First Full Day in Quito

Weather: Sunny, Humid, around 70 degrees

Today marked my first full day in Quito, Ecuador and let me say it was a whirlwind. I slept in a bit and got ready for 10am. It was a much needed rest although I woke up at 8:30 and made myself fall back asleep for a bit.

Once I was up and ready Ines showed me around the house a bit more. She showed me her gardens and it was very impressive. She had a rose bush, avocado, and mango tree all in her backyard! She said that Percy (the dog) eats the fruits sometimes so she can only pick the ones from the top of the trees. Later she took me to what we would call a farmer's market. It was right up the street and apparently it occurs every Saturday morning. There were so many different fresh fruits and veggies; some I had never seen before. There were also eggs just laying out in the open which I found very interesting. In America it's second nature that we must refrigerate them, but I guess here they are fresh enough and not processed that they don't need to be refrigerated.

Going to this little market was certainly eye opening. It marked my first look into Ecuadorian culture. If we were considering American standards the people selling the fruits and veggies were wearing rags. There were older women and small children that were running it and few dogs roaming around. The children stared at me probably wondering where I came from because I didn't look like anyone around me. The older folks didn't acknowledge me much. I felt bad in a way because I had put on my sweater I'd normally wear to Clean Harbors, my nice black capris on, and sandals. I felt like I stood out like a sore thumb. Ines bought so much different fruit and veggies. I carried a copy paper sized box filled to the brim back to her house. For breakfast, she made me fresh juice, cut up different types of fruit (from the market), and cut up some pan for me for breakfast. It was the freshest fruit I've had and muy delicioso!

After breakfast, I was introduced to Penelope's (Ines's daughter) best friend. She laughed when they showed her the dog toy I brought Percy. I don't know that it's customary to have dog toys here as they leave him outside 24/7. He has a couple of balls he likes to play with but I don't think he knows what to do with a bottle rope toy.

Later in the afternoon, Ines, Penelope, and I went to the airport to look for some sunglasses Penelope's daughter left behind on her way to the UK. On the way to the airport, there was a mom and a little girl selling strawberries on the side of the highway...yes the highway. Ines had Penelope pull over so she could buy some (picture below), it was crazy to me stopping on the highway but again it's just a custom I'm not used too. Luckily the sunglasses were found, and we stopped at a gas station so I could get some change for the bus. This would be the first time I tried speaking Spanish to someone other than my host family. I tried my best to ask for quarters as change but both girls giggled and one picked up a bucket with a pack of matches in it....I said "never mind" and just paid for my gum and water and went on my way. They ended up giving me change so maybe they did understand what I was trying to say?

We dropped Ines back at home and Penelope and I went to get our nails done. I was nervous the encounter with the manicurist would be similar to that of the gas station. I was wrong...she was so nice and when she could tell I didn't comprehend something she would use google translate. Before my trip everyone kept telling me that Ecuadorians are such nice and warm people. Seeing how eager this manicurist was to see where I was from and why I chose Ecuador was reassuring. Salons in Ecuador are similar to home, the one we went to had it all..nails, hair, waxing, etc. I ended up getting a manicure and pedicure for $10, that blew my mind!

After our nails, I went and hung out at the house for a bit. Culture shock and a wave of being overwhelmed set in once again. I tried fighting it off, but I just let the tears come and go. After I sobbed I felt a lot better and soon enough it was time for dinner. We had an avocado soup...another first for me. I don't think I have ever tried as much new food as I did in a day. The soup wasn't bad and Mom was floored I actually ate soup.

The day ended on a high note, I face-timed Mom and Dad although this is viewed as taboo and not recommended by the study abroad office at Maine (they said it could make you more homesick). Seeing them just made me feel so much better, it was exactly what I needed. Obviously, this won't be an everyday thing but for the moment it was great.

My first day in Quito ended with me watching a movie in Portuguese with Spanish subtitles with Ines, Penelope, and Angie (Ines's granddaughter). I may not have understood a word being said but I could infer what was going on. Seeing the difference from the first night to after the first day reassured me that I would be okay and it just takes time to settle in especially in a foreign country.

Pictured below: Percy, the host dog, my homestay (yellow house on the left), view from the balcony at my homestay, and my nails all done