Journals from Abroad
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Journal: Trevor Downey: Ecuador
June 13, 2007
 Trevor Downey |
When friends asked about my plans for this summer and I told them about my cultural exchange opportunity, many of them seemed quite impressed. I was always a bit surprised by the intensity of their reaction, but not because I didn't appreciate the chance to spend two months in Ecuador's capital city, Quito. This being my first trip truly abroad and alone, no real gauge existed to elicit a well-developed expectation. Already after a week and a half here, my gratefulness has increased and my appreciation has become more defined.
I arrived late June 1 at Mariscal Sucre Airport. Flying in, I sat next to a Quito native who pointed out the lights below, indicating that my four-hour flight from Miami was almost over.
The darkness at 9 p.m. obscured much of the city for me that first night. I missed the rigid peaks that enclosed the city. I missed the thousands of homes stacked upon the sides of mountains and volcanoes. I passed through customs easily despite minute fears of trouble, and I was glad to see Ronaldo, the IAESTE coordinator, beckoning me with a personalized sign.
The taxi drive from the airport was short. I should have realized then that the small but busy airport in Quito would be a constant presence for me as planes land noisily in the crowdedness of the city, descending over the tops of businesses and homes.
The darkness tainted my view of my interim home, but I could tell from building-packed streets, as well as the sturdy concrete and steel barriers surrounding the perimeter of every lot, that my new neighborhood did not have the same warmth as my cozy suburban upbringing.
However, after being welcomed into a very accommodating house by an older couple and their three kids, I felt like I hadn't really left home. This was the first of many instances in which I would learn that outward appearances do indicate some truth, like the unfamiliar security measures revealed the precarious nightlife of my neighborhood, but they by no means define the object, in this case, my family or the city. Quickly, my Ecuadorian home and family became very comfortable.
Since then, I have begun working at Grupo Novatech, a successful IT company serving the business software needs of several companies in Ecuador, Colombia and Peru.
 In the Andes |
Last weekend, I traveled with a group of IAESTE students and others from around the globe (with representatives from Switzerland, Finland, Spain, Israel and Germany) on a 2 1/2-hour bus ride snaking along the Andes Mountains, past the geographical center of the world, La Mitad del Mundo, to the town of Mindo, which is known to attract butterflies and avid bird watchers worldwide. Enjoying the sunrise in the midst of our toucan spotting tour, our guide directed us towards serene views of cascades and along paths frequented by mariposas.
I'm far from home and much more than my Spanish is being tested.
