7th day

Today I went to historic Quito to do some touristy things with my Illinois group (which by the way has Penn State and Luther students too). We visited 3 ornate iglesias (churches), the convent where the declaration of independence was signed, a museum, and then we ate at a restaurant. We saw a bunch of important buildings and statues too. The restaurant was outdoors and fancy, but it was disappointing because I was told that there was a vegetarian plate, which was really a plate of salad. I had mora (berry) juice, which I amazingly knew the definition because remembered the word “zaramora” (blackberry) because of the delicious blackberry yogurt Aunt Mary Ellen, Leslie, Uncle John, Megan, and I had in the fridge when we were in Mexico. So, I do remember words somehow, only if they’re delicious.

We took the Ecovia, then the green bus to Lumbisí, which takes quite a long time. I took my first nap in Lumbisí (it’s always loud here). Afterwards, I accidentally said a bad word at the dinner table (I don’t remember what I said), and then I asked them to tell me some more bad words. One of then was maricón (derogatory word for gay), which prompted a conversation about the rights of LGBTQ people in Ecuador. In Ecuador, it is not accepted, except in some barrios in the Mariscal, and when a man is seen dressed as a woman, people think he is a ladrón (robber) because sometimes men dress up as women here to take advantage of people. I was able to talk about rights in the United States, but I’m realizing how varied the U.S. is in these kinds of topics. Being gay in San Francisco and rural Kentucky are not the same. Living with a family here really prompts cultural exchange!

Afterwards we went to a community event in Lumbisí, which was like a beauty pageant and a dance afterwards. I went with my family and the other girls’ families. It was a lot of fun, and so much more chaotic than any community events I’ve been to. There were kids running everywhere, dogs roaming around, kids climbing basketball hoop structures, firecrackers going off, a fire crackling in the middle of the road, and loud music. The reina (queen) was chosen and all of it was very serious. After the reina was chosen, I danced with my family and friends, but of course some drunken older man tried to dance with me and told me how cute I was. Despite the odd stares, I’m beginning to really like Lumbisí. I love the how this community feels, how everyone here is related to someone in Lumbisí, and how friendly everyone is. Maria says that this is the authentic Ecuador. I’m not sure how I feel about that statement (because that means places like Cumbayá aren’t authentic—they make up Ecuador nonetheless), but I’m so glad I didn’t get placed in Cumbayá, a rich suburb of Quito. I would probably have had hot showers, a maid, and wireless internet, but it wouldn’t be like this. A girl was saying how one of the host moms said, “In Lumbisí they have houses, but they’re not really houses.” I don’t know if I could handle that kind of sentiment toward the poor in Ecuador. I also don’t think I’d like having a maid live in the house with me, but who is not able to eat with the family, which is common in rich homes.

Anyway, right now it’s almost midnight, and there is a quincenera party going on a few doors down, and I can hear the music perfectly. I hope I’ll be able to get to sleep soon.