Not quite, but I understand the term now. It's really great being back home, I didn't even realize how much I missed the comforts of my house. I have only experienced a little bit of reverse culture shock so far. Reverse culture shock is culture shock for someone who goes back to their home culture after living abroad. I went to Chicago with my mom the other day and it was weird to see everyone rushing around. Also, to be considered average height again. Seeing Asian faces and just a mix of faces (a.k.a. diversity) was refreshing too. My program director told us that after Ecuador we'll be more relaxed and laid back, at least for a bit. It's true. The stressed culture in the big city is very different than taking an afternoon walk in Lumbisi.
I talked to my host family again after my last post. It feels like they are so far away mentally and physically. I miss them already, I want to make it a goal to call them at least once a month. Juan Carlos has an email address so that's good. When I asked them for a mailing address they said they've never received mail before... and especially not from someone from outside of the country. So, if I do mail anything to them I will mail it to Juan Carlos' school.
I meant to post this sooner, but I guess it's good I didn't because yesterday I met up with two girls from my program in Ecuador in downtown Chicago! Lizzie came up from Kentucky and Jill from a suburb. It was almost strange seeing these two not in Ecuador. But we talked about our "reverse culture shock" and reminisced about Ecuador.
Anyway, here's the link to the last bunch of photos: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150596369710413.672673.774675412&l=c1683c7066
Thanks again for reading! If you're interested in continuing to follow my adventures and musings, my new blog can be found here: http://oneofthejoys.blogspot.com/
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Buenos Dias Flossmoor
I made it home! I actually got home Sunday evening. I missed my connecting flight to Chicago in the Miami airport. (Miami Airport-2, Joy 0). However, there are more flights going from Miami to Chicago than Miami to Ecuador so there was no real threat that I would spend the night in Miami again. Customs in Miami is terrible, you should (because I know I will) avoid flying through that airport if at all possible.
Today is the second morning that I've woken up in my own bed. It's great to be home. It also feels strange...everything is so flat! Sometimes it almost feels like I was never in Ecuador. But last night when I called the house in Lumbisi, Juan Carlos picked up and I could tell he was very excited to hear from me. Genesis said hi too :) Well I still have a couple of things to unpack and a final bunch of pictures to post. I will update here once I have finished uploading pictures.
It's been a good semester, and thank you all for reading! I do not have much lined up for the summer, perhaps traveling a bit (keeping it in the States). On June 14th I will be giving a presentation at the Asian American Cultural Center at UIUC on "Asian Americans Studying Abroad." It should be fun, if you're in the area you should come! Other than that this summer will be dedicated to resting, reading, and writing (senior thesis and other things). I really loved writing posts, so I will most likely start another blog this summer. But until then, muchas gracias amigos!
Today is the second morning that I've woken up in my own bed. It's great to be home. It also feels strange...everything is so flat! Sometimes it almost feels like I was never in Ecuador. But last night when I called the house in Lumbisi, Juan Carlos picked up and I could tell he was very excited to hear from me. Genesis said hi too :) Well I still have a couple of things to unpack and a final bunch of pictures to post. I will update here once I have finished uploading pictures.
It's been a good semester, and thank you all for reading! I do not have much lined up for the summer, perhaps traveling a bit (keeping it in the States). On June 14th I will be giving a presentation at the Asian American Cultural Center at UIUC on "Asian Americans Studying Abroad." It should be fun, if you're in the area you should come! Other than that this summer will be dedicated to resting, reading, and writing (senior thesis and other things). I really loved writing posts, so I will most likely start another blog this summer. But until then, muchas gracias amigos!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Chao Chao, Ecuador!
So it's about time to head back to the States, again time for goodbyes. The idea that I'm leaving tomorrow morning is very strange. Last night Juan Carlos gave a little goodbye speech on behalf of the family. Crying happened from all parties. Also, my host family gave me a tote bag that reads, "Lumbisi-Ecuador 2011." And we ate pizza, because my Ecua-Family has gotten it into their heads that pizza is my favorite food. I also had a few friends over to watch a movie last night... I believe the last few days have been the definition of bittersweet. On the one hand, I cannot wait to get home and see everyone. On the other hand, I have Genesis and Carlos laying on my half packed suitcases, telling me not to leave.
