My nephew Joe is taking an international studies course in Ecuador. Here’s his latest message.From: Joe
Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2003 14:05:36
Subject: A_day_late,_but_i´m_here!
How the heck is everybody?
Let me tell you guys something, you may think another country is gonna be different, but you have no idea, my peeps abroad can back me up. Quito is amazing. The whole city is very long, and a bit dirty. Everyone warns you to watch yourself on the bus, but i’m starting to get used to the idea of keeping my wallet in my front pocket. I won’t lie, it hasn’t been easy adjusting to life here. It’s hard going without those things that are so familiar, such as your native language.
Over all though, I think I’m adjusting just fine. The food is very tasty, and I have juice at just about every meal. We have 4 types of bananas here, which are all tasty. School hasn’t really started yet, but my quick spanish class is fun.
The campus is gorgeous. Everything here is beautiful. My mom (I like you better Mom) took me out last night to the old parts of town, which was very interesting, I learned a few of the legends.
My family here is very understanding of my inability to speak spanish. Especially my sister. She speaks english very well, but i don´t like to speak english, I feel like I´m cheating.
Anyway, this is costing me money by the minute. I hope everything is well with everyone, especially those in other countries.
Love,
Joe
Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2003 14:05:36
Subject: A_day_late,_but_i´m_here!
How the heck is everybody?
Let me tell you guys something, you may think another country is gonna be different, but you have no idea, my peeps abroad can back me up. Quito is amazing. The whole city is very long, and a bit dirty. Everyone warns you to watch yourself on the bus, but i’m starting to get used to the idea of keeping my wallet in my front pocket. I won’t lie, it hasn’t been easy adjusting to life here. It’s hard going without those things that are so familiar, such as your native language.
Over all though, I think I’m adjusting just fine. The food is very tasty, and I have juice at just about every meal. We have 4 types of bananas here, which are all tasty. School hasn’t really started yet, but my quick spanish class is fun.
The campus is gorgeous. Everything here is beautiful. My mom (I like you better Mom) took me out last night to the old parts of town, which was very interesting, I learned a few of the legends.
My family here is very understanding of my inability to speak spanish. Especially my sister. She speaks english very well, but i don´t like to speak english, I feel like I´m cheating.
Anyway, this is costing me money by the minute. I hope everything is well with everyone, especially those in other countries.
Love,
Joe
