My year after graduating from Muhlenberg College has been an interesting one to say the least. Many ups and downs, times filled with moments of massive amounts of work and times where I was aching to do anything haha. After Guatemala, it was nice to be home for a little while, however as they say waiting was the hardest part. I never really knew when I might be heading out or even I was going to be lucky enough to be selected for the Peace Corps. So I felt a bit constricted in terms of searching for a Job, but I also really wanted to travel to South America just in case the Peace Corps did not come through. So there I was living with my Mom and Dad again, which after practically 4 years of college being independent was an adjustment (basically getting readjusted to having my parents continually questioning what you’re doing and receiving advise about you should do this/that). However, my parents are great, and I feel lucky that they let me stay with them after college, because I don’t think I would have enough money to have my own place. It was really nice to be home for Christmas ( I haven’t missed one yet! So this upcoming year maybe the year). I had the opportunity to hang out with my brother for a quick second which is always since he works all the time.
The winter was definitely something to try and get used to again after being in Guatemala for 6 months. I have come to terms with the fact that I really do not enjoy the cold :P. It just happened that this winter was one of the coldest and longest in a very long time. It really seemed to go on forever. I am a person who needs the outdoors and sunshine. I know that is certain. However, it’s always nice to lay in bed with like 5 blankets with a book. My parents decide to get a puppy while I was home as well since our dog Midnight has passed away. When we went to pick up our new puppy, and it turns out they were just too cute and we couldn’t resist getting another one. Below are some of the pictures of our new family members: Chula y Guapo. They are a blast, and definitely made staying at home more exciting and a bit more work.
In March, I decide that two months of hanging around at home and volunteering in Allentown at Casa Guadalupe and The Caring Place was enough being around home. My urge to travel kicked up quick again and I really wanted to go experience something new. So I found the Cheapest flight I could get to South America, which happened to be to Ecuador. Considering I had two friends living in Quito, I thought why not. So I hopped on a US$390 there and back again flight to Quito. It’s pretty incredible the price of the flight, that is a ridiculous deal. I have found it is hard to get a flight in the states for that much. I went to Ecuador for two main reasons: To test my Spanish/take classes and also to test out what the experience of travelling alone would be like. In total, I spent a Month in Ecuador, and I barely even scratched the surface of the country. I travelled to Otavalo (1 day), Quito (8 days), Baños (4 days), El mitad del Mundo (1 day), y Canoa (12 days). Overall, I really enjoyed Ecuador, very interesting people overall, and extremely friendly. In my travels, I would just start up conversations with people of bus trips and countless times people provided me help with getting around, and even offered me places to stay.
I would have to say my experience with Ecuador was a great one, albeit a short one. However, by the end of my trip I came to learn that Peace Corps offered me a position in Ecuador. It was a bumpy road, but a great one. I have spent the last two months getting ready for the experience of a Peace Corps Volunteer. The puppies have gotten really big and are super energetic. Its been nice to wake up every morning to two black waging tails.
It'll Next time.
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