So as you folks can probably tell by the title, I've got just about a month left before I get on that terrifying economic class flight back to the states. And I decided that the best way to process this change (Which I don't do well with by the way) is to make a couple lists...So here they are.
What I will miss about Ecuador:
1. The people. The people I've met (AKA Andrea, Kacey, Anna, Gustave, and Robert) have impacted me in a way that I don't think they'll ever realize. Thanks guys, you're the bomb. Also, the people I haven't met, the people in the streets that are willing to help me find Quicentro for the first time, the man that saw I was struggling to get my balance in an Ecovia and gave me his seat, I'll miss that for sure.
2. The cheapness of food and public transport. Need to travel an hour to the airport? $2. Want a meal of soup, juice and a plate of whatever´s on the menu for the day? $2. Want 20 mandarinas? $2. It's going to be quite the sticker shock going back home, that's for sure.
3. Getting to speak Spanish all. The. Time. Seriously going to miss that, it's my biggest dream to become fluent in Spanish (Other than being a famous musician, but let's be real) and having the opportunity to have full out conversations outside of class is so fulfilling.
4. Being in South America. It's like America...But south. And it's freaking sweet. I guess that includes the outrageous wildlife, unique cities, and mountains that you can't even imagine the scale of. However, I have to say I'm pretty partial to the diversity of Ecuador. You can be in the mountains, in the city, in the jungle, and on the beach all in the same day.
5. The school. KSC is not my favorite school. Also, USFQ has the most beautiful campus I've ever seen, although it doesn't make much sense.
6. Being so active and fit without even trying. This is the life I've always wanted to live: Eat oreos every day, lose weight. I'm one of those people that I used to hate in high school that could eat whatever she wanted without getting fat.
7. Learning what it´s like being the minority
8. MACHU PICCHU. No that's not Ecuador, but it was awesome.
What I WON'T miss...
1. Not being with my superhero husband, my best (slightly mad scientist) friend, and the awesome sidekicks called my family.
2. I have to say, food and transport is cheap, but if you have a technical
issue, or need to rent an apartment...Good luck. Also, a small
deodorant is like $6. Crazy!
3. Using and learning a whole bunch of words used in daily
conversation that I won't be able to use with anyone outside of Ecuador.
Quichua is awesome, but doesn't have a wide range. So goodbye to
Chumada, Chuchachi, Aychichi, Ayiyi, Guagua, Naña and so many more.
4.Getting almost run over every day. Although it keeps you fit and your life exciting, so this could be a pro as well.
5. The campus at USFQ makes NO SENSE. If you go there, you know. If you
don't, just imagine several rooms that are supposed to be in the same
building, in different buildings. And 3 buildings in one. I still don't
know my way around.
6. TRIPE AND BLOOD SOUP. Why is this a thing?
7. Learning what it's like being the minority. The staring is hard to get used to.
8.The men. While I don't want to generalize by any means, I am so sick
and tired of being whistled at, kissed at, called all sorts of things
(Doll, child, baby, love) by random creepy men on the street.
I have so much more I could say about this country, so maybe I'll write a book someday. I'm not who I was, and I think that's a good thing. Thanks Ecuador (and Peru), it's been an experience of a lifetime.