There have been good times and bad times, rainy days (lots) and sunny days. Times when I'm entertained by killing (sort of a psychotic thing to say I suppose) the numerous insects that intrude in my room, times when I'm utterly horrified by the giant crawling things. I have come to appreciate internet in a way that I never thought I would, same with hot showers. I have taken for granted the number of avocados I have eaten this semester. I got my wish to have younger siblings, for the better or the worse. All the good and the bad means I that I have lived in Ecuador. Life isn't a vacation where everything is supposed to be perfect and wonderful. Life is having ups and downs, and learning from the day-to-day things which is exactly what I have experienced here. I have really come to love my Ecua-Family and Ecuador itself, and I know one day I'll come back to visit.
Accomplishments this semester (in no particular order):
1. Scrolling through a seven page essay on social stratification as seen through art history during Colonial Quito, written by yours truly in SPANISH (also getting 100% on it! woot!)
2. Reading the Seven Chinese Brothers to my host family in Spanish, translating it from English on the spot with minimal dictionary usage
3. Planning and traveling for 10 days around Ecuador, with the help of a guidebook, many Ecuadorean strangers, and the company of two awesome friends.
4. Finding creative ways to maintain a long distance relationship without internet at home (although, more than half of this accomplishment belongs to Andrew :)
5. Keeping up with posting on my blog (for the most part!)
6. Successfully completing two interviews over Skype.
7. Truly being part of my Ecuadorean family.
Well next time I post will be from Flossmoor. Hasta luego amigos!
[See my newest photos here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150596369710413.672673.774675412&l=c1683c7066]
There have been good times and bad times, rainy days (lots) and sunny days. Times when I'm entertained by killing (sort of a psychotic thing to say I suppose) the numerous insects that intrude in my room, times when I'm utterly horrified by the giant crawling things. I have come to appreciate internet in a way that I never thought I would, same with hot showers. I have taken for granted the number of avocados I have eaten this semester. I got my wish to have younger siblings, for the better or the worse. All the good and the bad means I that I have lived in Ecuador. Life isn't a vacation where everything is supposed to be perfect and wonderful. Life is having ups and downs, and learning from the day-to-day things which is exactly what I have experienced here. I have really come to love my Ecua-Family and Ecuador itself, and I know one day I'll come back to visit.
Accomplishments this semester (in no particular order):
1. Scrolling through a seven page essay on social stratification as seen through art history during Colonial Quito, written by yours truly in SPANISH (also getting 100% on it! woot!)
2. Reading the Seven Chinese Brothers to my host family in Spanish, translating it from English on the spot with minimal dictionary usage
3. Planning and traveling for 10 days around Ecuador, with the help of a guidebook, many Ecuadorean strangers, and the company of two awesome friends.
4. Finding creative ways to maintain a long distance relationship without internet at home (although, more than half of this accomplishment belongs to Andrew :)
5. Keeping up with posting on my blog (for the most part!)
6. Successfully completing two interviews over Skype.
7. Truly being part of my Ecuadorean family.
 |
| Lumbisi is beautiful, even with wilting corn. |
Well next time I post will be from Flossmoor. Hasta luego amigos!
[See my newest photos here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150596369710413.672673.774675412&l=c1683c7066]
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Tengo que escribir mi ensayo...
This is a short post about my birthday (May 3rd). I have to say it was wonderful! I want to do a real post, but I made a promise to myself that I will finish writing at least a rough draft of my Art History essay before I do another real blog post.
Some highlights from my birthday:
Beautiful weather! Dry season has hit, no more rain every day.
Andrew's birthday gift to me: this amazing video
Family dinner with my host family (story to come later, remind me to write about it)
Bananagrams with people in my program, of course the Spanish version!
