La Gringa Actually Goes to School

by Devan Bey

Student's lounging by the big UEES sign.

This is a much more domestic post concerning the daily life of an exchange student (as much as my blog likes to suggest, I do not spend every moment travelling this glorious country). In fact, most of my days are spent doing relatively mundane tasks; attending class, walking back and forth from school, and wondering when I get to eat (that last one usually takes precedence).

La Gringa Visits Cuenca

by Devan Bey

Cajas National Park, Cuenca

As a visitor to Ecuador, it is impossible not to hear about Cuenca. The nation's third largest city, Cuenca has an impossibly pure reputation. The city is adored by visitors and residents alike, all of whom blast praises about it to anyone who will listen. Cuenca boasts a long history; originally founded by the Cañari indigenous group who were later defeated by the Inca warriors as they battled their way through Ecuador.

La Gringa Goes to Baños

by Devan Bey

Baños from above.

We reached Baños after a hysterically long seven and a half hour bus ride. It was one of those where trips that should last maybe six hours at the most, but then every minute after that simply increases the misery. Six other international students and myself fell off that dreaded bus, exhausted but pleased to have arrived in Baños, a town in the Sierra (in Ecuador, that refers to the mountains). We had heard of its healing powers and after a tremendously long week, we decided it was necessary to have some adventures and refresh ourselves before exams the following week.

La Gringa Is Cleansed

by Devan Bey

Beautiful city of Otavalo at night.

Most days I don't take off my clothes in front of people. Most days I don't allow small women to spit alcohol on me and rub eggs on my hair. Most days I don't worry that I'll have to stand over a fire with additional flames being shot at me from all angles. But Wednesday, August 28th was a different kind of day. It was completely wild, new, and amazing. I experienced something new, something special. I allowed myself to take an adventurous step, which was the idea behind my trip to this beautiful country. I'm so proud of the experience and it'll be a tough one to forget.

This voyage began in the small town of Otavalo, a charming and historical city northeast of Quito. The city is known for its indigenous market place, which boasts a mass of stalls and colorful people and objects. Several dozen vendors convene in the Plaza de los Ponchos to sell (usually) handcrafted wares; alpaca clothing, dolls, belts, jewelry, textiles, and much, much more. The city offers the buyer a variety of items and the chance to bargain for them (a skill which I admittedly lack. I was able to talk a lady down on a pair of earrings by $2.00.)

La Gringa Makes (International) Friends

by Devan Bey

Wow, that's a lot of people. Credit to UEES Abroad Facebook page.

After more than a week in Ecuador, I've got some serious reporting to do. I'll start somewhat lightly. On the first night, after 20 or so hours of traveling, I arrived to the Quito to greet my new (only) best friends in the nation, the estudiantes de intercambio (exchange students). Exhausted and reeling from the altitude and the trip, I stumbled into the Hotel Tambo Real, a modern outfit located conveniently across the street from the local McDonald's and KFC.

La Gringa Goes Far from Home

by Devan Bey

Heading out of Oregon, feelin' sentimental.

Ecuador is so far away. I'm realizing that every moment as I wait for a speaker to invite me onto an airplane that will take me out of my country and even further out of my comfort zone. If it seems like I'm being dramatic... well I might be. As a first time international traveler, I don't know exactly how to feel. It's a strange feeling to crave the past while waiting impatiently for the future. Yup, I'm floating in a jar of what they call "mixed emotions," not sure if I'm up or down, about to faint or dance.

After an emotionally intense goodbye to my mom and boyfriend, I'm still a little dazed. The good news is that I'm about to undertake the biggest adventure of my life. In many ways, this trip is a personal test. As an aspiring anthropologist, it is an opportunity to grow close to people, ways of life, ideas, and places that have never crossed my mind. How could I not benefit from visiting somewhere new? What do I stand to lose? Even if I get robbed or lost in a jungle, I'm going to come out of that situation with a brand new perspective and a whole lot of stories to tell when I get home. Maybe I'll even find a second home, or a third.