ABRIL

The month of April has passed, and I am now closing in on the end of my exchange. This month began with the birthday of my neighbor, Maria Lorena (we call her Bebi). Turning 13, Bebi is like a sister to me. She’s rather quiet but we get along well, it’s always fun being with her. That evening we had cake and laughed along with her friends and family.

Cordillera, my school, in the past years has had a week of sports where all the students form different teams and play each other in basketball and soccer. In the first week of April we had these seven days of sports. Our team name was called the Pechugas, which is in fact the nickname I have been given here due to the newspaper mistaking my last name for Pechu. Pechuga in English is chicken breast. I find the nickname to be pretty funny. The whole week we spent playing against other teams from our school. Although we didn’t win it all, it was a fun time being amongst classmates and competing. It reminded me of baseball back home, and I realized how much I missed that sense of team and competition.

Ecuador is a country with lots of touristic potential. In the past, the economy has flourished much by the extraction of petroleum within the country. However, there is now much more conflict erupting with the issue over whether or not to infiltrate the rainforest part of Ecuador to extract more petroleum. For this reason, the country has looked for other methods to help the economy. Tourism is their answer. In order to spread its name, the country has begun a campaign called ALL YOU NEED IS ECUADOR. With this, they have taken each letter from this phrase (for example, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, a large man made letter S has been placed) and constructed them to then be set in several large cities around the world. There are letters in cities such as Berlin, Germany, London, England, Sao Paolo, Brazil and a bunch more. The letters from the word Ecuador on the other hand, have been placed in distinct cities within Ecuador itself. For example, in my town, Loja, they have placed the U. This campaign is worldwide and will help to make Ecuador known. The problem is just that, the lack of popularity, although Ecuador is in fact one of the best options for tourism. It has four select regions: the Andes mountain range filled with active volcanoes and sulfuric lakes, the pacific coast with long stretches of beautiful beaches, the Amazon rainforest with the densest amount of biodiversity on the planet, and the Galapagos Islands, a group of volcanic islands famous for being the birthplace of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. With these assets, plus being an economical choice, Ecuador seems to have a promising future in tourism.

In the middle of April, district wide sports began. This is just like in Texas, except quite a bit less organized. Our school was to participate in soccer, so naturally I joined the team. We had one practice and the next day already our first match. To get to the game, we took a public bus to a local park. Here there was a dirt field where we were to play. The game was at 10 in the morning, which was fine with me as it meant missing classes. We ended up tying with no goals for either team. After the game, we all hopped into the back of our coach’s (our coach is the PE teacher) truck, and drove to a local restaurant to eat.  All this is completely different to what I know about sports back home. Back home we take a school bus, practice every day, play at night so that parents and fans can watch, and play on a nice regularly kept field. I never realized how much that really was, until I hopped off the smelly bus and stepped onto the dirt field here in Loja. Although it was cool being  part of the team here, I was shown just how much more developed Texas is in sports in schools. I am now grateful, truly grateful, because the people here in Loja don’t know what it is to have what I had. On the other hand, everyone here enjoys what they have. The soccer game was less competitive, more fun. We all just wanted to play soccer because it’s something we like. Even the coach was less uptight. Not to mention going to a restaurant after the game with the coach although we should have been in classes; this would never happen in Texas. I do appreciate what I have now, but I realize that although the people here have less, they do not realize that there is more so they are not missing anything.  They are satisfied with what they have. Back home sometimes I feel like we want too much. In the sense of sports, it should be about the love of the sport, not about the amount of fans, nor the coolness of the uniforms, none of that. Here in Ecuador, or at least in Loja from what I have seen, people still play for the fun of it, not for the show that everyone wants.  Our soccer team ended up playing a couple more games, although I was only there for one due to traveling. However, when I did attend, I got to play a bit as forward, although soccer is not really my sport.

