I find it funny when people at home tell me they didn’t have time to go to the post office or Walmart that day. It baffles me now that people consider driving 10-20 minutes a hassle. I have to take a bus to La Libertad in order to buy things and get my mail. I have to take one bus to the centro of town and it takes one hour and costs 75 cents. Then I take another bus to the shopping mall to buy things and it is near my post office as well for another 25 cents. If you think buying things in the States is a pain read on for my tale of shopping for my new house.

So my Ecuadorian friend, Edilma, offered to go with me to get stuff for my house because she would be able to negotiate a better price then I would (major hassle you don’t have in the states. Here you have to bargain for things. There is no set price). So we left Valdivia at 9am to head to La Libertad. First we stopped in the center of town to look for me a mattress. After 6 stores we managed to talk one guy down 20 dollars so we told him we would be back and went in search of a bed for the mattress. FYI to anyone thinking of buying a bed in Ecuador you have to ask for the inside material of the bed. Usually when they are saying a price it is only for the headboard and bottom part of the bed. You have to negotiate for the planks that hold it together and the ones for the mattress. After looking around for an hour, Edilma though it would be better to call the guy she bought her sofa from to see if he also sold beds. When he said yes we headed to his store in a taxi, after arriving he informed us that the beds were in a warehouse so we had to take a different taxi there. After negotiating for 30 minutes I got a really nice bed for a good price. We decided to head to the shopping mall to find the rest of my things. After taking out money from the ATM we headed to the electronic store to buy me a fridge and oven. After that Edilma left to visit her friend and Stacie and I had lunch. I had spent all the money I had on my kitchen stuff but I wanted to get everything in one day because I thought I would have to take a taxi back to Valdivia for $18 and I didn’t want to have to take another trip, so I went to the ATM to realize that none of them were working. All the ATMS were not letting people get money so I was pretty much screwed. I didn’t even have the money to get home. Anyway Stacie had money to get her fridge that day so she offered to give it to me and have her pay her back the money the next day. So after giving me the money she went home to shower (she was coming to my site that nite for a visit). Twenty minutes later I get a frantic call from her telling me they had delivered her fridge and I had to run over there to give her the money. After that she generously offered to withdraw the money from her bank account home and my parents would send her mom a check. After that Edilma returned and we went to the stores warehouse to pick up my electronics and go to the terminal. Edilma promised that we would be able to get everything on the bus so we left Stacie there to watch my stuff while we went to pick up the mattress and called to have the bed delivered to the bus station. After that we had to wait over an hour for a bus that was willing to carry all my stuff to Valdivia. After arriving in Valdivia we had to take another taxi /truck to my house with all my stuff. We finished at 6pm.

So really the next time you think it too much of a pain to send me a letter or care package cause it is 15min out of your way just chew on that story.

So I thought I would make things a little more personal and post a list of my little annoyances that I mostly ignore but sometimes make me want to scream.

1) Rice

It is everywhere. It is served every lunch and dinner in very large portions. It usually takes up half the plate. When you order fries with something guess what it STILL comes with rice. If you order a meal at KFC (yes we have them) rice is on the side. Also it is always white rice so completely unhealthy. Don’t try to tell people you want less or god forbid no rice because they look at you like you are insane!

2) The Stare

Sometimes I wonder if Ecuadorians have ever seen white people which as insane as it sounds they defiantly don’t see a lot of them. It is funny how in the States people complain about the lack of diversity when here all you see is one color. I can be in a crowd of 1000s and be the only non Latino there. Because of this (I am guessing) where ever I go, I get stared at and usually watched for quite awhile. Sometimes it is actually more creepy than annoying

3) Ya Mismo (ecuadorian time)

Ya mismo is an expression similar to in a minute but an really be 30min to 2 hrs. For example: I have tallers (workshops) with the women I work with every Tuesday and Thursday that are scheduled to start at 2pm. I have gone to at least 8 so far and one has yet to start before 3:30. People don’t even get there until 3. It is lack that with every scheduled thing. What sucks is I am the kind of person who is 15min early to everything which here makes me insanely early to everything.

