field journal

As our tour bus inched its way up the winding dirt roads of the Paramos I couldn’t help but feel back at home among the tall mountain peaks of Alaska. Many mountains I have climbed over the years but this experience was a bit different. Exiting the bus at 4200m I was immediately greeted by the familiar chill of the rushing wind. Being from Alaska I feel like my survival mode button is always on. This day in the Paramos of Ecuador was no different when the wind wrapped me in its cold blanket I began thinking of how to stay warm, or how to survive.
As I looked around at the biodiversity it was clear I was not the only thing on the defense. The lack of biodiversity at this altitude did not surprise me for life forms would have to be able to withstand very harsh conditions. What did fascinate me was how the life forms adapted to the temperature and harsh conditions.
Most all plants at this altitude grew very close to the ground as a way to escape the wind. The cushion plants had developed several survival techniques to survive the cold. Just like me and my friends do when we get cold in Alaska, the organisms of the cushion plant get very close to each other. The closer together they grow the less space there is for the cold to get in. Another defense mechanism, not only the cushion plant but, many plants in the Paramos have developed to avoid the cold is to grow on top of dead biomass. The decomposition of the dead biomass results in a release of heat in turn keeping the plants warmer.
At this point in the trip all I could think about was getting on the other side of the mountain so it could protect me from the harsh winds. When we finally made it around the ridge and were sheltered from the wind it was obvious I was not the only thing aware of this shelter. Biodiversity increased immensely.
The plants ranged more in shape and size mainly because conditions were not so unsympathetic.
It became very clear as we made our way down the mountain that we were not in Alaska anymore but that we were stationed between the two Hadley cells which bring diurnal rains across the equator. Never had I seen so much mud on one mountain and I have seen my fair share of mud. As the tropic’s rain made its presence apparent I began to notice a change in the foliage. Many more plants with waxy leaves could be found and the plants started getting taller. The flowers also began to spread out because they did not need to be so tightly closed off from the cold.
It never ceases to amaze me how ingenious plants are. We encountered several plants with unique adaptations. One adaptation is the rosette. I saw two different plants with rosettes. One had it at the top and the other at the bottom. In both cases the purpose was the same. The Rosette was made up of dead plant. This outer accumulation of dead biomass allows the plant to grow on the inside where it is warmer thanks to the insulation of the rosette. Another adaptation I found incredible was the mucous protective layer. One plant secretes a mucous layer that protects its leaves from freezing. Native also use this mucous as a source of hydration. Other plants develope a sort of fur, adding extra protection from the cold. I couldnt help but feel a sort of sisterhood with the plants of the Paramos. As many alaskans, one main goal of the biodiversity of Los Paramos is to increase their cold resistance. Wether they do it by adding more layers, by joining forces, or by limiting exposure it is a must for survival. Los Paramos are not only important for their biodiversity but also for the role they play in the lives of Ecuadorians.
In the classroom I had been told that all the water used in Quito came from Los Paramos but until hiking them I found it very hard to believe. How could the water supply for over two million people come from these mountains? From trudging through the mud and grassy lands I experienced firsthand how Los Paramos act like a giant sponge. I saw that it wasn’t just the earth that held the water so well but mainly the plants. As my professors pointed out more and more Ecuadorians are turning to these mountains for agriculture and farming. Both of which destroy the biodiversity. If there are no plants to hold the water this could be extremely detrimental to the two million plus people who rely upon it. And where can they turn for water?

transportation

Transportation. I’ve had the opportunity to take almost every form of transportation in Quito. I walk to school every day which is an experience in itself. As a safety measure I have made friends with our community’s security guard. He now watches out for me when I leave and when he sees me coming home. From Argentina I learned to politely ignore the guys whistling, yelling and using their words to get to me but in Ecuador I have the pleasure of walking by a construction site every day. These men not only use their words to get close but physically move closer as well. Luckily I can handle my Spanish well enough that they get the point that I don’t mess around. But after eight I’m told they are not so easily convinced. (I need to find me a gentleman who will accompany me to and from school I think). That is why I take cabs if I go anywhere at night. Here it is very important to make sure the cab is legit. Meaning yellow taxi, orange plate, license sticker, and one person in car……..They also have a service where you can call a cab but they will send a normal car. Over the phone they will tell you the car model, brand and color. When the car shows up the driver must be able to call you by name. This seems to be the safest way to go although I’ve never felt threatened in a cab. Most families also have a cab driver they trust and who they can call his cell phone to be picked up. Anywhere in cumbaya a taxi doesn’t cost more than two bucks unless you scream GRINGO then the price usually goes up. I’ve also taken a bus to Quito. I went with a group of Americans b/c it isn’t recommended to go alone. We even had the pleasure of making a transfer. And everything went pretty well. Thankfully we had an Ecuadorian with us so we didn’t get lost ha-ha. They love to pack as many people in as possible though. You can’t be afraid to get cozy  the bus from cumbaya to Quito is twenty five cents and the bus anywhere in Quito is also twenty five cents. It is a bargain but sometimes not worth the hassle.
The road systems are crazy here but I’m starting to think that is just a Latin American thing. There are no rules. People pas in stupid situations (I close my eyes and pray to god)(no mames no mames no mames haha) the person with the most guts has the right of way. They use their horn twenty four seven! It’s like a form or communication. There is no way I would attempt to drive here. Ever. Oh and if you ever come to visit….people do NOT have the right of way. They are not going to slow down for you so you’d be smart to hustle across the street or to wait till it’s clear.