On the 10^th of April, my neighbors, three daughters, performed at a concert. Here they sang and played piano, each of them with a different style. All three of them were amazing, and I was very proud because it was like watching my own little sisters perform.

My classmate and good friend Diego Roman turned 18 on the 11^th. He had a little barbeque/party at his house that evening with classmates, friends, and family. It was a good time singing, dancing, and eating some (almost Texas) quality barbeque. Diego is a really good friend of mine. He and I joke a lot together about fighting chickens one day, as it is done here in Ecuador and he has family members who do it. I thank Diego for being one of my better friends. Although he is super skinny, Diego’s got a fat heart.

Our maid’s son, Sebastian, turned 2 on the 12^th of this month. He is like a baby brother to me and it will be strange when I go back home without a 2 year old always around. For his birthday we had dinner and cake, inviting some friends over to enjoy the special day with us. Sebas is growing up fast. When I first arrived he could not walk yet, and now he is already beginning to talk.

I celebrated my first Easter away from home this year. It was a lot different. Here in Ecuador the Easter Bunny does not play a part, so that was already a big change. In fact, it was not as big of a deal as I thought it would be. All we did was on Good Friday ate a traditional soup which is made with many ingredients except for meat. It was a tasty soup by the name of Fanesca. On Easter Sunday we got together with friends and family and ate a lot of food, including soups, turkey, vegetables of all sorts, and lots of different pies for dessert. It was a good time, although I missed not having an Easter hunt.

The last week of April, Xenia(the german exchange student in my town) and I went to visit Quito, the capital of Ecuador. Xenia will be leaving the third of May back to her country, so we decided to take a trip to Quito so that she gets to see it at least once. So, with our bags packed, we got on a bus and 11 hours later arrived in the big old capital. Since I had already visited Quito, I was able to show her around. It was fun being with just her, she is like a sister now, as we traveled around town visiting old churches, going up the teleferico to see the city from on top of Mount Pichincha, standing over the Equator, and at times getting lost because we didn’t understand the bus system. We were all on our own, doing tourism our way. That’s what made it so fun, no one was controlling us. The last day we also went to Lake Quilotoa, a giant sulfuric water lake 3 hours from the capital. We went with Dome’s (the girl that was in my house in Texas) dad and brother and a couple other exchange students. It was a cool experience. After that long week however, it was time to come back to Loja.

This month I experienced quite a few new things. This is good because it can get boring, and there is not always that much to do in Loja. Many of my friends tend to end up drinking and partying. The problem is that there are no real malls, or places to go when one is bored. Luckily I now have a gym membership which keeps me away from that bad influence. It is sad because many people I have met here are digging themselves holes, as alcohol is just about all they have. Either way that is part of exchange, you see the good and you see the bad. You just have to decide what is right. My months here are becoming less, as now there are only three left. I have learned a lot, and will continue to make the most out of my time here in Loja, Ecuador

Greetings,

Chris 

March

The month of March is now over. This month I had a couple of very unique experiences. The first of these was carnival. From March 1st until the 4th, we celebrated carnival in the nearby valley of Vilcabamba. Four days of complete craziness, carnival was spent in the town center. Here people poured water over each other, covered each other with flour and raw eggs, and also smeared food coloring on each other's clothing, body, or whatever was available. In the evening there were parties in farm houses. Almost all of Loja was there, making it a real adventure. After four tiring days filled with fun, it was time to return to Loja, back to the real world. This was the first time I had experienced a carnival, and it was very fun getting to forget about everything and just go crazy. Everyone was laughing and getting each other wet, not a single worry for four whole days. In my opinion, everybody could use a holiday like this.

That next weekend after coming back to Loja two of my classmates had birthdays, Sofie and Maria Susana. They are both very good of friends of mine, having accepted me with open arms here in Ecuador. Thus, that weekend we had two get-togethers for each of them, celebrating amongst friends and family. It was good time.