Dinner yesterday with almost everyone in my program, ice cream, and cake!
[Clarification, I'm writing about Andrew's video here, Andrew kindly pointed out that this paragraph doesn't start with context. You can tell that I didn't pre-write this post like I do the others! ] There are so many wonderful people that I know from so many different places, times, and situations. 5 different countries and something like 7 different states are represented. Also, I counted over 50 lovely faces. I think most of you have already seen the video (or in it!), but if not you should watch it! Andrew also sent me some of the full versions that he had to cut. I must say, another highlight was seeing everyone at the AACC sing me happy birthday, and JoAnne speaking in Spanish :) Thanks again to everyone who helped make my day amazing!
Only 10 more days til I go home!
Some highlights from my birthday:
Beautiful weather! Dry season has hit, no more rain every day.
Andrew's birthday gift to me: this amazing video
Family dinner with my host family (story to come later, remind me to write about it)
Bananagrams with people in my program, of course the Spanish version!
Dinner yesterday with almost everyone in my program, ice cream, and cake!
[Clarification, I'm writing about Andrew's video here, Andrew kindly pointed out that this paragraph doesn't start with context. You can tell that I didn't pre-write this post like I do the others! ] There are so many wonderful people that I know from so many different places, times, and situations. 5 different countries and something like 7 different states are represented. Also, I counted over 50 lovely faces. I think most of you have already seen the video (or in it!), but if not you should watch it! Andrew also sent me some of the full versions that he had to cut. I must say, another highlight was seeing everyone at the AACC sing me happy birthday, and JoAnne speaking in Spanish :) Thanks again to everyone who helped make my day amazing!
Only 10 more days til I go home!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Semana Santa: Aventuras de Tres Chicas
I made it back to Lumbisi at 5am on Saturday. I'll work on posting pictures tomorrow or Wednesday!
Originally I started to write a day-by-day description of everything I did. I was bored of writing by day 3, so hopefully this way will be better for all of us:
Things I did/learned over Semana Santa:
(Wonderful Travel Companions: Alexis T. and Eboni H.)
1. We took 13 different buses (2 night buses), 1 boat, 1 moto-taxi, and over 10 taxis. We stayed in 5 different hostels all in our 10 days of traveling.
2. Major Places Visited: Cuenca, Guayaquil, Montanita, Puerto Lopez.
3. From Cuenca we visited... Ingapirca, Cajas National Park, and Sigsig.
4. From Puerto Lopez we visited... Isla de la Plata.
5. I snorkeled for the first time in my life at Isla de La Plata, we saw corals and I found Dory!
6. We learned en route to Montanita, that we should read what our bus tickets say otherwise we can be ripped off (which was what happened).
7. Sigsig is not worth traveling to if it's the weekend.
8. Sitting in the front "seat" with the bus driver is very uncomfortable and potentially dangerous.
9. Guayaquil was the only place where we didn't run into someone we knew (well until we got on the bus to head to Montanita).
10. Walk around and see the hostels before settling for one.
11. Pack lighter. More insect repellent.
12. Ask at least 3 different Ecuadorians if you're trying to find something or if you're confused.
14. Spanish Bananagrams= Fun!
15. All the ups and downs in traveling are part of the adventure.
I had a great time, but I really looked forward to going back to Lumbisi. I can't say that I have a favorite part of the trip, everything was so different. I enjoyed the Cuenca portion a lot, and exploring Guayaquil was a thrill since it's the largest and supposedly most dangerous city in Ecuador. The beach was a different type of atmosphere. Isla de la Plata was another highlight :)
The three of us ladies really confused people. Eboni is African American, Alexis is Philipino-Polish-American, and then me the Asian American. A lot of people asked us where we're from, and when we responded the United States, often they would ask, "All of you? Even her?" It was kind of entertaining. But I'd like to think we also benefited by not standing out too much. In Guayaquil we only saw a few groups of tourists, usually in larger numbers and only in the very touristy areas. If the three of us were blonde and blue-eyed, I imagine we would've drawn a lot more attention (potentially bad attention). Sometimes blending in is good.
