Feb 5, 2024

I’m used to culture shocks. I’m used to feeling uncomfortable in a new place with new people. I’m not a stranger to being the only black person and feeling outcasted. So when I arrived in Quito I expected the worst, but that’s not what I got. My first day in a foreign country was perfect and though that sounds dramatic, es verdad. I felt nothing but hospitality from everyone that I encountered from my peers in my program (SIT) to the locals’ patience with my choppy Spanish: the food was amazing and the weather was tropical. Maybe later down the road, I will feel completely different, but as of right now, I feel blessed.

My day started at 6:30 am after a long day of travel, I finally took a shower and got ready for breakfast which was at 7:30 am. Before I hopped in the shower I met my suitmates for the first time as they were asleep in their room when I arrived. My first impressions were great and I felt at ease talking with them even if it was only about my travel. Once we were all ready we headed down to get breakfast together where we met the rest of our peers. In total there are thirteen people in the program, most of whom study Environmental something; Conservation, Biology, and Computer Science. Everyone has their niche and perspective on how to integrate their interests with Ecology and it is fascinating to listen to them explain their interest. More often than not these interests come out at fun facts like “Did you know…” which is preceded by the most jaw-dropping fact that most people would not know. I’m convinced that SIT has a type or maybe the same kind of people apply, I don’t know how it happened but it feels like everyone in my program has the same/similar personality. The only difference is our demographics, which is a big difference but it tends to be outshined by comradery and hearty laughs. Typically I fall silent and standoffish in a new situation as I try to find my place, but with this group, I didn’t even have time to process that caution. It was useless in this situation like calling someone out before they even offed you, so I relaxed and started to feel at home 2931 miles from Detroit.

After breakfast, our Program Assistant came to walk with us to the “school” which is an educational building for our program and not a school in the traditional sense. Along the way, she and I talked about the volcanos and mountains surrounding Quito. Honestly, I don’t remember the exact details from that conversation because it was in Spanish but I do know that the volcanoes in the area are active and at times you can see the water vapor coming from the vent. The Program Assistant is very kind and easy to talk to so it was great to talk as we walked to school. Inside the building, we started orientation week with important information and standards. It was intimidating because of the high standard we are being held to as well as the heavy workload and chaotic schedule with trips to different places every other week. But after reading the syllabus more and interacting with my professors, I have a feeling that everything is going to be alright.

At noon we walked to a Mexican restaurant, Tac & Roll, as a group where lunch was paid for. I found it odd that I traveled to Ecuador for Mexican food, but regardless it was really good. I ordered a kid’s meal with birria taco, chips, and guacamole because it came with a Super Mario-themed Lego set. I thought it looked fun, I haven’t put it together yet but I’ll be sure to share the final product. 

After lunch, we walked through La Parque Carolina to visit Jardín Botánico de Quito for a while. Unfortunately, as soon as we arrived a thunderstorm left us stuck in the gift shop where we attempted to wait out the storm but took too long so our professors took us to INABIO Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad where we learned about animal physiology. It was interesting to look at the animals especially since some of them had a terrible taxidermy job leaving them looking durpy. It was a short visit though because soon the rain stopped and we walked back to Jardín Botánico where a guide walked us through the park explaining each plant. There were tons of different plants in the garden, each organized with like species like a zoo. They had an entire greenhouse filled with orchids, I didn’t even know there were so many varieties of the plant and each was beautiful. There were cactuses and carnivorous plants, they even had ducks and cats walking around. It was a fun experience, I’d like to go back when I can understand the guide and he understands my questions. We left Jardín Botánico at 4:30 pm and I headed back to the hotel with a few people. 

Back at the hotel, I finished a bit of work before dinner at 6:30 pm. There was a lot of reading to do for the syllabus and polices as well as some information about insects and botany for our ecological studies. I tried to get as much done as possible but eventually went to dinner. For dinner, we had chicken, rice, a small salad, and a slice of guacamole. There was also homemade passion fruit juice followed by a speech from an employee of SIT. 

In her speech, she detailed the difficulties with this program and explained that at times we will want to quit. She said that no one ever thought being a student was easy so we should power through even when we don’t feel confident or risk disappointing our families. I felt that her speech was both inspiring and overly harsh but she offered to bring us passion fruit, plantain, and chocolate bread on Tuesday so all is good. I agree with her and I could be misinterpreting her words due to the language barrier, but it did make me feel more intimidated than I already was.

By the end of the day, a few people gathered in the patio on the top floor and went through the syllabus together over a few drinks and snacks. We didn’t get much done but we did skim the syllabus and write a few questions so it’s probably fine.

After a long day, I finally went to bed at 11 pm.