 Towards the middle of March, I received an email from my host club counselor that announced our next rotary trip. This trip was to be taken to the Galápagos Islands. This group of islands, territory of Ecuador, is known worldwide for being the place where Charles Darwin developed his theory of Evolution. Thus, having received the email of our trip being that upcoming Wednesday March 19th, I packed my bags and in no time was on the way. We arrived in the afternoon of the 19th on the island Santa Cruz, after hours in bus, airplane, and boat. Along with 40 other exchange students and several Rotarian chaperones, we had made it. I was extremely excited for this trip, as the Galápagos Islands are very famous, and it is a place not everyone gets the chance to visit. Having arrived in the afternoon, we left the hotel to go to a local beach by the name of Tortuga Bay. A beautiful beach, it was all white sand and clear water, just like in the photos. To add to that, literally swimming next to us were small sharks, sting rays, and marine iguanas(distinct to the islands). Already amazed, the next three days I experienced the rest of the wonders of the archipelago Galapagos. Each morning we went by boat to the other islands. We got to know the largest Island Isabela, as well as famous Bartolome, and the last day San Cristobal, the capital of Galapagos. Each of these tours showed us something new, as we saw all different types of animals, sea lions, dolphins, manta rays, jellyfish, giant turtles, flamingos, blue-footed birds, etc. I was extremely impressed with the trip. The animals were not afraid of us, so I was able to observe them from close up, as well as take many detailed photos. However, after four exhausting days, it was time to go home again. Satisfied and too tired to imagine, it was time to go back to Loja. Sadly, this meant another see-you-later to the other exchange students, as there are only two of us in Loja. The other being Xenia, a girl from Germany, who I have grown very close to. Overall, I would say that visiting Galapagos was well worth the time, money, and energy spent, for there is literally no other place in the world like it. For those people looking for an adventure, this place is just it.

The rest of the month I spent back at school. Everything was back to "normal" until I realized that my English teacher had asked me to be the host of an upcoming poetry contest. Having almost completely forgotten, I came to realize that this contest was to be that next day, Thursday the 27th of March. Not to worry, as I am an all-powerful exchange student, but still I was rather nervous at the idea. The thing was that this was to be my official test of my use of the Spanish language. My English teacher had selected a friend of mine, Claudia, to host as well, but she was to announce in English. I on the other hand was to translate to Spanish the same announcements. As hosts, we were to present the participants of the poetry contest, as well as give introductions, closings, and cite lines from famous poems. Being the next day, Claudia had luckily already finished up our script while I was in Galapagos. I spent that whole day going over the lines, making sure to work on my pronunciation, as this was to be a very important and very formal presentation, with no room for error. Before I knew it, it was the next morning, I was in a suit behind a podium, with a microphone set, and a crowd of 250 people in front of me. Despite my nerves and fear of messing up the words, the contest was a complete success(Message me on Facebook for a link to the video clips). Only messing up but a few pronunciations, the crowd enjoyed every bit of it. I had passed my official Spanish test for the year. The English teacher, Milton, came to me after to thank me. I would like to say that he is one of the best legitimate people I have met here in Ecuador. Although I did him a favor, I would say he has done me more of a favor with his passion for teaching. He is one of the most hardworking people I know, as it's not easy being a teacher, especially not of a foreign language. Milton also organized the event of the contest; because of this it was a success. For people like him, I am reminded that exchange is worth the missing of my family and friends back home. You get to know and care about people from different parts of the world.

The month of March was filled with emotion, and although sometimes difficult, it has been on the best. My journey continues, and so does the emotion, but slowly and surely it is coming to an end.

Febrero

The month of February has been completed. Slowly but surely my adventure is coming to an end, but I will continue to make the most of it. This month began with a couple days left of vacation. During these days, two of my classmates had birthdays. Both of them, Juancho Torres and ArlethLudeña, are very good friends of mine. I thank them for always being kind to me since the beginning of my exchange. We celebrated their birthdays together with our other classmates, dancing and singing deep into the night. 

