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

November

I have now completed the month of November in Loja, Ecuador. This last month I went fishing with my host parents. We drove out to a little man-made lake where you  fish your own fish to take home and eat. The fishing pole was a long wooden stick. It may not be super technology but I caught 10 fish within 20 minutes. This time spent with my host parents was a very good experience. I was able to connect with them super well.
>Later on in November I had my first marching band experience. After many Saturdays having to wake up early in the morning for band practice it was finally time for the parade. Although originally meant to play the Bombo I was changed because I had missed so many practices for rotary trips. Instead I played the Tenor drum. I was given my own marching band uniform; it was awesome. Walking through the parade playing the drum amongst the other ecuadorians made me feel as part of them. When they called my school's name on the microphone as we passed the authorities, I felt so proud. Never would I have thought to be marching in the small town of Loja amongst thousands of Ecuadorian people, as if I were one of them.
> In order to keep in shape my counselors offered me to swim in their pool and use their gym. I have been going after school several times a week. It's pretty cool because I am the only one, without distractions.
> This month I went on another rotary trip. This time we went to the Amazon rainforest. On this trip I saw hundreds of different types of plants and animals; it was amazing. We stayed in a lodge literally within the jungle. However, this time I was sad to leave my town, even for just a few days. I am really becoming accustomed to this place, as if it were my true home.
>Last weekend, I went with some friends to another concert. Spanish music is really growing on me. There is something about the language that gives it its own sort of strength in emotion.
>Xenia, the other exchange student in Loja, and I, were brought to a sort of peace conference at another high school last week. We were presented as special guests. When they called my name the entire audience cheered for me. I felt rather strange, because I felt like I had done nothing to deserve applause. After the conference many students from the high school asked me to take pictures with them. It was as if I were famous. It is so amazing to be accepted by the people here. I feel at peace with myself, knowing that I am wanted. It brings me true happiness.
>Last night, I had some friends over and together we made a Mexican dish, sopaipillas. They are a delicious a treat that I used to eat back home at a local Mexican restaurant. We spent the whole night laughing and enjoying our time together. That moment when I saw all of us together laughing and just being happy I knew that exchange was the best decision I've ever made. 
 Being able to see such a different world is something that most will never ever be able to experience. I am so thankful,  even though I did miss American Thanksgiving. Three months have been completed and I cannot wait to see what the future holds.

October

I have now completed over two months in the beautiful country of Ecuador. October was filled with many different activities. The first week of the month I went to a concert of the band El Tercer Mundo. It was so fun/ny being with all my friends even though I knew none of the words to the songs, I just hummed along. I am beginning to really enjoy Latino music.

 This month I ate a very typical Ecuadorian food known as Cuy. It translates in English to guinea pig. It honestly tasted just like chicken, basically the same, except for the fact that when you finish you can still see its face smiling up at you.

We celebrated the birthday of my host-grandfather this month. It was a very good time as I was able to see how close the family is here. Two exchange students visited my town, they are Matts from Germany and Johnny from Brazil. We spent the weekend hanging out, going to parties, and also visiting the small town of Vilcabamba. It felt good being amongst other exchange students. That weekend in the valley of the Vilcabamba we picked fruits off the trees from my farm. They were very delicious but I think they made me sick because the next morning I was not feeling too well. In fact, I received food poisoning most probably from these very fruits. That is okay though because the tastiness of the fruit was well worth it. Mid-October I went on another Rotary trip. This time we went to the beach, specifically in the province of Manabi. Although I was robbed of some money at the hotel, I had the time of my life marching in parades, sitting by the bonfire, and swimming in the waters of Crucita, Bahía, and Manta beaches. All this was done with 150 other exchange students. It is difficult to explain how amazing that experience was.

After arriving back in Loja I was informed by the parents of the girl(Dome) in my house in Texas that I could come to Quito to visit them for the week. Thus, after being home for three days, I packed my stuff back up, got on a plane, and headed to Quito. Here I spent a week viewing the city as a good 'ol tourist. I went to see many churches, visited the center of the earth, went to a traditional Ecuadorian market, and swam in a waterfall. Quito is a beautiful city in the mountains. A very large city, it stretches across the valleys, seemingly endless. It is very hard to describe how amazing this place is. Tomorrow I will go camping in the mountain of Cotopaxi. Never would I have imagined that I would be in the country of Ecuador camping on the edges of a towering snowcapped mountain.