4) ZZZZSSSSTTTT ZSSSSTTT ZZZZZZSSSSSSTTTT

Is the lovely sound that I hear all the time. Here people make this really annoying noise when they want to get someone’s attention mothers do it do their children and spouses do it do each other so it is really common. What sucks is men take it to a creep level and do it to all the gringas that pass their way. It isn’t that bad here at my site but it was AWFUL in Chone and is pretty bad in any big town. Also along with that I get “gringa” “guapa” “nina” and other crap.

5) My Middle School Face

Because of stress or the climate here on the coast my face has decided that I am back in Middle school and I look like I am going through puberty again. I have no blemish free space on my face. What makes it even lovelier is that pretty much after knowing me for 5 minutes every Ecuadorian comments on it.

Mi problama

So while the above 5 things are just a few of the little things that are pretty annoying I only have one major problem here in Ecuador and that is my Spanish. Not Spanish in general just mine. I mean I should be proud of how far I have come. I only arrived with the knowledge of how to say “Me llamo Amanda” y “¿Donde esta el bano?” I mean that first party I went to with my original host family in Ayora, I had no idea what anyone was saying and I could not say anything back and now if I miss some details, I still understand the conversation and I get what I want to say across most of time. The only problem is I am a talker. I like to have in depth conversations and mostly my interesting qualities are things that need to be conveyed through words. I have no active hobbies so I am pretty boring in Spanish. Also I want to understand what is being said and what is going on around me at all times. I do not like to be left out.

I have been here at my site for two weeks now and things are pretty good.

Three days a week I work at the Dispensario for my organization Futuro Valdivia. I fill out the paper work and take weight and height of all incoming patients. The paper work is a bitch because of my Spanish. Especially filling out the names because everyone one here has four of them: two first names and two last (the use both mother and father) plus names here are impossible to spell. Anywho I have screwed up plenty of times. One particular instance comes to mind. Everyone was telling me they lived in a barrio called Malecon and I was hearing Maricon and wrote that down on everyone’s sheet. Maricon is a gay slur here literally meaning butterfly. Anywho the doctor pointed it out and everyone got a good laugh out of it.

Twice a week I help give tallers on HIV/AIDS in different cities (tallers are workshops). However, I think we are going to stop going to them because for 2 of the 3 we have given so far no one has shown up. Once a month I will go to the group for people living with HIV/AIDS in Palmar with my counterpart. The first is this weekend and I am looking forward to that. That is one of the future projects that my counterpart wants me to help her with. Starting a second group based out of town closer to this one so people in this region do not have to travel so far.

So yes I am pretty busy but I don’t feel like I am doing anything that I am supposed to be doing. I am trying to remind myself that I have only been here two weeks and that I need much more time to get things going. I am supposed to be carrying on these interviews of families here in town but I have lacked motivation there. I mean I want to do them but not enough to willing go out and embarrass myself with my bad Spanish. I just have to face my fears and go out there and just listen to the laughs. I am going to set up my plan and write out the different interviews during September and then carry them out in October. I have decided to interview 50 families then do about 75 more of just ninos y jovenes. The interviews are supposed to help me identify the needs and wants of the community which I live in and then give me an idea for future projects. So as the interview process points out I am not supposed to be working or starting projects these first three months but instead integrating and getting to know my community, easier said than done for someone who cannot speak Spanish well.

Other than that I my days are pretty dull. I just talk to my family, try to find a new house to live after my 3 months in this house, and walking around town and on the beach. I feel like I am not doing enough (the theme of this I suppose) but that is normal I am told.

I know things will pick up though. I just need to keep positive and try to keep things in perspective. I am just frustrated with my Spanish. I feel like I have hit some kind of Spanish wall. I realize I have come a long way from when I arrived. When I could not understand anything that was being said to me and now I can understand a lot especially when it is a one on one conversation. I just don’t know what to do to keep my Spanish going now that I do not have class. If anyone has any self study tips, I would appreciate all the help I can get.