After two weeks without school, I began to feel slightly bored, but thankfully school restarted the second week of February. School is really the best place for me here. I see all of my friends, am able to practice my Spanish, and play soccer during the breaks. Cordillera, my school, has a very great atmosphere. I am lucky to have been put into it.

Camilo, my hostbrother, is studying in a local university. During the month of February, he had no classes because of semester vacations. Since he had a whole month off, we decided to take a short trip to Vilcabamba, where we have a farm house. Leaving early a Wednesday morning, we arrived to good weather and a calm atmosphere. Here we spent three days, relaxing, swimming in the pool, making a trip to the local zoo, and also doing a tour up through the mountains with horses as our method of transportation. It was a good time, without worries about the real world. Camilo and I are really close now, like brothers. It is strange that six months ago I had no idea who he was. Exchange really opens many doors. 

After our trip to Vilcabamba, I returned to school in good spirits. My best Ecuadorian friend, Santiago had a cousin visit him from Guayaquil(another city in Ecuador). His name Eduardo, I met him and was very impressed. Although only 15 years old, Eduardo spoke to me in English using words I barely hear in the United States. He told me that he is very interested in philosophy and history and the such, having read famous philosophers like Friedrich Nietsche. Eduardo spent about two weeks here in Loja, and attended my school. Here I spent much time with him, discussing philosophicalideas, but also talking random nonsense. As he was new in my school, I helped him out and introduced him to some friends of mine. I realized that although Eduardo is from Ecuador, he was like an exchange student in my school. I could just have easily have left him hanging and not helped him out. It would have been harder for him to make friends in my school. However, I knew exactly how it felt to be the new guy. Therefore, just like the friends I have now here in Loja, who helped me to adjust at the beginning, I did the same for him.

Towards the end of February, my town, Loja, was preparing for the voting of the new mayor. Although I could not vote, it was very interesting for me to see the propagandas and campaigns of all the candidates. I was lucky enough to meet one of these candidates, Jose Bolivar Castillo, or as they call him "El Chato". Having already been mayor of Loja in the past, I had heard a little about him. It is said that when the Chato was mayor, Loja had been the 3rd cleanest city in the world, amongst other things like building the gate to the city, obtaining a giraffe for the city zoo, and upgrading the city's largest park(Jipiro). Out of pure luck I came across him in the street one day. We talked for a while, and he seemed to be a very caring man. It turns out most of Loja agreed because he won the voting and will be the next mayor of my host town. Later on I found out that he has a son studying at Texas A&M in College Station. It really is a small world.

Exchange is accompanied by many challenges, much humiliation, and I think this has changed me a lot. I am more open and understanding to differences. I have become warmer and less judging. Although I feel like basically the same person, I am witnessing how I am changing.

January

Another month has passed. I am now just about halfway into my exchange. This past month began with the 19th birthday of my host brother, Camilo. We celebrated at the house that evening, January 3rd. It was a fun time with family and friends, eating, laughing, and dancing. Camilo is like a brother to me now, we share a bond like family, and I thank him for everything he has given me. All the times he gave me a ride, all the times he helped me translate, and all the times he called from the other side of the house, Gringo vamos! I won't ever forget these moments.

Later on that week, on the 6th, we celebrated Dia de Los Reyes , or day of the kings, in my school. This day is in remembrance of the three wise kings that gave gifts to baby Jesus. Ecuador, being mainly Roman Catholic, thus celebrates this day. At school, we dressed up with outfits like the kings and recited some words about that day. This was interesting, as it showed me more of the Ecuadorian culture.



Also this past month, I spent some time doing exercise, because I am gaining notable weight. Jogging with a couple of my friends, body resistance exercises, and cycling are some things I do to
keep in shape, not to mention the weekly indoor soccer matches with my classmates. It feels good knowing that I'm at least doing something to keep off the exchange weight.

