Broma

Another sick day in Ecuador but hopefully the last! I am headed to the doctor in the morning and the director of the program seems to think she knows what I have but we shall see. I am just excited to be treated and hopefully get rid of what is causing my pain.

                Spanish class was interesting as always and filled with my sweet friend Margaret’s hilarious stories in Spanish. In an effort to keep us from the monotony of our worksheets Margaret has shared stories about her parents, her favorite foods, New York, shopping in Cuenca and everything in between. What a joy she is to have in class and in my life! The walk home for lunch was filled with stimulating conversations about controversial and thought-provoking topics. I attempted to run through the city on a flawlessly gorgeous day, 70 degrees with zero humidity, but unfortunately my stomach wouldn’t let me. I returned home for soup and a boiled plantain hoping it would be gentle on my tummy. However, after 30 minutes back at school my stomach cramped and I felt paralyzed by my pain once again. I am absolutely hating being sick because I hate appearing weak in a new group of people. Bummer. My contributions to our consultation planning today were minimal but by 5:30 the pain had subsided. I walked around the city with some girls and returned home for more soup made from scratch (as with everything) by mi mama. Tonight I have finally been able to sit down and just study Spanish. The more I learn the more I forget the basics. Sitting at the dining room table in my house I have loved the random conversations and interactions with the various family members in the house.

                Renaldo is a character worth further expanding upon, and what a character he is. I cannot help but smile even when writing about him. He is the husband of one of mi mama’s daughters, Melinda. Standing robustly at 5’8’’, Renaldo’s physical size does not even begin to reflect his huge personality. He was one of the family members at my first lunch who was easy to talk to because he acted out everything he said without solicitation. I had enough vocabulary the first day to call him an “el hombre loco” (crazy man) and understand that everything with him was a broma (joke). He plays guitar, song writes, and sings for a living. Two nights ago he entertained multiple people with his tunes and I was pleasantly surprised with his skill. Tonight he imitated a monster and sang an Ecuadorian riddle to me used to help kids go to bed. He barked at me from outside trying to scare me in a playful way. He is a true friend and has been from the begin. Laughter is the only necessary communication between us. He makes me feel comfortable always and I never leave an interaction with Renaldo without chuckling to myself. Our typical way of goodbying is by saying “Hasta La Vista BABAY”, accent and all. He is a hoot. And he is family.

                A few funny/interesting anecdotes about Ecuadorian culture:

Ecuadorians do not have to go cups for coffee anywhere (well, we found one place but it is a tiny cup and it’s one place). I asked Elizabeth Smith’s dad about this and it is because Ecuadorians would never want a cup to go. When they drink their coffee they want to sit down and enjoy it and that they will do. Ecuadorians take the time to just be in one another’s presence and the pace is just slower here.

Our lunch break from school is from 12-2:30. I do have a 20-30 minute walk home but in Ecuador there is plenty of time to enjoy a big lunch and a siesta before returning to work. Again, slower pace.

It is between 60-80 degrees here every day and Ecuadorians seem to think this is very cold. We are in their winter and I could have easily worn a tank top and shorts today (if that were culturally acceptable). I think it is hilarious that they find this weather so uncomfortable cold. The other night I was walking home and it was at least 75 degrees. I saw a man cleaning the streets in a full body suit and he was wearing a scarf. I repeat, a scarf. I was sweating in a short sleeved shirt and he was wearing a scarf.

Every time someone enters of leaves a room they individually greet every single person with a kiss on the cheek. It does not matter how many people are there, if they know the people, or even if they are late. I love this. I have kissed more people on the cheek in the past week and a half than ever before in my life. It is a warm and affection culture and I think this helps cultivate such an environment.

When I was sick yesterday, mi mama made me jello for desert. But she did not refrigerate the jello, instead I drank it as a thick and sweet liquid. It was certainly different but I can confidently say jello is preferable after refrigeration for me.