I knew this would happen. I can’t keep it up writing an entry every day, so I hope you’ll forgive me. Today’s Friday, the day of my one andinismo class where we just learned how to tie more knots again, which is more difficult than you’d think. The rest of the day so far I’ve spend online cherishing the Wi-fi that I can’t get anywhere else and talking to my friends.
I had my first volunteer experience yesterday. There was only one patient, and it wasn’t all that exciting for the 3 hours I was there. I hope the physical therapist gets more patients than one every three hours! She was helpful, though, trying to explain to me how to analyze x-rays and what physical therapy is like in Ecuador. The therapist said that physical therapy isn’t as good as the U.S. because Ecuador lacks the technology. She also commented on how the education isn’t that good either compared to the U.S. Talking to her made me appreciate being able to go to physical therapy school in the U.S.
The room that she works in has three beds, a broken stationary bike, a few weights, two balance balls, and an ultrasound, magnetic, and electric machine (don’t know the name of it). All of this is in a fairly small room, so I wonder how she has people walk in there to rehabilitate them. It felt a lot more rudimentary than any of the physical therapy rooms I’ve seen in the states. There wasn’t even a treadmill. However, this is a place that accepts patients, regardless of their ability to pay, which may mean that the facilities may not be as good as they could be. There are also other rooms for dentistry and primary care medicine.
I have to wear a uniform while I’m there, which makes me feel a bit professional. It’s funny how scrubs make me feel more professional. Afterwards, my Español Intermedio class was cancelled due to the fact that the professor was teaching too many classes. You’d think they’d get that straightened out by now? I’ll have a new professor next week. Also, another one of my classes moved to another room, again. I’m also thinking about changing my schedule again. I’m not happy taking a class in English…while in Ecuador.
Tomorrow I’m going to Otavalo, a huge indigenous market, this weekend. I’m excited!
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Val,
ReplyDeleteSigo pensando en ti. Cuando yo era joven y estudie en Mexico habia otra extranjera norteamericana en la casa conmigo. Ella siempre queria hablar en ingles. No me gustaba y por eso cambie de casa. Te entiendo perfectamente. Sigue hablando con tu "familia". Un dia, tendras una sorpresa...que piensas en espanol. Has hablado con tu "mama" sobre la falta de amistades ecuatorianas? Tal vez ella tenga surgerencias.
Me gusto tu comentario que recordaste el menu en Santa Clara. Si... se aprende mejor el "vocabulario delicioso". Tengo que regalarles algun vocabulario que se puede comer a mis estudiantes. Gracias por la idea!
Besos,
Tia Mary Ellen
P.D. Leslie sigue leyendo tu blog pero ha tenido problemas con hacer comentarios. Se le olvido su contrasena.
Val,
ReplyDeleteI got through all the rest of your entries today - fascinating reading! I am so impressed with your observations and insight - very mature and deeply thought out. What a truely life changing experience you are having!
Love,
Amy
Gracias por sus comentarios. Mary Ellen, no he hablado con mi mama sobre amistades, pero en la calle, una mujer ecuatoriana que estudia aqui y yo hablabamos, y ojala vamos a pasar el tiempo juntas.
ReplyDeleteAmy, thank you. I'm glad you've read my entries. It makes writing more worthwhile to know I have a lot of family that appreciate it.