Alrighty, things of import. Maddie with her 2 day old post has inspired me to write more.. and with Reme's demands I feel like it is obligatory as well! Plus I am in a really good mood and I want to share with you all how my week has been progressing.... I find it interesting that when I do not have a computer I am more likely to blog than when I do have one.... Strange. Or aptly appropriate because I want to complain.
Had a Ecuador meeting last Friday, with a female student who studied there all of last year. It was very insightful. She told me I would have a difficult time because of my (and I quote) "budding Spanish skills" ... oh shit. But if I just kept trying I'll one day, hopefully get it! She also told us her host family was amazing.. but then she had friends who had terrible ones.. so hit or miss.. but the screening system is pretty good, so we'll see? Anyway. She then went on to discuss the "gringa stereotype," which is: all White women are easy sluts. SO I must be prepared for hooting and hollering way above the norm that I get here... and more importantly I mustn't respond under any circumstance because that might make things worse for me.... and for a "budding Spanish skills" person .. you bet your ass I wont respond in any other fashion than to walk faster and look tougher... Pretty sure my scowl lines are going to be pretty deep when I come back. This information I received really scared me.. but my good friend Lincoln told me that I should take a self-defense class and buy some pepper spray while down there.. Also, Juan lives there and he'll help a lot, one with the Spanish, and two with feeling safer. I am obviously feeling way better about it now... considering I have talked with professors, friends and men about this trip and my concerns.. and the general consensus is to be cautious, better safe that sorry, and you'll kick ass and be fine. AND I think I shouldn't be afraid to go out there, because adventures like this are worth living..... getting robbed or raped can be prevented.
That's quite a lot of information to dish out. Don't worry family, I am quite a vigilant person when in America and I bet I'll be even more so in Ecuador. (4 months!) And I am a badass .. I can't forget that detail. :P
Love you all..
2 comments:
Well I have to admit I dont' feel a lot better but I will be supportive. I am glad we got a chance to talk tonight, makes me miss you all the more. Can't wait for both of you to be home for the summer. It will be a busy one but looking forward to it for sure! You and Reme be sure to call Doug to get him on board with your birthday plans once you get them ironed out. One of our doctors is from Equador, I am going to see if I can get some information, recommendations whatever and will pass it along.
Well my love I am going to spend some time relaxing before getting ready for bed. Still not sure about this weekend. Not sure if getting a ride with Aunt Dee is going to work out, feeling guilty about all the work that still needs to be done here at the house. Too much to do not enough time to do it all. I love you. Mom
Whitney
Ok, here's the nervous nellie aunt who has NO adventure in her soul. I find just living my life has always been adventerous enough for me. If someone is determined getting robbed and raped is NOT preventable.Oh my God, that scares me girl. Juan better be walking with you and living next door!!
I know without a doubt you will be vigilant, but you will be in a FOREIGN country! How will this trip improve your life and future? I don't know what you studying. Can you explain? I love you so much and want you to grow and learn and fulfill your wanderlust (I guess)but I am worried and will be worried every minute you are away from us. Love you Miss Whit!
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