Chardonae's Report

August 25, 2007

My Rotary Report

August

Hola!

I am in Machala, Ecuador and I love it. I didn’t have any problems with traveling, everything was fine for me. In the Miami airport I met up with about 10 other exchange students who too were on there way to Guayaquil, Ecuador. After passing through customs and collecting my bag I passed loads of people who had cameras and they were waiting for some celebrity who came over on a private plane. At the end of the crowd I could see some people holding up signs and I knew it was for the exchange students so I began searching for my name. Then someone shouts “Nae! Nae!” and I turned to see that it was my host father (mi papi) along with my host mother (mi mami) and my host grandparents. We slept in Guayaquil at my host grandparents place and the next morning we left for Machala. The ride to Machala took about 2 hours but I was able to see banana plantations and a plant called Cacao (Cacao is used to make chocolate).

Upon arrival at my new casa (home) I met my host brothers Walter-David, and Paul. Walter and Paul both speak a little English so when I don’t understand something then they help me translate. I love my new family; they are wonderful! They are feeding me really good here in Ecuador! (I only wish not to get fat!) For example, for dinner one night I got this really big plate filled with rice, beans and ham. (When I say filled, I meant FILLED!) Then mi mami says “nae, tu quieres sandia?” and I know that ‘sandia’ is ‘watermelon’ so I replied “si” and she brought me this very large piece of watermelon. I thought she was going to cut it up for atleast 3 of us but it was all mine! It was muy delicioso! (By the way, I did not eat that whole piece of watermelon.)

Last weekend, my host family and I rode to Guayaquil; we went to a mall. I have never seen a mall more beautiful; I admired its architectural structure. (Of course I did take pictures and I will post them soon!) In the mall, my host brothers and I went to the game room and we played games for about an hour. After we retired from playing we sat down for lunch in the food court then my host mom bought me this really cute blue shirt. =]

I started school on the 21^st of August which was last Tuesday. I had to introduce myself in Spanish to my class and they introduced themselves to me. My classmates are really nice and they are very patient with understanding me. Over the past few days in school,  I have grown closer to my new ‘amigos.’ They are helping me to learn Spanish and everyday I learn something new.

So far, I visited my host Rotary Club (Machala Moderno) 3 times. The first time was for their regular weekly meetings and the other times were for other functions. My host club is very active. They donated supplies to a local hospital and they donated wheelchairs to some people that really needed it.

I am really enjoying being here in Ecuador.

Gracias Rotary for allowing me this opportunity!

-Nae