For the first time, I fed the chickens at my host home here in Ecuador. Mixing two giant sacks of chicken food in a large container, it was neat doing something new like this. It seems I am becoming more Texan here with my inner farmer being put to work.



Around mid-January my class went to a nearby school to work with some younger kids. We did some group activities and played  games, things like that. It was very fun, for the kids loved me, the Gringo. In fact, before we left some asked me for my autograph and name so that they could add me on Facebook. Later on that week, I received several friend requests from the little guys, and a message saying, "when will you guys come back to our school?" It feels great knowing you've impacted someone, even if it's a little.




Towards the end of the month, my friend Roberto had a small get-together for his birthday. It was a good time and I thank him for the friendship he has given me.

Shortly after Roberto's birthday, I was struck with a cold. I have been sick several times here in Ecuador, and every time I am, a bit of extra homesickness kicks in. Luckily though, my host dad is a doctor and takes care of me when necessary. In general, my host family always looks out for my well being. They're some good people I can tell you that.

On the 22nd of January, my best Ecuadorian friend Santiago turned 17. This guy has helped me since the beginning. At school he introduced me to everyone, he lent me some hoodies because I only brought one to Ecuador, he gave me rides, he always invited me to eat at his house, and many other things that would extend the list too much. For his birthday we had a small party at his house. Here, alongside friends, we spent a great night together, singing and laughing, a night I will never forget. Santiago hopes to go on exchange next year as well, and with his personality and kind approach to everyone, all I can say is he'll have an amazing year abroad.

The day after Santiago's birthday, his little brother, Jose, and I, went out on bikes, following a little trail
through the forest. This was a great experience as we spent time together talking, and ended up bathing in the river.




At the end of January, we began a two week vacation, the end of first semester. My host family along with three other families in the past would always go to the beach in Peru during this time. This year it was no different, so on the 31st of January we packed our bags, and 6 hours later were in the small beach town of Mancora, Peru. Here we stayed in a lovely little beach house for five days. Swimming in the pool, tanning, eating seafood until one could not eat anymore, shopping for souvenirs, bathing in the ocean, and on the final day swimming with giant turtles, this trip was amazing. Like a true family I was able to enjoy time in another new country.







Exchange takes you places you would next expect.
I am almost halfway now, and am overly excited to see what the future holds.

December

2013 has finally come to an end, but the adventure continues. This past month of December I experienced many things that I will not easily forget. Beginning the month, a group of friends and I went on a biking trip to the valley of Vilcabamba. This three hour ride was difficult with the terrain being of dirt and rock. Although a challenge, I enjoyed the thrills of the downhill slopes as the wind blew through my hair. After several breaks, and a lengthy ride uphill we made it the small town of Vilcabamba. Here we spent the afternoon with other classmates, enjoying the sun while bathing in the cool waters of our friends pool.

Throughout the month of December, nine times to be exact, I attended a sort of Christmas bible study in where the stories of Christmas were read. After analyzing the stories and their themes, we sang Christmas songs together. One evening, I was asked to sing Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer in English. I ended up singing quite lovely, or so they told me. We would finish off the nights with food and drink. These "bible studies" were very enjoyable, as they showed me more of the Ecuadorian culture in a religious sense, as well as brought me closer to many of the people in attendance.

Closing in on Christmas, my excitement was growing for the time of getting gifts and eating lots of food. However, a trip to a local village showed me that for some, Christmas does not mean receiving gifts, nor food. With my school, we went to visit kids from the local school. Here we were paired up with a "Christmas sibling", a student around the ages 5-13. Now these children came from very poor families, walking up steep hills several kilometers in order to attend the small, poorly constructed school. Receiving many gifts and eating more than necessary were not in the minds of these little guys. For this reason, our school came with gifts and baskets full of food and other goodies. My "sibling" was named Brayan David. A 12 year old, skinny, dark-toned boy, the smile on his and his mothers face when I handed over the gift and the food is something I cannot forget. That whole day we spent together, playing little games, conversing, eating, and dancing to festive holiday music. Then, of course, it was time to come home, and leave the wonderful children we had only just met. And so, this day, taught me that although many of us face challenges daily, we must be thankful for what we have, be it very little, for there are many people in today's world that still have almost nothing.