We certainly had some ups and downs. There were many times where we couldn't find the bus terminal, or the bus, or the hostel etc. However, that's all part of traveling. As helpful as my guidebook was (Lonely Planet, highly recommended) there were times when it failed us (such as when the street name was changed, or when the restaurant we wanted to go to had been closed for four years). Don't be afraid to ask, is what I learned. And when it comes to Ecuadoreans giving directions, ask many different people.
I'm glad to be back and my host family is happy to have me back. We went on a little day trip to El Quinche for mass in a beautiful colonial church and after we walked around their Sunday market. Now I have to finish the last bit of work for my classes and get ready to go back to the states. It's kind of bittersweet, I have less than 2 weeks! Hasta luego amigos.
[You may see in the news that Ecuador's largest volcano erupted/is erupting. I'm a safe distance away, so do not worry]
Originally I started to write a day-by-day description of everything I did. I was bored of writing by day 3, so hopefully this way will be better for all of us:
Things I did/learned over Semana Santa:
(Wonderful Travel Companions: Alexis T. and Eboni H.)
1. We took 13 different buses (2 night buses), 1 boat, 1 moto-taxi, and over 10 taxis. We stayed in 5 different hostels all in our 10 days of traveling.
2. Major Places Visited: Cuenca, Guayaquil, Montanita, Puerto Lopez.
3. From Cuenca we visited... Ingapirca, Cajas National Park, and Sigsig.
4. From Puerto Lopez we visited... Isla de la Plata.
5. I snorkeled for the first time in my life at Isla de La Plata, we saw corals and I found Dory!
6. We learned en route to Montanita, that we should read what our bus tickets say otherwise we can be ripped off (which was what happened).
7. Sigsig is not worth traveling to if it's the weekend.
8. Sitting in the front "seat" with the bus driver is very uncomfortable and potentially dangerous.
9. Guayaquil was the only place where we didn't run into someone we knew (well until we got on the bus to head to Montanita).
10. Walk around and see the hostels before settling for one.
11. Pack lighter. More insect repellent.
12. Ask at least 3 different Ecuadorians if you're trying to find something or if you're confused.
14. Spanish Bananagrams= Fun!
15. All the ups and downs in traveling are part of the adventure.
I had a great time, but I really looked forward to going back to Lumbisi. I can't say that I have a favorite part of the trip, everything was so different. I enjoyed the Cuenca portion a lot, and exploring Guayaquil was a thrill since it's the largest and supposedly most dangerous city in Ecuador. The beach was a different type of atmosphere. Isla de la Plata was another highlight :)
The three of us ladies really confused people. Eboni is African American, Alexis is Philipino-Polish-American, and then me the Asian American. A lot of people asked us where we're from, and when we responded the United States, often they would ask, "All of you? Even her?" It was kind of entertaining. But I'd like to think we also benefited by not standing out too much. In Guayaquil we only saw a few groups of tourists, usually in larger numbers and only in the very touristy areas. If the three of us were blonde and blue-eyed, I imagine we would've drawn a lot more attention (potentially bad attention). Sometimes blending in is good.
We certainly had some ups and downs. There were many times where we couldn't find the bus terminal, or the bus, or the hostel etc. However, that's all part of traveling. As helpful as my guidebook was (Lonely Planet, highly recommended) there were times when it failed us (such as when the street name was changed, or when the restaurant we wanted to go to had been closed for four years). Don't be afraid to ask, is what I learned. And when it comes to Ecuadoreans giving directions, ask many different people.
I'm glad to be back and my host family is happy to have me back. We went on a little day trip to El Quinche for mass in a beautiful colonial church and after we walked around their Sunday market. Now I have to finish the last bit of work for my classes and get ready to go back to the states. It's kind of bittersweet, I have less than 2 weeks! Hasta luego amigos.
