Blog #5 Climbing Up A Mountain

So far being in Ecuador has been exciting yet scary and challenging. The hardest part so far is taking public transportation. I have never taken a taxi or a public bus before, so starting to take the bus alone, in a place where I can’t fully understand the language has been very taxing on me. When the bus is crammed with people, it makes it even harder to be in such a small space not knowing exactly which stop to get off at. After taking it for a few times it has been a bit easier to ride to and from class, but it is still a challenge. Walking home today made me feel a lot better. Even though I was exhausted, not having to worry about where to get off, or if my things will get stolen helped me get used to the size of Quito a bit more. I think once I have reviewed and bettered my Spanish, and taken the bus a few times when it's not busy, I will be able to comfortably take the bus like a true Ecuadorian.


Class today ran much better than any Spanish class I have ever taken. Our professor, Patty, was kind and understanding with all of our errors. The best part is the fact that she goes over things together, but in a very kind, not intimidating way. Writing about our weekend, reading it aloud, and correcting the errors together helped me grasp my Spanish abilities more so I can have a better understanding. Patty treats us kindly with respect and never judges our errors no matter how embarrassing.

I think my legs and feet  will remember the hike for weeks after today. But the fact that I climbed a mountain in Ecuador will stick with me forever. It may not seem like a big deal to others, because it wasn't a full mountain, but it was one of the most challenging things I have done in years. Seeing the beautiful scenery when we got a chance, and learning about nature pulled me closer to Ecuador. Even though it was incredibly hard for me, looking out at the mountains and seeing the city from afar was breathtaking (not just because I’m out of shape). I won’t forget when I looked over after climbing that last hill and saw the fog disappearing for a few minutes. It was like I was in a whole new place. The climb took me to a place of serenity and a sense of accomplishment filled me. It made me appreciate the earth and how important it is to preserve the beauty so that future generations can do exactly what I did; climb to the top of a mountain and see the world in a way I never have before.

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