About a week before Christmas vacation, our class went on a trip to a nearby school to attend an anti-drug/alcohol conference. Here we watched a movie about the damages of drugs and alcohol, met and spoke with two ex-addicts about their experiences, and conversed about the common issues modern teenagers are experiencing. This was a very interesting and eye-opening event. Listening to the ex-addicts' stories, showed me the dangers of alcohol and drugs.
A week later, school was out and Christmas vacation began. That first Friday out of school, I went to the movies with some friends. The film was called No se Aceptan Devoluciones. Completely in Spanish, I was surprised to see that I understood almost the entirety of the movie. Slowly and surely, I can now see, my Spanish is advancing. After four months, I have greatly improved my use of the language. That same day, later at night our class had a formal Christmas dinner. Accompanied by my host parents, this event was not only fun but emotional. Together with parents and classmates, pictures were taken, food was eaten, and secret Santa gifts were passed out. After the dinner, we danced until dawn. I am extremely grateful to all my classmates for this night, and the friendships they have given me.

As Christmas approached, I kept thinking in the back of my head how strange it was to be away from family at this festive time of year. However, my family here has been so kind to me, that I felt, and still feel, just as much at home. Despite this, I felt it necessary to at least add a little bit of my own Christmas tradition. For this reason, the Saturday 21st of December, I decided to show my host family something my family does in Texas during the holidays. Thus, around 6 in the afternoon, we got together at the dining table for, in German "Kaffeetrinken" or "drinking of coffee". The table was set with German Christmas treats like Stollen and Kekse which we had found at a local German store. Also on the table was a wreath with four candles. For each Sunday in the month of December, for each Advent it is to say, one lights a candle until the Sunday before Christmas. It happened to be a Saturday but the idea is the same. So with four candles lit and German Christmas music in the background, we ate and conversed together, just like I used to back home. It is funny to note, that I was celebrating a German tradition in Ecuador while coming from Texas. It seems the world is not so big after all.

Christmas was, to summarize, a time of true joy. The night of the 24th I went to eat and open presents at the houses of both sets of my host-grandparents. To my surprise, I even received gifts from my host family. I am extremely grateful for the kindness I have been given.   

Shortly after Christmas, my host family and I went on a two day trip to the Southern part of the Amazon rainforest, near the town of Zamora. Here we went on a tour passing in boat through canyons and a labyrinth made of rock. To cool off, we bathed in a small body of water with a waterfall at the edge. This trip was a fun way for me to continue bonding with my host family.

New Years in Ecuador is another one of many adventures that I have experienced. During the day of the 31st, along with my host brother and our neighbors(three very friendly girls that are like sisters to me), we packed together balls of newspaper and stuffed them into a set of clothes sewed together like a little man. Later that evening we got together with the rest of the family and burned the man of newspaper, representing the old year falling into the past, being replaced with the new. In the afternoon prior to the reunion of the family, I dressed up with some friends as a girl. Then, with our skirts and wigs, we walked out into the street, at a stoplight to ask for money. This is an Ecuadorian tradition in where one dresses as a women, dances in the street, and thus receives a couple cents from each car. By the end of the afternoon we had made around eighty dollars. At night we popped fireworks, and burnt the little man(the old year). It was very interesting seeing the difference in traditions between my real family and the family of Ecuador. Continuing all night long, enjoying the companionship and celebrating the new year, I finally got home at 6 that next morning.

Over four months have officially been completed in Ecuador. Every day I look back and realize how much I am changing. I hope to continue this journey with the happiness I have been feeling.



Chris Petsch