[You may see in the news that Ecuador's largest volcano erupted/is erupting. I'm a safe distance away, so do not worry]
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Estoy en Montanita
Wireless Internet at the hostel! We're currently in Tiki Limbo Backpacker's Hostel in Montanita. It's a beach/surfer town with plenty of nature loving hippies. It was a little rough getting here, but we made it. I've already been to Cuenca and Guayaquil along with Sigsig, Ingapirca, Parque Nacional Cajas... etc since I last posted. There are so many different places and people in Ecuador, even though it's such a small country.
Anyway, I'm using Eboni's computer to post right now so I'm going to keep it short. Most everything has gone smoothly. My favorite day was probably when we went to Parque Nacional Cajas (National Park of Cajas) near Cuenca. We were completely unprepared, but we hiked around the lake (it took us 2.5 hours). We all had our share of slips and falls, but it was incredibly rewarding. The views were also beautiful.
Also, I've talked to my host family on average every other day. Every time we've talked, Genesis gets on the phone and loudly tells me to remember to bring my umbrella, just in case it rains. It's very cute. Also Juan Carlos reminds me that they're still in Lumbisi, which seems like a given but I suppose it's comforting to know that my host family won't pick up and leave while I'm away.
Most awkward/funny moment: Walking in the park at Guayaquil, an elderly man said "Hola Chinita linda." Which translates to Hello, beautiful little Chinese girl. Soo creepy! When we started laughing out loud, he did too.
Until next time, amigos. Chao chao.
Anyway, I'm using Eboni's computer to post right now so I'm going to keep it short. Most everything has gone smoothly. My favorite day was probably when we went to Parque Nacional Cajas (National Park of Cajas) near Cuenca. We were completely unprepared, but we hiked around the lake (it took us 2.5 hours). We all had our share of slips and falls, but it was incredibly rewarding. The views were also beautiful.
Also, I've talked to my host family on average every other day. Every time we've talked, Genesis gets on the phone and loudly tells me to remember to bring my umbrella, just in case it rains. It's very cute. Also Juan Carlos reminds me that they're still in Lumbisi, which seems like a given but I suppose it's comforting to know that my host family won't pick up and leave while I'm away.
Most awkward/funny moment: Walking in the park at Guayaquil, an elderly man said "Hola Chinita linda." Which translates to Hello, beautiful little Chinese girl. Soo creepy! When we started laughing out loud, he did too.
Until next time, amigos. Chao chao.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
26 Dias Hasta Los Estados Unidos
https://www.facebook.com/album.php?fbid=10150563051685413&id=774675412&aid=646826&l=b9d1360429 << New pictures!
I wanted to do a parallel post when I had 23 days left before going home, but I realized that in 2 days I will be traveling in Cuenca,Ecuador, with questionable internet access and time to complete a post. So I will do it now. Upon re-reading my first post, I never went back to change my host dad's name to Juan Carlos. I'm not sure if I've mentioned this, but Freddy is my host uncle, thus Juan Carlos' brother. There was an awkward encounter in which my assistant program director went to Freddy's house and talked to his wife, thinking that she was Rosa. The poor woman was very confused, and scared... she definitely didn't sign up to have an international student stay with her for 4 months.
Anyway, things are going well here. Signing up for my classes next semester has been my biggest problem. Also, it feels like it's rained everyday this month. I just gave a 10 minute presentation completely in Spanish on social classes in18th century Quito for my Art History class. It was well-received, and for that I am happy. Tomorrow is the last day of class before our Semana Santa break, which is like a Spring Break/East Break. It's much needed. I'm going to travel starting tomorrow night and then hope to return on the 30th or the 1st to prepare for my last week of class. It's not a very well-space break. But as a heads up, posting will be highly unlikely while I'm traveling. So when I get back I will have 2 weeks before I leave to go home! It's entirely exciting and sad at the same time. When I wrote the post marking 23 days before Ecuador, I could not imagine what it would be like to spend a semester here. Now, 26 days before going home, I cannot imagine not being in Ecuador... or I can imagine it, but it seems so unreal. Ecuador has become my reality. It's difficult to explain. Basically, time has flown so quickly. I know when I get home everything in Ecuador will feel so far away and removed. I'm already mentally preparing for some serious reverse culture shock.
