It's been a while

"Oh, these times, they are a-changin'"

Well, friends. I almost feel odd returning to my blog after such an absence. But, for the sake of efficiency (not reporting my whereabouts etc. to everyone individually), and because I do truly enjoy writing, I might return to the ol' web-log once more. I mean, the plan is to provide you all with updates more frequent than once every three months.

What's new? In the States I have friends getting married, having babies, moving across the country, losing their parents, getting jobs, breaking up, and friends who have time to enjoy a good book and a Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks (or I suppose now it would be a Peppermint something-or-other...) (Side note: Starbucks has never sounded so good to me as now. I am sure reality would disappoint, but my imagination tells me that Christmas-in-a-cup-of-frothy-milk latte would be absolutely delicious at this moment.)

Here on the equator I have two big life events coming up: I am leaving my job and moving.

For the past year and a half the world's highest capital city, Quito, has been home. And now, I will be heading to Portoviejo (which means "old port"), a city on the coast of Ecuador, in a matter of weeks. In fact, I am currently in Portoviejo because of a four-day weekend! Today is Quito's 4th of July.

On leaving my job. I have been teaching English in a continued learning center that belongs to Ecuador's best university, la Escuela Politécnica Nacional. It's been good. I think the greatest challenge is the lack of continuity with the students. Every two months I've found myself with up to 60 new faces staring at me. 60 new names. 60 new reasons to work, or dislike work. 60 new people with stories you  may never know. Also, I am not called to teach. For the time being, I am called to work, so teaching it is! But, I do not hope to do it long term. Work for me has never been the most satisfying thing, but teaching certainly hasn't seemed to be my niche. We'll see. I will continue to teach, only online instead. And most likely in a university here in Portoviejo, among other myriad possibilities. I am content and unconcerned about the job. Something else great will come along--it always does.

 

On moving. Why am I moving? Well, I just want to be closer to the guy in the above photo. My boyfriend Patricio and I have been together for eight months--all long distance. For those of you Midwesterners who know what I'm talking about, the equivalent is this: I live in Detroit and he lives in Marquette. (The city and natural beauty etc. apply in this comparison, as well as the distance.) So, yeah, that's been quite a while of commuting on weekends to see each other. I am thankful for it though. It's been a great challenge. Distance makes the heart grow fonder, so they say.  I won't miss the 8-hour overnight bus rides, or even the 40-minute plane ride. Or the constant good-byes. I can't wait to go out for dinner after work...what a novelty!


I hope you have seen in the photos how beautiful the coast is. I love the warmth, I love waking up to chirping birds at sunrise, the fresh breezes, the easy drive to the ocean, the delicious food and amazingly friendly people. Manabí is the province of which Portoviejo is the capital, and it is the heart of Ecuador. Best food and and people and beaches, hands down. (I've always wondered: why is it the the warmer the climate, the warmer the people?)

So, having said all that, I hope you all save up your money in your piggy bank and come visit me. I'm going to be here a while.

(I laugh to myself when I glance back at old posts and count the number of times I swear I shall leave this country. That sure ain't the case no more.)