Yesterday marked the day of it being exactly 3 months since I left home: three months down and 23 to go lol. I miss everyone! By the way starting December I can receive visitors so if anyone wants a vacation idea I hear Ecuador is great  Just let me know and I am up for visitors!

Also some people have said they wanted to send me a package and I thought I would help out by providing some suggestions. I am going to post it here and keep on updated one under the staying in touch with me page on this blog:

1) Skittles (my favorite candy!)

2) Books in English. My effing kindle broke so I need something to tide me over until I can get it fixed. Anything and everything is welcome. Send me your favorites.

3) Disposable razors (surprisingly expensive)

4) Nutella (CRAZY expensive here and I have been craving)

5) Postcards, pictures from your life or art or whatever for my sad grey walls

6) Letters! I love reading them

7) Pretty much anything you want cause I like surprises.

I will update this list when things come up!

So we had site visits last week and I think overall it went well for most. I think some people are a little worried about their job or city but one week is hard to tell what it will really be like. I mean I am nervous. I did not get to meet my counterpart because she is in Europe therefore I am still unsure of my job. Plus I am really nervous about my Spanish. I have moved up 3 levels to Intermediate Low but even passing the examen for the Peace Corps doesn´t mean much to me because it will not be enough to even attempt to do my job. I just hope I can find a tutor or some study materials that will help me continue my Spanish learning when training ends.

The house I will be staying in is really small. I mean really small...government housing small (which is smaller here than in the states). Plus there are two bedrooms with me in one and 4 other people sharing one bed in the other....yea. Well it is only for 3 months (I hope) and the family is nice. It will be difficult to find another place to live but Rebecca (my program manager) says that we will work it out so here is hoping.

One amazing thing is the beach. I live right on it. I just cross the street and there is the ocean. It is really beautiful and I concider my location to be really lucky in that regard. Anywho I did not take my camera this time so I do not have any pictures but when I move there will be pictures coming! I miss you all!

Hey everyone!

Exciting day!

Today I found out my site and I will be living in San Pedro which is in the Santa Elena province of Ecuador for the next two years! I am so thrilled because it is a complete suprise because I thought all people in HIV/AIDS were in the Guayas around Guayaquil but two of us are not and I am one of the lucky few! The other is Stacie who is my closet friend here and she is only 30 minutes away from me by bus! I am soooo thrilled!

I am working for Futuro Valdivia which is an organization that works with people living with HIV/AIDS. My counterpart (main boss) is actually a gringa (foreigner) like me. She is from Germany (maybe I will score bonus points for have a sister in law from there lol). Anywho I don´t know a lot about what I will be actually doing only what they want me to do which is start and lead another therepy group for people living with HIV/AIDS, work as a counselor and compainion to people living with the virus. Also they want me to start preventions classes in schools around my town and around the surrounding area, also work with people needing diagnostics tests and potential travel with those who are in need of accompainment to the city (Guayaquil) for tests and treatment because it is the only major hospital. I don´t know if I will actually be doing all that or what. They say go with an open mind because what it might say is not what you might be doing. We will see but all of it sounds amazing! I am going on a site visit next week leaving Monday afternoon and returning Sat night! Really nervous but excited. I will type another blog about it when I return to have more details!!

Oh I am 10 hours away from Quito which is the capital of Ecuador and a little over 2 hrs away from Guayaquil! (yay!!!)

Okay soooo sorry I have not written but I now realize why volunteers never seem to update their blogs during training. You have no time and no energy to do so! I arrived in Ecuador safely and am now in my training town just outside of Cayambe. I really like it here because we have stores and multiple places for the internet. It is really nice. I like the Sierra a lot and which I had the option to stay but the AIDs/HIV program know that we are headed to the Coastal region of Ecuador specifically 8 of us will be in Guayaquil and 8 will be around the city. I am hoping for outside the city but I don’t really know which I will get. We find out next Friday though so expect a short update sometime next week with my site assignment for the two years after training!

