As I leave Ecuador I know that my memory will be filled with moments as time moves on rather than a complete picture. Moments of laughter and joy, bittersweet moments. Moments of majesty with the breathtaking Andes, moments of introspection. 

Here are some of those moments:

Seeing people in the middle of a road make a human ladder 3 people high (on each other’s shoulders) all juggling torches. A pair of people dressed as elves running into the pedestrian walkway holding an advertising banner to cars between light changes.  

The first time that I realized the green man doesn’t flash when its about to end when crossing a road and the traffic doesn’t care that you are there, it just goes (yes I was almost run over). 

People selling God, phones, spanish rap on the bus system.

Dinner with new friends 

Playing football with drug addicts, exchanging hugs and slaps, first bumps, being a point of human contact. Seeing their joy in practicing English or French or understanding my bad spanish jokes. Doing origami.

Standing at the top of the Mindo, going – I’m either all in or not. Standing at a waterfall at the bottom of Mindo thinking oh shit i have to climb out.

Making my host family laugh with teasing, including telling my host mother that my spanish teacher says “Cena (Dinner), then Postre (dessert)” and asking her Laura, Donde Postre (where is desert) and watching the family laugh. 

Dealing with a tiny shower and having to put toilet paper in a little bucket next to the toilet. Worrying about would I fit on the toilets. 

Continually watching my head for the lack of height in everything from certain buses to doors and signs.

Seeing little ladies from the mountains in their dresses and little hats peeling corn and peas in the street on my way to work before their stalls open.

Prostitutes on the corner next to my bus stop looking for customers. 

The little market stores of Otavalo, all the scents and clamor.

Seeing San Pedro lake and the mountain

People trying to rob me

Waking up alone, feeling isolated. Realizing some of the thought patterns you have which were a way to self soothe are no longer who you are or want to be. 

Finding things you miss in your life. Been grateful for those when you find them. 

A natural warm smile from strangers

Discussions with my spanish teacher in spanish – and understanding that certain conversations are not for in the Calle. 

Sitting in conversations in a language you barely get where no-one gets you or your references or even understands. Conscious of the effort that people make to slow down and use simple words for you. Having a second but different immigrant experience

My host family having a different member every night as they host family and friends and students from out of town.

Discussions of how to solve Ecuador’s problems economically and socially

Seeing the gap between the rich and poor with Maserati and Bugatti dealerships while every house has security fences.

My first hot chocolate in the Plaza de Foch which was phenomenal.

My frustration with certain speeds of service

Really having in your face, an awareness of a lot of wealth and privilege I have, aware of opportunities that other people would fight tooth and nail for. Conscious of some of the small things that I squander but would be a leap for many of those here. Consideration of the gifts of an incredibly well rounded education and detailed knowledge.

A deeper awareness and consideration of the skills which actually matter when volunteering and which I might want to get.

The wariness for theft my hosts tried to make sure I had

Pulling 6 people from a car which had gone over a cliff side.

Waking up to a 4.5 earthquake “Es TREMOR Alan, no quake”….

The first child (7-9) to walk into a coffee shop at me and try to sell me items, followed by 4 more, one of them kicking a chair at me and swearing when I said no – glaring at my hot chocolate

All the dogs, never knowing if they are stray, abandoned or homeless

Walking 20 feet up hill and already gasping for breath due to the altitude.

I couldn’t have asked for a more loving, gracious and open hearted family to stay with. My experience in Ecuador has been thought provoking challenging and a complete change of pace.  I hope to be back for the Amazon, La costa and Cuenca regions at some point. 

My host family has pointed out that I did more in 2 weeks than most volunteers do in months or a year. Some of that is because of misfortune/happenstance, I also think because I am aware that life has limits. I don’t know what will happen next month or 2  years from now or 20. This certainly isn’t my last hurrah but it’s certainly encouraging the consideration of where the comma’s in my life should be.