Back in Ecuador!

I have now been back in Ecuador for about a week. My love affair with this Andean country began four years ago, as a summer exchange student in Quito. I am a trainee thru an organization called Hispanic Serving Health Professionals Schools, a non-profit established in 1996 as a part of US Dept of Health and Human Services. This organization sponsors my summer in a Tropical and Travel Medicine Training Seminar that is a collaboration between University South Florida and La Universidad el Central in Quito. I will be living in Ecuador for 9 weeks, 5 in Quito, and 4 in the coastal and Amazonian regions. It feels good to be back in what has come to feel like a second home. There are six other students in the program, all of whom are working towards a Masters in Public Health.

While in Quito, myself and the other students are living at a hostel, L'Auberge--French for berenjena, which is Spanish for eggplant. Not sure how the owners came up with this name, but the French pronounciation is often left behind for a Spanish-accented "La-auh-bare-hey," that can cause a bit of confusion and quizzical looks from taxi drivers. The accomodations are more like a basic motel (ew that word just sounds gross), okay economical hotel perhaps. I have my own room and bathroom (which I was not expecting!). The first morning I leapt for joy when hot water came out of the shower. While spaces to store a summer's worth of clothes leave something to be desired, there is a nice central patio that somehow embodies a sophisticate tranquility.
I would guess there are about twenty-five rooms. Guests vary both in age and nationality, although the French name does seem to attract a large francophone group. Most guests staying here seem to be friendly and I have shared a meal with Israelis, Dutch, Swiss, and U.S. citizens. L'Auberge is treating me well. More on Tropical Medicine soon!

Mr. Texas Ranger

Thank you Mr. Texas Ranger.

Isn't it funny how sometimes a stranger's listening ear can mean so very much. How sometimes a stranger's kind, generous words can mean the world. Recently while flying I met Mr. Texas Ranger. He was a middle-aged man, tough on the outside, an old-school cowboy type. He relayed stories to me of time on the Texas Ranch. He even proudly displayed his amputated index finger. The stub that remained was salvaged after a venomous snake bite and a trip to the E.R. Mr. Texas Ranger surprised me. He was not callous as I might have expected. He did not seem overly hardened by the dry desert heat. I would like to think a tiny piece of his strong resolve rubbed off on me that day.

First Few Days in Quito

Monday I flew out of Minneapolis airport. I was surprised that there were delays due to snow in October! After a brief stop in Atlanta, I boarded the plane to Ecuador for the 4 hour and 50 minute flight.

I am spending this week in Quito, catching up with my host mother from the Summer of '07, registering my visa, attempting to get back into speaking Spanish, and spending time with friends in Cumbayá, a small suburb of Quito. Click for map.

View of Quito from Basilica of the National Vow

Let me explain why I returned to Ecuador. My introduction to Ecuador was during my senior year of high school through a friend, Johana, an Ecuadorian exchange student. While studying in Quito two summers ago, I spent time with Johana and briefly met her family. Through a series of serendipitous events, I will be volunteering the majority of the year in Portoviejo, Ecuador at a pediatric surgical clinic where Johana's mother works.

Yesterday, I successfully navigated my way via buses to Zeheivy, my host mother's apartment. A wonderful cook, she made a delicious lunch of cream of brocolli soup, chicken and brocolli, rice, plantains, and fresh pitahaya (dragon fruit) and mango juice. Yum. When I left her home two summers ago, she said that all exchange students said they would return, but most never did. I am happy to be in the minority of students that has surprised her with a return visit and expect to spend time with her throughout the year.

International Calling--Ways to Stay In Touch

To alleviate worrying about staying in touch once I head to Ecuador... I have been researching the options of late. So, in Ecuador, I can immerse myself at the clinic & local culture while easily connecting with friends and family.

Family & friends are spread across the globe & the US --Dubai, London, Nigeria, Hong Kong my sister traveling throughout Asia and the Middle East, DC, Minnesota, LA, Pennsylvania, a Reservation in South Dakota, CA, Vermont, Chicago, & North Carolina.

Some top ways to stay in touch
1. Skype--free calls computer-to-computer. Generally speaking, cheap rates to use the internet to call a cell phone or home phone. One problem, legend has it this service is banned in the United Arab Emirates.

2. Google Voice--This service is by invite only at the time. (You can get your own invite by clicking here, signing in to your Google account). I am not completely sure how this service will work when calling abroad numbers, I will keep you updated. I think there will be a small fee. Only today, I requested to join. The service also allows users to do some pretty cool stuff domestically--you can get a google voice number and give this to friends. Depending on how you set up your account, you can allow family and friends to have access to your home and cell when they call your google voice number. Chronic over-callers can be sent straight to voice-mail (kind of cruel). Work colleagues can be sent only to your work number or work cell. Pretty cool video explaining on youtube.

3. Google Talk--Download video chat and voice chat to your google account.

Free International Calls from your Mobile Phone (Make International Calls like Local Calls)
Almost all of the below services work the same. You login to the site, enter your friend's number abroad, receive a local web number for your friend, call the local number, your friend receives a text of your web number, calls the number (which is local for him or her) and you connect. Voila! I have yet to see which service is best.... so for your perusal:

4. Jaxtr--Free international calls from mobile & you don't have to download software. This service allows you to enter your cell/home number and country, enter your friend's home/cell number and country, and you receive a Jaxtr number. You call the Jaxtr number and then dial your friend's number. Meanwhile, they receive a text with a number and they must call that number. Wahoo they will be connected to you! I also have yet to try this service... I will let you know soon. This happy-video shows you what it is all about. It seems a bit confusing, but free! and using your cell phone! And for your entertainment only, a video that semi-explains Jaxtr to the backbeat of an international band...

5. Rebtel--Free international calls from mobile. Watch this heartwarming video.

6. Talkster--Similar, free international calls from mobile. This allows you to also call Google Talk numbers. UAE is not listed as a possibility, like many other services. Great feature: You can use Talkster by sending a text message to Talkster and receiving a Talkster number for your friend via a return text to your phone.

Finally, a helpful NYTimes blogger runs through some basics: "Calling Home for Less"


Happy Talking!