Now my life consists of language, language, some technical training, and more language. I need it though because I tested in the lowest language class (Novice Low) and I have to make it to Intermediate Middle by the end of the nine weeks. But like I said my days are mostly language so I will hopefully make it.

Typical Day:

7:00-8:00am Wake up and have breakfast with my host mother and try to converse with her in Spanish

8:00am-5:00pm Spanish Class or technical training in Spanish

5:00-6:00pm Walk with my language class to detox before heading back to our host homes (we mostly talk about our progress in Spanish)

6:00-8:30ish Eat dinner/ hang out with my family where I attempt to understand and be understood in Spanish

8:30-10:00pm Do Spanish homework

10:00ishpm Sleep

Plus I have extra tutoring on Saturdays now so mucho mucho espanol.

I will write again when I know my permanent site!

Know I am well and miss you all!

It is the day before I leave and I am all packed. Probably not packed well but after awhile you just say 'screw it' and pile the rest in. I am under the weight limit (pretty sure anyways) but I am having to carry a purse along with my carry-on cause I cannot fit everything in it which means I have four bags. The purse is considered a personal item so it does not count but it makes carrying everything myself all the more bulky but I manage. I just look really funny doing it.

Here is a list of what I am taking:

Clothes:

T-Shirts x4

Light Weight Long sleeve x3

Polo Shirts x4

Longer shorts x2

Rain Jacket x1

Dress x3

Skirt x2

Linen pants x2

Light Weight Throw over x2

Socks (running) x6

Running Shorts x2

Light Sleep pants x1

Light sleep shorts x1

Swimsuit x1

Tanks x5

Underwear x16

Bra x5

Sports Bra x2

Nice pants x1

Jeans x2

Shoes:

Sandals x1

Flip Flop x 2

Tennis Shoes x1

Flats x1

Boots x1

Kitchen:

Ziploc bags

Water Bottle

Electronics:

Flip Video

Camera Memory cards and case

Laptop

Camera

Alarm clock

Watch

Head Lamp

Battery Charger

Rechargeable batteries

Ipod (2 ear sets)

Travel Speakers

Kindle

Books:

South America Travel Book

Spanish flash cards

Spanish beginners (book)

Pictures of Family

Book from Dr. Wilson

World Change book

Playing cards (regular and phase 10)

Tools:

Sleeping Bag

Pillow case

Combination Locks

Duct tape

Art cards

Leatherman knife

Accordion style folder

Journal

Pens

Toiletries: Only enough to last for a few weeks!

Hand Sanitizer

Make-up

Tampons

Shampoo

Brush

Deodorant

Ear plugs and eye mask

Loofah gloves

Lotion

Toiletry bag

Towel

Razors

Toothbrush

Tooth paste

Face wash

Face lotion

Misc.:

Sunglasses

Backpacking Pack (Gregory Diva 70)

Rolling Duffel (Eagle Creek Hover Craft 22)

Glasses x2

Day pack (North Face)

Purse

Gifts:

Postcards of UGA

Candy

Plus some stuff I threw in on top. I will probably regret bringing half of it.

Anywho right now I am just sitting here kind of numb to it all...there is a little panic underneath the surface but it is not as bad as it probably should be.

I've traveled abroad before but this experience is new to me in different ways (besides the obvious extended time difference). When I studied abroad I had just ended a chapter in my life, therefore, I did not have anyone to particularly miss but this time I do. I am going to miss a lot of people in my life and it feels weird for me. I missed family before but that is different because those relationships are certain and will be here when I get back. Friendships are less certain but I have faith in mine. All of them, new and old. In the past my friendships were more of the fluffy sort so when I moved on from a place it did not effect me. Now my friendships are dear to my heart and as a result it is heavy. I will miss you all and know I love you guys and hope you can all visit!