 Having spent almost a third of my time here now in Ecuador, I'm truly becoming accustomed to my surroundings. More and more I realize how much I am maturing. I feel like I'm an adult now, it is hard to explain how much I am changing. This exchange has brought me so much happiness and understanding of who I am as a person. Viewing the spectacular images of nature and colonial structures in Quito, showed me what beauty the world has to offer. I am so fortunate to be in a place like this. I am truly blessed.
Long live Ecuador.

MY PICTURES

La galería de cpet32 en Flickr.

September

The first week in September, I went on my first rotary trip to Salinas. In Salinas, I met over 60 other exchange students. I was immediately able to develop strong relationships with them as if they were my family. We spent the week in Salinas at a resort. This place was so beautiful; it was right on the beach with pools, buffet all-you-can-eat, basically I was living the life. The purpose of this trip was actually to learn Spanish so during the day we spent our time taking Spanish classes. However, being at the beach, I was sometimes distracted. After five days and four nights I had to say goodbye to people from countries all over the world that I had become so close to. It was very hard knowing that I would not see them for a while. However I know that the point of exchange is to meet Ecuadorians and not to spend too much time with other exchange students. The next weekend after having returned from Salinas, Xenia, the other exchange student in my city from Germany, and I, took a small bus by ourselves to Cuenca which is 3 1/2 hours away. Here we spent the night with a Rotarian. We came to Cuenca in order to register our visas. In doing so all by ourselves I was able to realize how mature I have really become. I have to do these things by myself now, I have no mommy to help me. We also spent the weekend in Cuenca and went to a small village outside of the city. Here we ate a delicious fish called Trucha. It was very good, and I ate the whole fish including the spine which was rather odd. After returning home, it meant back to school. Now, school is becoming more and more fun every day. My Spanish is improving drastically. I'm able to communicate well and have made very good friends including one in specific named Santiago. He and I spend much time together, playing soccer, hanging out, and going to parties. It is very fun with him; he's very kind and always invites me to eat but sometimes I feel bad because I don't ever pay. Several times a week my friends and I go to synthetic soccer fields in the city and we play soccer, I really enjoy this. It is because I am at times bored and exercise helps me keep my mind off of the homesickness. Exercise is really one of the important things that keeps me going. In school, specifically literature, we have begun to read a book called Pedro Paramo. It is a very difficult book because it is filled with metaphors, and it is the first Spanish book that I have read. I am able to understand a little, but hopefully by the end of this year I will be able to understand the book fully. On September 19th, my host dad had his birthday. Camilo, my host brother, and I, printed out a poster with some words of thanks and congratulations. We also had some pictures of us with my host dad, printed onto the poster. It felt good to see the smile on his face that morning when we handed him the poster, as if he were true family. On September 26th (which is also the birthday of my mother back home), Ecuador celebrates the day of the flag (Día de la Bandera). In school, we celebrated by marching around the building. The top students of the school, those with the best grades, carried the national, Lojano, and school flag around the courtyard. This was an interesting experience in that I have never marched like this before, not to mention we were required to do so with white gloves. I have joined the school marching band, and am playing the bombo. I don't actually know what it's called in English, but it's the big drum. I am super excited in that I love percussion. On November 18, marking Lojano independence, we will march together through the city, playing several traditional songs. In reference to food, I am now basically accustomed. One of my favorite things that I've eaten is guata, which is the stomach part of a pig mixed with rice and potatoes, it is very delicious. My host brother and I have spent two Sundays cooking dinner together; we made strawberry pancakes with bacon, they were delicious. In doing so I have spent much time with him and I'm able to talk to him and bond with him very well. Camilo, my host brother, and I, are becoming very close. In two weeks I will be going on another trip with the exchange students. I'm very excited for I'm able to communicate with them what I cannot with the other Ecuadorians: the fact that they are experiencing the same thing as I, helps me to cope. Time has been flying here in Ecuador and I'm really enjoying it. As I am accustoming myself to the school, growing stronger in my relationships with my friends and my host family, I'm starting to separate myself from what I left at home. This is a good thing, and it is marking the true beginning of my exchange as I know I'm becoming a true Ecuadorian.

Hope everything is going well at home