La Casa Abierta (the school's open house)

On Friday, the whole school put on an open house.  During the open house students from all grades showed off what they've been learning.  Students displayed their work in science and math through a wide variety of experiments and hands on learning activities.  Students performed traditional Ecuadorian dances.  Students dressed up in outfits from different historical periods throughout the history of Ecuador, and put on a small play to display their knowledge of the different time periods.  There were a wide variety of arts and crafts, food, and other demonstrations all done by students.  This open house was an amazing display of students' talents and knowledge, and helped me learn even more about the culture of Ecuador.

Products made from recycled materials

 Kindergarteners cooking!

 Swans made of paper

The Panecillo

Friday night, my host family took me to the Panecillo.  It is 3,000 meters above sea level and nestled into the heart of Quito.  The Panecillo is topped by a giant aluminum sculpture known as the "Virgin of Quito." The sculpture stands very tall in the center of the city, and can be seen from very far away.  Once at the top, we walked around the whole sculpture and saw the many wonderful  views of the city (North, South, historical center).   It's beautiful to go at night because the city litghts shine for miles.  After climbing down we walked around the shops surrounding the Panecillo, listened to local music, and  drank Canelazo.  Canelazo is a traditional hot drink made with Arguardiente, naranjilla, sugar and cinnamon.  Also the alcoholic version contains a strong vodka.  It's muy rica! We walked to the edge of the Panecillo grounds and looked over the amazing view of the South side of the city.  My host sister (Amy), and I ended the night by riding horses circling the edge of the Panecillo.  I can't remember the last time I rode a horse, and nearly fell on my face when trying to get off.  Everyone had a good laugh from that incident.  Overall the view from the top was amazing, and the pictures posted below do not capture the amazing view.

 Inside the Panecillo 

Virgin of Quito sculpture 

View of the Historical Center from the top

Inside of the sculpture

View of the South side of Quito

Trip to La Paz

My first weekend trip was to a small town North of Quito.  We packed 7 people into a car that only seats 5, and made the four-hour trip to La Paz, Ecuador. Too many people in one car is normal here, also no one wears a seat belt, and people drive pretty crazy.  Despite the over packed car, the drive was beautiful filled with views of mountains, diverse landscapes, flower gardens, and much more. We arrived in La Paz late that evening at the home of my host dad's mother.  We were greeted with lots and lots of food including potatoes, soup, chicken and rice, and dessert.   Ecuador has over 200 different types of potatoes, making them a common staple in many meals here.  The potatoes were cooked, and we ate them with our hands by dipping them into salt water; it seems odd but they were muy ricas delicious!  The house we stayed in was ginormous, there were at least 10 full size beds scattered throughout the house, making it a comfortable sleep for everyone.  The next morning we made the short five minute drive to the mountains of La Paz.  The view was absolutely breathtaking, with waterfalls were scattered throughout the area.  We hiked around the mountains, and then made our way down to the famous cave in La Paz.  The cave was filled with lots of candles and people, and was amazing on the inside.  Following the cave, we went to lunch at a local place famous for their meat.  The meal was delicious, and my host dad (pictured) was very excited about his meal.  It only cost him $7 for that entire plate of food! It's crazy how cheap the food is here compared to the states.  After lunch we wandered around the deserted town; it's crazy how different this small town seemed compared to the bustling city of Quito.  We made it back to the house, stocked up on supplies from the little store owned by the mom of my host dad, and made out way back home.  It was a wonderful weekend filled with a lot of new cultural experiences. 

 The house we stayed at 

 The mountains of La Paz

Inside the cave

 View from the top of the cave

My host dad vey excited about his meal 

my host sister (Amy) and I in the center of La Paz
 

On our way home we stopped in the town of Otavalo.  The town is famous for its hand made goods by the indigenous people in Ecuador.  There were many beautiful things (bags, clothes, jewelry blankets, and much more) and unfortunately I only brought $30.  I ended up buying a duffle bag ($15) , earrings ($5), long warm socks ($4), and a change purse ($1).  I was being very indecisive about what I wanted to buy, and one of the ladies finally spoke in English to my saying "What's your price?"  My host family thought the comment was hilarious and continue to laugh about it.

La Escuela (the school)

Everything about Quitumbe is different from the schools I have taught at in the United States.  The school is k-12 and located on the south side of Quito.  There are about three classes per grade, and each class has 35 students or more.  With these giant class sizes, you would expect giant classrooms, but the classrooms barely have enough room to fit the students' desks.   The school has a very large campus, and is surrounded by beautiful mountains in the background.  I love the outside campus, because  I don't feel like I am stuck inside all day. The school day starts at 7 am and students leave at 1 pm.  It has definitely been a struggle for me to wake up at 5:30 AM every morning, but I am starting to get used to the early morning routine. Teachers are required to stay, plan, or attend professional meetings until 3 pm.  I teach English to about 6 classes a day to students in grades 2, 3, & 5. The behavior management in the classrooms is very different here (minimal), and students are wild.  I was shocked to find out that during students recess there is no supervision.  Students are free to run around the large campus and play wherever they wish.  There are several security guards on staff who are located in different parts of the school, but in many areas no one is watching the kids.  Students address teachers by their first name or call them "profe." Despite the craziness of the students, they are very loving, I am constantly being greeted with a stampede of hugs upon entering the classroom. On my first day when I introduced myself to my classes, students responded with a huge round of a applause, making me feel very welcomed.  Overall the staff is very friendly and welcoming, and I am enjoying my time at the school.

Historical Center

On my first day in Quito, I had the opportunity to explore the historical center with my host brother, Pablo. We walked around the area, and everything appeared completely different from what I am accustomed to. There are many small stores filled with food and toiletries for sale, lots of people selling food and goods on the street, and absolutely nothing in this area is commercialized. We took their new puppy, (perrorito) to the vet, which is very different from any vet I've been to before. There are puppies running around everywhere. We walk in and go straight to see a veterinarian. The door is left open the whole time as I watch other dogs run around the place. The little puppy receives his pills, and we are off to walk around to more places in the area.  I am lucky because I live very close to the historical center, it is about a ten minute walk from my house.  

I have arrived!

I have arrived in Quito Ecuador, greeted by my welcoming host mom, Yadira (Yadi for short), and my host dad, Pablo.  My flight left Indy at 6 AM, and I arrived in Quito at 10:30 PM. A big sign with my name on it and two smiling faces greeted me at the airport after my long day of travel.  My family lives in the historical center of Quito, which is home to many beautiful churches, buildings, and lots to do.  My host parents were eager to talk about all the wonderful things in Quito, during the 50-minute car ride to their house.  The view from my family’s house (pictured) is amazing, I don’t think I am ever going to get used to looking out the window every morning.  The rest of my family consists of Pablo (22), Daniela (20), Amy (10), and Lacerita (grandma).  Daniela is studying abroad in Costa Rica right now, so I am living in her room, and unfortunately will not get to meet her.  Upon arriving at the house, we sat down and had a delicious warm tea called agua caliente.  I also ate some traditional Ecuadorian snacks including white cheese dipped in manjar (dulce de leche), and some cake. Also forgot to mention, but my family does not speak English.  Pablo the son knows a little bit, but for the most part I am really going to be putting my Spanish to use.  Even though communication is a little difficult right now (they talk very fast), I feel very welcomed, and I know I am going to like it here.