Also, just in case there was any doubt, I will also miss my family! I love you guys and will miss you all sooo much. Especially my mom, Ali, and my Dad! It will be weird not getting to talk to you guys almost everyday! I will be thinking of you instead! Anywho enough with the mushy stuff lol

I am really excited although I really have no idea what to expect. I've given up on trying. I'm still worried about my total lack of Spanish skills but everyone has assured me I will pick it up and all will be well so I am just letting that go. I will do my best and my best has never disappointed in the past.

Tomorrow at 8:30 am my flight leaves for Washington DC and June 16th I leave for Miami and then on to Ecuador. For the first few days we will be staying in Quito at a hospital for administrative stuff and then we will move to our training villages until August 19th. I will write again when I am settled in Ecuador!

P.S

Just in case you thought I forgot....

So things I have accomplished:

1) I graduated!! 4.0 for the semester!

2) I moved out of Athens

3) I booked my flight to DC

4) I got my H1N1 vaccine

5) I sent in all my passport information

6) I sent in my resume and aspiration statement

Things to do:

1) Buy stuff for Ecuador including luggage

2) Pack

3) Take care of property insurance and health insurance

4) Cancel Netflix

5) Visit friends and family

6) Brush up on Spanish....(who am I kidding relearn some basics so I don't embarrass myself too much...I hate even thinking about this part)

So I am really hung up on 1 and 6. Technically 1 is not my fault. Some ass stole my debit card information and they had to close it down and send me a new one so I cannot really shop for the move (I've stopped saying trip) until it gets here.

6 is just awful. Every time someone talks about Spanish it makes me panic a little. Especially when I 'friend' other volunteers and their profiles say Spanish major or minor. I think "omg everyone knows it but me"....I hate feeling behind people.

Plus the Facebook group has volunteers that are already there offering to let us email them questions but what am I supposed to ask?

Tomorrow I am going to dinner with a family friend who is bringing a women who works for the same company but in Argentina and she has lived in Ecuador so she wants to talk to me. We will see how that goes...

Hello all! Here is the blog I am going to use to record my time serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ecuador. I know that I said I was switching to WordPress but after playing around with that site for awhile I decided it was too complicated for my purposes. I like how Blogger is simple and uncomplicated.

Anywho I am keeping this first post short and sweet as just a general greetings to those who chose to follow me on my Peace Corps journey. I haven't been able to do much since my invitation came last Wednesday due to my Wilderness First Aid class over the weekend and this week I have a ton of homework to do so progress is slow. I have finished my service resume and aspiration statement and will email those tonight. This weekend I hope to finish all the rest of the paperwork and send that in as well. I have purchased some Spanish language guides in order to form a foundation to improve on when training starts in Ecuador.

Sadly, I have not had much time to think about packing. I do know that I am going to purchase an Osprey backpack, that I am taking my computer and I am going to purchase a Kindle. The reason for the Kindle is the Peace Corps encourages you to have hobbies to fight off loneliness and boredom while in service. Well reading is my biggest hobby and I read freakishly fast. I mean FREAKISHLY. I can finish a 300 page book in 2 hrs and that is only if I am not that interested in the material. I read the 4th Harry Potter book in 4 hrs and 15 min (a 700+ page book). This speed would equal a crazy amount of books needed to keep me entertained for 27 months and that is just not a possible undertaking (shipping books is out cause that would be crazy expensive). With the Kindle I could have over 1000 books in a tiny little space. It is just the logical choice. Don't get me wrong this thing will not replace my passion for books but for this purpose it is needed.

Anywho other than that I haven't had much time to think about what I am taking. I feel a little behind everyone else but school is defiantly in the way of fully committing my thoughts to my June 15th departure......omg June 15th.....(deep breathe).....be calm.

Totals:

Number of classes left: 8

Number of papers till Grad: 4

Number of tests till Grad: 2

Number of days till Grad: 17!!!

Number of days till Ecuador: 57!

Also here is a link to my applicant blog for anyone who wants to check that out :) It has my application time-line on it!

http://amandawpc.blogspot.com/