2011-11-11
The following are three anecdotes—“snapshots” of my life, if you will—about my past week in Tena, Ecuador; they include an everyday bus ride, a rainy adventure, and an epiphany I had walking down the street one evening. I saw the blue-and-white bus in the distance, and crossed the road to catch it. There isn’t a...
Read More
2011-11-10
There are two people living in my body. One of them is writing to you now. He’s constantly thinking, turning an analytical eye to important and decidedly not important things. He’s often told that he thinks too much, which is true. The other doesn’t have that luxury. His mind is absorbed entirely by trying to...
Read More
2011-11-09
Before leaving the United States, one of my directors told me, “You can pass for Ecuadorian, so you’ll have fewer problems.” Once we all got into the country, we began discussing how to blend in when going around the city. I absorbed these lessons like a sponge, and started observing and copying as instructed. I...
Read More
2011-11-09
The last thing I expected was bagels. I never imagined the heaven of a brunch of Jewish comfort food. But indeed I had the opportunity, along with two other Jewish fellows, to celebrate Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur with the Jewish community in Quito. To get into the synagogue we had to bring copies of...
Read More
2011-11-09
I’ve recently been reading a book called The Minder Brain; it discusses the functions of the human brain and the ability we have to adapt. Adaptation. What an interesting concept. I have also been considering the connection between adaptation and fear. Most of us can make a fair sized list of things we are...
Read More
2011-11-09
At Fall Training for Global Citizen Year, we were taught to be open-minded, compassionate, and to expect the unexpected. By the time our departure rolled around, I was sure that I was going to be the American that broke down all the barriers and stereotypes; furthermore, I envisioned this happening with a pretty picture frame...
Read More
2011-11-09
Oh Ecuador, am i feeling high! I have only been here about two months now, and my mind set has already changed. I might sound cliche but, being here in Ecuador made me appreciate what I have at home. I also remind myself that I am so blessed to have this opportunity at my age. I have to remind...
Read More