It's been pretty normal around here since I've only had classes all week so that's why I haven't written lately. This post is basically to make sure no one thinks I got kidnapped :) I actually just had a dream while I napped that I was drugged and robbed so that was fun... luckily it was only a dream and I'm as safe as can be!
The news for this week is... I'm going to stay in a cabin out of many cabins that the international students are renting (I'll pay $5) and possibly go to Otavalo again. I'm not a shopaholic I promise! It's just where the big group of students is venturing so I might as well see parts that I didn't get to last time. If anyone want a souvenir, let me know! I also have not started my ecology project yet BUT the due date is in March so I have some time to finish it.
Today's news about Ecuadorian is a little nit picky. The boys, although very forward and willing to "tsssk" "tsssk" and yell to get your attention, are not chivalrous whatsoever. Machismo is the word to describe the South American culture. That means that in their minds, men rule the world and women... well, can't. As many of you know, I am somewhat of [very much so] an independent thinker and enjoy the fact that I can do anything I put my mind to in America. Don't get my wrong, I'm all for chivalrous acts but I just don't see the same opportunities for women here. My prime example is on the bus. There could be all men sitting comfortably in their seats as 20 women stand and get thrown back and forth on the crazy bus ride and NO ONE will EVER give up their seat so a lady can sit down. There is always an exception to the rule; my ecology partner opens doors for me and even pulls out my chair, so that's nice!
Nit pick #2 = common courtesy. Those last two words make a lot of sense to Americans. If two people are walking in the same path towards one another you giggle and dodge each other saying "excuse me" [not for men, men don't giggle, says Bret]. Or in the case that someone is blocking your way you politely ask to get through. This theory of common courtesy has not yet made its way to Quito. It is my goal to enlighten everyone and bring it here. I have been shoved so many times I can't count. If someone needs to get by they WILL move you and there's a 1% chance that they'll say "perdon" [sorry] after they have forcibly moved you. Also, the "two people going opposite ways through a door" scenario has become a game of chicken that I have been losing... NOT ANYMORE! Just kidding, I'm still going to lose at that one.
Thank you for getting all the way through my rant. Just so we're clean, I in no way dislike Ecuadorians! I just wanted to share some BIG difference that I've noticed since I've been here.
Lastly, I figured out why the buses suck. THEY ARE STICK SHIFT! Who would a thunk that a huge bus going up and down mountains all day could be stick shift? It definitely explains why it jerks back and forth the whole way. I was beginning to think the bus drivers were all just terrible but it turns out the bus itself is terrible to drive.
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