So I haven't written in forever. Well it seems like it anyways. I haven't had all that much time really. It’s funny, the first few weeks you have plenty of time and then all of the sudden you have no time because you’re so busy with friends and what not.
First things first, Manabí. That was a very interesting trip. The beaches, the people, the food were all wonderful. I got to see and experience very new parts of Ecuador. However, we had many problems with the people who were in charge of the trip. They were very ignorant and had no respect for us as exchange students. The chaperones seriously made the trip a lot less enjoyable than it could have been. With that being said, we got to do so much. From a Parade in Portoviejo to playing volleyball on the beach and having a ball it was so much fun. We took so many pictures and just had a blast. We had a lot of seafood, so tasty since in Plymouth we eat seafood A LOT. My friend Matthew (California) and I also won a dancing contest because we are so pro at Ecuadorian dancing. When it came time to leave it was really a bummer. However, it was really nice that when I got the chance to check my facebook, I had a million wall posts from my friends here in Ecuador saying they missed me. To me that meant a lot because it means I really do have a connection with these people.
When I got home I spent plenty of days catching up with my friends. That following Monday I was back at school. Which I didn't mind because I really enjoy school here. The teachers are wonderful and now that I can understand most things I can talk to my teachers about anything. However, we only had 4 days of school that week because Friday was some kind of Flag Ceremony for the younger kids. It was nice to be able to sleep in. Furthermore, that Saturday was Halloween! So on Friday, my two best friends Ana and Valeria came with me and watched scary movies. I love scary movies right before Halloween. We chowed down on Ecuadorian snacks such as Manicho Bars, and Kachitos. Mmmm.
So last Saturday was Halloween. My class had a huge party for all the people in our city. This weekend was also a holiday for people here in Ecuador so all the college students came home. Early in the morning all the kids in my class went to Senor Feudal to help set up for the party. It was cool that everyone was putting in so much effort for this. After we got all set up I went to Ana’s house and we got ready for the night. All the girls in Sexto were Devils, and all the guys were Angels. Such a contrast. We met early at Senor Feudal to take pictures of everyone all dressed up. That night there were around 300 people at the party. Everyone was dancing and having a really great time. I can't lie; it was the best Halloween of my life. I will never forget that night. I met some really cool new people as well.
Sunday was my host father’s birthday. We spent the next three vacation days in Vilcabamba partying with the family. For family birthdays it is a big deal. We have a huge barbeque and swim and the pool, sing and dance. I ate so much delicious food. I also watched movies with my cousins and my littlest girl cousin Sarita did my hair and makeup. It's so cute. I also got the chance to meet my other Uncle for the first time. He just returned from a three month business trip in China. He is such a great guy and I am excited I got to meet him. We also had cousins from Guayaquil come to celebrate my host father's birthday. It was nice to be able to relax and just hang out with everyone, but I missed my friends in Loja.
Wednesday and Thursday I had school this week. Nothing really special about those two days. Just went to school and went home. Although, Wednesday my alarm clock didn't go off and so I had 5 minutes to get ready and eat for school, and I forgot my key to my locker at home. It was a horrible start to the day. Although it wasn't important because my teachers understand. The teacher I first hated is now one of my favorites. She checks the schedule everyday to see if I have her class the next day. She makes me laugh and always gives me a big hug in the morning. I thought it would be weird that Latinos are so touchy feely, but honestly it has really grown on me and I find myself really enjoying how much they all care for one another. In school on Thursday we found out a teacher from our school had passed away from a brain tumor. For that reason they gave us 3 days off for mourning. For me it is sad, but I never met this teacher so I don't have much to mourn for.
Tomorrow is Saturday and the Rotary Club is having a party. I am going as are many of my friends. It will be really nice to get all dressed up and go to the party. It is supposed to be very large and a lot of fun. Next Thursday a group from the USA is coming to Loja. One of the members will be staying with us for two days. It's nice that the club here does so much. We are also still in the progress of making an English class for kids who need help. I will get the chance to teach that. Furthermore, Thanksgiving is this month. That day is very important to me especially since I am from Plymouth. The city where they held the first Thanksgiving. So for my Rotary Club I will be cooking a Thanksgiving dinner. I am excited to bring a part of the US here to these people. Very much looking forward to that.
