I cant believe that Ive been in Ecuador for 3 months already, I dont want to sound cliché but time flies when youre having fun. I can remember all the anxiety that I felt during the months running up to my departure, but now that Im here I really had no reason to worry. I think most people have an adjustment period when they move to a foreign country, where they can sit back and reflect on whether they have made the right decision, well this opportunity was not available to me as I literally hit ground running. The duration of my flight was 20 hours in total due to a series of delays, nearly missing my flight at Madrid airport, and having to change planes twice. I then stepped off the plane at the airport in Quito and went straight to orientation, I dont think my brain actually realised that I was in Ecuador.
I say this all the time, but I love Ecuador I really do. I love the carefree attitude that the people have here, things are done in Ecua time, which can be frustrating when you are in a hurry but you quickly learn to accept it. I also love the openness of people, it is really easy to make friends here and despite their economic circumstances they are so generous.
I have been living in a city called Ibarra for the last two months. Ibarra is a small city, with a perfect climate; its like spring/summer in London every day. The city has beautiful parks and it is famous for its ice cream, which is delicious. I live with an indigenous lady. The experiences that I have had living with her have been invaluable. She invited me to her nephews graduation party last month, and it was amazing to be surrounded by all these indigenous people dressed in traditional clothing speaking Spanish and Quichua (one of the original languages of Ecuador). She is so warm and she always introduces me to people as her adopted daughter.
April 13th was teachers day in Ecuador, which is a day to celebrate teachers (something we should consider having in the UK). My students were really sweet, they bought me flowers, a cake and greeting cards, it was a pleasant surprise and I was really happy that they had appreciated my hard work. A few weeks ago they decided to take me on a trip, completely organised by them. We went hiking to a nature reserve, where we saw rescued animals, and beautiful views of Ibarra. They then took me to a famous lake for lunch called Yaguarcocha, also known as blood lake as the Incas defeated the Caras and dumped thousands of their bodies into the lake.
Despite my best efforts to pay they would not accept my money so I definitely owe them. It was such a fun day and it gave me the opportunity to get to know them a little better. I admire them a lot, they put a hundred per cent into every lesson and they genuinely appreciate that I have travelled half way across the world to come and teach them English; they are such a pleasure to teach.
A year ago coming to Ecuador to teach English was just a dream, and now that Im living the reality I feel so fortunate that I got to have this experience. I know many people pass through Ecuador on the way to Peru, but I would really encourage people to take time to explore it further as it has so much to offer. Every day in Ecuador is an adventure and I have never felt bored or stressed and I really feel like I am making a difference and contributing positively to the community in which I live.
Natasha Rodney