hermanos

My brothers, Juan Pablo (5) and Nicolas (7), are quite entertaining. They have made my transition a bit easier. It is easier for me to relate to kids than it is to adults so it was nice having them in the house. My first morning in cumbaya I went downstairs to find my parents asleep and my two host brothers playing a game similar to Pokémon. Right away they asked if I wanted to be friends, of course I jumped at the offer and they shook my hand finalizing the deal. I usually eat dinner with my brothers and during this event the tv is always on. This is something I’ve grown to dislike. But I was not a huge fan of tv to begin with. Tv has given me some good laughs since I’ve been here though. Whenever Barbie commercials come on my brothers plug their ears and hide under the table. Well….because barbies are for girls. And every time shakira comes on tv singing juanpa gets up and starts dancing. He knows all her dances and isn’t afraid to show you. Nicolas is fascinated by my study skills and doesn’t understand why I circle some words and underline others. But he wants to know everything I am learning. Being here I’ve noticed how simple bonding moments mean so much more to me. From having Nicolas offer to share his cookie to me helping him pick the olives out of the salad when mom isn’t looking. One night juanpa was making faces at me while we were eating so I started making faces back. It turned into this huge game and ended with us both cracking up because nobody could catch us doing it.
Sometimes I notice things which they are leagues ahead of American children of the same age and then other times I’m taken back by some of the things they don’t know how to do or just don’t do. One example; the maid feeds them, like bite for bite. I’m sure it is not because they are incapable of feeding themselves but it is normal for me to see the maid put a spoonful of food in ones mouth walk around the table and put a bite in the others. Round and round she’ll go until everything is eaten.
Side note: This is not the first maid I’ve experienced in my life but I am still not used to the idea. The thing that bugs me the most is the lack of respect usually shown to the maid. I’m sure it’s part of the culture but it still bugs me and I think it always will. I appreciate that she cooks, cleans and does my laundry but I can’t help but feel bad for her sometimes.

mitad del mundo

We went to a museum on the equator when we took the city tour of quito. but this wasnt your average museum. everything was outside and first we were taught about the natives, their history and traditions, of course we got to be tourists and take pictures straddling the equator. They saved the best for last though. the experiments....this is when i realized i truely am a teachers child, because i enjoy games and such when i learn something as well. We found out that water does in fact flow straight down while on the equator. we also did an experiment about strength and the effects of gravity. amazingly you can resist forces from another person much easier on either side of the equator than you can while on it. also walking in a straight line while upon the equator, arms out to the sides proves difficult because the forces pulling you in either direction.

Topics to look forward to! after chritina finishes her homework :)
! brothers
! transportation
!food
! quito
! school

trying to catch up.

The first saturday I went out was perfect. i went to a friends house and he invited the twenty some americans to his house as well. Since it was his birthday he invited about the same if not more ecuadorian friends as well. most of our time we spent talking, mingling, and drinking.....like any other party. Sam(20yr old frat boy who is very group oriented:) then gathered everyone in the living room and we played thumper. it was super entertaining with so many people. in the end three people decided to call it a tie and we headed out to a bar. But we were so many people that we couldnt enter so we got money togther bought refreshments and went back to the house. Put on some music and hung out. I convinced a guy to teach me how to salsa, merengue, and another dance which is what they do most often but i forget the name. It was a great feeling to make friends with true ecuadorians. something which i feel is going to be difficult but not for the reasons i previously believed. More so because all the people in the GAIAS program get along therefor we all hang out and since it is comfortable we dont ever seperate. This is bittersweet. when in a forgien place all alone it is nice to have the familiar and its a great safety mechanism for going out (safety in numbers) but i came to learn spanish, to learn the culture and to know people from ecuador...which proves difficult to do when surrounded by americans with our own traditions all speaking english. So even though i am beyond thrilled to have this group i cant help but feel we will also be a hinderence to eachother.

Ecuador

First impressions! from the moment quito came into view I was mesmorized! I had never seen a city look like that from above. It was like it had a sort of glow. Its hard to explain but the lights were all downlit lights so its like the city had this personality that screamed WE ARE HERE......but shhhh we dont want eeeeveryone to know :) I get off the plane go through all that beautiful paperwork and security and find my host dad standing outside with a sign reading my name. And off we head to cumbaya a suburb of quito. cumbaya is basically a city in the hills and it is also where my university is. So we are driving home and the traffic lets just say they have no rules.....which really was no suprise because argentina was the same. But we come to a stop sign and my host dad tells me we arent stopping if no one is coming because it is very dangerous here. At this moment going through my head is (welcome to ecuador....you´re going to die haha)
I still dont know how to feel about my safety. they assure me that if i´m careful I will be safe but there has to be a reason everyone lives in gated communities and there are gaurds everywhere. and they pay people to watch their cars while they go in stores. But i get to walk to school everyday so hopefully that will make me more comfortable with the area.
I will tell you all more later because i´ve had a pretty incredible time already. went to quito did the tourist things. stood in two hemispheres at one time. ate great food. went out with friends. met ecuadorians my age. convinced one to teach me how to dance :) and well just been living it up. but i have an orientation at 8 am :P so i will try and figure out why i´m swelling up from mosquito bites and then its off to bed! I need to make up for the lack of sleep I got last night :P