Oh and on another note, my birthday is in 14 days. Exactly two weeks from today. The big 17. I must say I cannot wait. Especially since when I go home I will only have like 4 months until I turn 18. So exciting. I feel all grown up. Well that is all for now. I'll post more sometime soon. Remember feel free to E-mail me. jessicalhowes@gmail.com
First things first, Manabí. That was a very interesting trip. The beaches, the people, the food were all wonderful. I got to see and experience very new parts of Ecuador. However, we had many problems with the people who were in charge of the trip. They were very ignorant and had no respect for us as exchange students. The chaperones seriously made the trip a lot less enjoyable than it could have been. With that being said, we got to do so much. From a Parade in Portoviejo to playing volleyball on the beach and having a ball it was so much fun. We took so many pictures and just had a blast. We had a lot of seafood, so tasty since in Plymouth we eat seafood A LOT. My friend Matthew (California) and I also won a dancing contest because we are so pro at Ecuadorian dancing. When it came time to leave it was really a bummer. However, it was really nice that when I got the chance to check my facebook, I had a million wall posts from my friends here in Ecuador saying they missed me. To me that meant a lot because it means I really do have a connection with these people.
When I got home I spent plenty of days catching up with my friends. That following Monday I was back at school. Which I didn't mind because I really enjoy school here. The teachers are wonderful and now that I can understand most things I can talk to my teachers about anything. However, we only had 4 days of school that week because Friday was some kind of Flag Ceremony for the younger kids. It was nice to be able to sleep in. Furthermore, that Saturday was Halloween! So on Friday, my two best friends Ana and Valeria came with me and watched scary movies. I love scary movies right before Halloween. We chowed down on Ecuadorian snacks such as Manicho Bars, and Kachitos. Mmmm.
So last Saturday was Halloween. My class had a huge party for all the people in our city. This weekend was also a holiday for people here in Ecuador so all the college students came home. Early in the morning all the kids in my class went to Senor Feudal to help set up for the party. It was cool that everyone was putting in so much effort for this. After we got all set up I went to Ana’s house and we got ready for the night. All the girls in Sexto were Devils, and all the guys were Angels. Such a contrast. We met early at Senor Feudal to take pictures of everyone all dressed up. That night there were around 300 people at the party. Everyone was dancing and having a really great time. I can't lie; it was the best Halloween of my life. I will never forget that night. I met some really cool new people as well.
Sunday was my host father’s birthday. We spent the next three vacation days in Vilcabamba partying with the family. For family birthdays it is a big deal. We have a huge barbeque and swim and the pool, sing and dance. I ate so much delicious food. I also watched movies with my cousins and my littlest girl cousin Sarita did my hair and makeup. It's so cute. I also got the chance to meet my other Uncle for the first time. He just returned from a three month business trip in China. He is such a great guy and I am excited I got to meet him. We also had cousins from Guayaquil come to celebrate my host father's birthday. It was nice to be able to relax and just hang out with everyone, but I missed my friends in Loja.
Wednesday and Thursday I had school this week. Nothing really special about those two days. Just went to school and went home. Although, Wednesday my alarm clock didn't go off and so I had 5 minutes to get ready and eat for school, and I forgot my key to my locker at home. It was a horrible start to the day. Although it wasn't important because my teachers understand. The teacher I first hated is now one of my favorites. She checks the schedule everyday to see if I have her class the next day. She makes me laugh and always gives me a big hug in the morning. I thought it would be weird that Latinos are so touchy feely, but honestly it has really grown on me and I find myself really enjoying how much they all care for one another. In school on Thursday we found out a teacher from our school had passed away from a brain tumor. For that reason they gave us 3 days off for mourning. For me it is sad, but I never met this teacher so I don't have much to mourn for.
Tomorrow is Saturday and the Rotary Club is having a party. I am going as are many of my friends. It will be really nice to get all dressed up and go to the party. It is supposed to be very large and a lot of fun. Next Thursday a group from the USA is coming to Loja. One of the members will be staying with us for two days. It's nice that the club here does so much. We are also still in the progress of making an English class for kids who need help. I will get the chance to teach that. Furthermore, Thanksgiving is this month. That day is very important to me especially since I am from Plymouth. The city where they held the first Thanksgiving. So for my Rotary Club I will be cooking a Thanksgiving dinner. I am excited to bring a part of the US here to these people. Very much looking forward to that.
Oh and on another note, my birthday is in 14 days. Exactly two weeks from today. The big 17. I must say I cannot wait. Especially since when I go home I will only have like 4 months until I turn 18. So exciting. I feel all grown up. Well that is all for now. I'll post more sometime soon. Remember feel free to E-mail me. jessicalhowes@gmail.com
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