, but Andy I are both known for following through on our commitments so I'm not worried.

All in all it's been a great week. Tomorrow I'm traveling to Otavalo, a town outside of Quito that's famous for it's markets. Thanks for all the emails and the comments. It's lovely to hear from you and I apologize if I haven't been getting to people as quickly, but I'm trying (not so successfully) to minimize my internet fix while I'm traveling. Stay classy America.

-Etan