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.

Big shiny lake.

Anyway, I'd like to thank you for taking an interest in my blog. If you don't know me, my name is Devan and I am studying abroad in Guayaquil, Ecuador for the next four-ish months. It's encouraging to know that there are family, friends, and even strangers interested in reading about my experiences. As I explained, I have never left the United States. Well, I left once before (with my blogmate and m8 Matt) and passed less than 24 hours in Vancouver, BC. It was fun, but not entirely satisfying due to its brevity and the fact that Vancouver is kind of right there. This time, I'm going much further for much longer.

The blog will be about my experiences studying abroad in Guayaquil, Ecuador. You'll begin to understand me as somewhat aloof, not very observant, and muy gringa. I may get a little analyze-y as an anthropologist in training should, but sometimes I might just describe the time I fell off a mountain and include a picture of that event.

Just before landing in Los Angeles.

I'll be living in Ecuador for four-ish months with a host family which appears to be very kind and welcoming. (My host mom emailed me stating "You are my exchange daughter number 12 and I have loved all of them and I try to be a good mother so that they don't feel sad because they are far from their homes and their families.") Needless to say, I'm so excited to meet the Encalada family, which consists of mom and dad, two daughters and one son, all older than myself.

Other than experiencing another country, one of my major goals is to improve my Spanish skills (there's bound to be awkward moments aplenty so if none of this other stuff strikes your fancy, maybe my personal embarrassment is reason enough to give the blog a chance). I'll be sharing the experience with at least 30 other exchange students, who I hope to make friends with along with some Ecuatorianos. I'm greedy for friends from all over the world!

I've said a lot about myself. From here on out, its not just plain old me talking about plain old me things. It's plain old me talking about living in South America! Thank you for taking an interest in my experiences studying abroad. I hope to update this blog very frequently so I can adequately express everything that I gain and learn from my trip.

P.S. You guys! Don't wait until you're at the gate to buy food. I thought I could pull one over by skipping the McDonald's and the Panda Express at the entrance of the international terminal! Don't be fooled, the house always wins. I've started learning already... one $15 salad later.