Tomorrow I am going to help prepare and eat Fanesca, a typical dish eaten in Ecuador during Semana Santa. It is a soup with 12 grains or more and take hours to prepare. Rosa is nice enough to prepare the soup a day early for me to try it because I will be traveling. In Cuenca, the soup is supposed to be very common.. so I'm excited to try the different kinds. It's supposed to be super filling. The 12 grains represent the 12 apostles, and it's cooked without red meat.
A short story about Carlos' first cooking experience:
One morning, Carlos was home for breakfast when I was awake because he didn't have class that day. He cooked his own rice and meat (both turned out slightly burnt) but he was super super excited because it was his first time cooking. While I ate my food, I could hear him narrating (out loud, to himself) his conquest of cooking. "Today, a little boy... will cook his own meal!" He described it as if he was fighting an epic battle, with complete sound effects and all. I looked over at Rosa, and she just shrugged and said he likes to converse with himself. It was very cute, I took a picture of the plate that he made:
I wanted to do a parallel post when I had 23 days left before going home, but I realized that in 2 days I will be traveling in Cuenca,Ecuador, with questionable internet access and time to complete a post. So I will do it now. Upon re-reading my first post, I never went back to change my host dad's name to Juan Carlos. I'm not sure if I've mentioned this, but Freddy is my host uncle, thus Juan Carlos' brother. There was an awkward encounter in which my assistant program director went to Freddy's house and talked to his wife, thinking that she was Rosa. The poor woman was very confused, and scared... she definitely didn't sign up to have an international student stay with her for 4 months.
Anyway, things are going well here. Signing up for my classes next semester has been my biggest problem. Also, it feels like it's rained everyday this month. I just gave a 10 minute presentation completely in Spanish on social classes in18th century Quito for my Art History class. It was well-received, and for that I am happy. Tomorrow is the last day of class before our Semana Santa break, which is like a Spring Break/East Break. It's much needed. I'm going to travel starting tomorrow night and then hope to return on the 30th or the 1st to prepare for my last week of class. It's not a very well-space break. But as a heads up, posting will be highly unlikely while I'm traveling. So when I get back I will have 2 weeks before I leave to go home! It's entirely exciting and sad at the same time. When I wrote the post marking 23 days before Ecuador, I could not imagine what it would be like to spend a semester here. Now, 26 days before going home, I cannot imagine not being in Ecuador... or I can imagine it, but it seems so unreal. Ecuador has become my reality. It's difficult to explain. Basically, time has flown so quickly. I know when I get home everything in Ecuador will feel so far away and removed. I'm already mentally preparing for some serious reverse culture shock.
Tomorrow I am going to help prepare and eat Fanesca, a typical dish eaten in Ecuador during Semana Santa. It is a soup with 12 grains or more and take hours to prepare. Rosa is nice enough to prepare the soup a day early for me to try it because I will be traveling. In Cuenca, the soup is supposed to be very common.. so I'm excited to try the different kinds. It's supposed to be super filling. The 12 grains represent the 12 apostles, and it's cooked without red meat.
A short story about Carlos' first cooking experience:
One morning, Carlos was home for breakfast when I was awake because he didn't have class that day. He cooked his own rice and meat (both turned out slightly burnt) but he was super super excited because it was his first time cooking. While I ate my food, I could hear him narrating (out loud, to himself) his conquest of cooking. "Today, a little boy... will cook his own meal!" He described it as if he was fighting an epic battle, with complete sound effects and all. I looked over at Rosa, and she just shrugged and said he likes to converse with himself. It was very cute, I took a picture of the plate that he made:
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