It's weird meeting people in real life that you've talked to on Facebook for a lot of time, especially if you don't recognize them... just thought I should get that out! We traveled from 6:30am until 6:30pm to the place that should have only taken five hours to get to. The first night we had a bunch of rules, and then there was free time where mostly everyone (including me) was thrown into the pool with the clothes on.
The next day I would say was definitely my favorite, as it was a full beach day. That meant an awful sunburn, of course, but by far worth it. We played on the beach for so long, and it reminded me of a cruise because it was like our own private island. It also felt really nice to speak English with people that would understand expressions and if I talked fast and used bigger words. I know, I should be practicing, but it was vacation and it was fantastic. When we were returning from the island on a boat, it hit a HUGE wave so everyone was soaked. I was pretty okay with the wet part because I stayed on the beach until practically right before we left. Then, it got super cold and there was spray everywhere and I found it so funny and miserable at the same time. We rode these things called Banana Boat, which were fun but not fast enough for me. On the boat, we tried to shove people off, and I got Lea off one time and Ashley another. The one with Lea (from Germany) was so funny because our boat kind of ran out of gas so they drove us as far in and then we swam while we just saw her head bobbing in the water. I don't think I'll ever forget the image of her sitting in the boat while the worker was paddling it back in. The second time was just boring, so I told Ashley she was going off the boat and as she said "Bring it" she moved her hand to her hair and I pushed her off. After that, it was kind of more boring so we just planned to all jump off. I love the beach. We went to a view afterwards, and it was super pretty and made me really wish I lived in Crucita. That was pretty much just a huge picture taking session, which is always fun. That night was the talent night, and I thought Brasil did the best job because they danced capoeira and, well, I wish I was Brasilian. After was more dancing and more talking.
The next day we went to Portoviejo, which is a city that has a lot of exchange students in it. It really made me realize how lucky I am to live in a city as safe as Ambato. Lea and I went to go buy coco water, and when we looked up the parade had already turned and my heart almost stopped because all the Ecuadorians were watching and walking towards us. The parade was almost fun, because of the talking with so many people, but it was so hot. I had been wearing a shirt but during the parade, fun times, I changed into a dress, so I got even more burnt. After we went to an artesenal market and I had fun buying everything. Unfortunately the two hats I bought, one for me and one for my mom from here who just turned 50, got lost/stolen. After we spent more time at the beach, but not really in it, just jumping around and taking pictures. That night was a bonfire on the beach, so I played in the water which was so nice. The water was extremely warm, there was no sun to burn me, there was music with the videos playing, and dancing is just a bunch funner in the water.
The next day, oh the last day, how fast it came. We had more beach time, played tug-of-war and watched others play volleyball. It was just a really long time to relax on the beach, which was very much appreciated. That night we went on Chiva buses throughout Portoviejo I think, which is a bus with a live band. I thought it would be like a dance floor, but there were seats and not room to dance, so we stood in the back in something that slightly resembled a cage. My friend from Canada, Amanda (Amanada, cute nickname huh?) had to pee really badly the whole time, and she finally just couldn't take it anymore. She sat down in the back, thank gosh we were in the back on this wood platform, and peed. That image is another one that I highly doubt I will ever get out of my head. After we elected the King and Queen of the camp, one boy from the USA and one girl from Switzerland and then had a fancy dinner and dance. I LOVE TO DANCE WITH ROTARY PEOPLE SO MUCH! At around 3:00am we returned to Crucita, and then we all just talked for a while and ate.
The next morning I was nervous because I still had to pack and we hadn't set an alarm. We woke up around, well I don't know but I was told I had five minutes until we were going to leave. I freaked out and chucked everything in my suitcase, which included my wallet so I thought I had lost it which scared me half to death. The way back I slept for a lot of it and talked for another part of it. I have to admit, returning to Ambato was, well for lack of a better phrase, a slap in the face. Back to school and no relaxing on the beach in the warm sand watching the other exchange students shirtless. However, I'm glad about the fact there's not much seafood here, and I love the group of people we have in the city. I defintely wish there were more than just seven, but oh well.
Again, the one thing that this trip made me realize is just how much I am going to miss some of these people when this year is over. I have to wait until FEBRUARY to see those from the mountains, and until APRIL to see everyone else. It's killing me! More and more this is making me want to stay here forever, but not just me, with the other students. Oh yeah, and it's currently university-application time for Early Action, and I still have NO idea if I should do it in Europe or the U.S. AHH!
The photos:
Fancy time.
The other girl from Colorado (Emily) and I on our early morning walk down the beach.
Fancy time with our Rotary blazers.
We spelled out AMOR!
Almost everyone from Ambato (my city) and Latacunga (neighboring city).
Caitlin, my original and first roomie, and I.
Mexi (Izzy) and I with our matching scarves.
Everyone jumping, or well, everyone jumping and me preparing to jump.
Someone wrote that, and yes, We <3>
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