” More reliably than anything else on earth, the road will force to live in the present.”
Over my cold! Started Spanish class today. It was fun! My French accent gets in the way some, but overall I wasn’t as bad as I thought I’d be. My main concern is actually speaking. My understanding is better than responding. Maybe I will just have to stop talking!
Our host family has four kids, 15, 22, 24, and 26. They speak English very well. The parents do not, but the kids translate for them and are very respectful. They also have had Thomas, a retired American live with them for the past 7 years. He keeps coming back and speaks no Spanish. There are 2 small dogs and a third that is in the hospital. Very cute,making us miss Mac! We showed his picture and everyone was pleased. (Pictures of Peter and Blakey too)!
I am very glad to be in this family setting as they help with language and are getting us very oriented.
The weather is FANTASTIC!!! The sun is hot but the mountains keep things at “sweater weather ” with blankets at night. Cuenca is very safe. Ecuador is very family friendly and we see lots of dad’s with their kids in the parks. The cars go very fast and of course you need to use common sense. You see people helping each other on the streets. They are very friendly to Gringo’s, but my host mother did tell me she is concerned about how many are moving here as it is driving real estate prices up.
I can finally say that I really think this is going to work out. It feels a little like Spain, but farther away. We are also meeting interesting gringos who are becoming travelers as well.
I am reading a lot, usually three books at a time due to wakefulness and sleepiness so I can alternate. “The Long Walk To Freedom” is getting less and less play now. Walter Mosley, and the usual detective crowd get lots of time. Next in that genre is the new Marlon James (from Macalester), and “Mycroft Holmes.” I am deeply involved in Gloria Steinem’s new book “My Life on the Road.” It is an easy read and a great perspective on what a blessed life I have had thanks to my mothers before me. We still have far to go, but hats off to all she and other organizers have done. The quotes are from her book.
“The most revolutionary act for a woman will be a self-willed journey-
and to be welcomed back when she comes home.”
Love, Ellen
Glad to hear the host family are there for you as you settle into this exciting new adventure! Bueno, signora!
Ellen, so glad to hear you are feeling better, enjoying your Spanish classes and starting to meet people! Look forward to more fascinating reports from your journey. Miss you and Steve!
Nancy + Jeff
Loved your letter. I took Spanish in High School and at Lawrence…I must say Inwas reading novels in Spanish, etc. and writing book reports in Spanish without writing them in English first!
However, my Spanish training was strictly literary, so we had no conversational training. I can still hear and understand it quite well, but would fail miserably at conversation. I took German when my kids were little and the first time I had to answer a question in German, the answer fell out in Spanish…I was horrified, but the teacher said it wasn’t an unusual response since I answered in the first non-English language I learned. I don’t quite believe her, but it did sound reasonable. I am glad you are on the mend a shaving such edifying adventures…I would love to be there with you.? Hi to Steve
Hi Ellen,
Love hearing about your host family and your first days of learning.
So glad you feel safe there and you are enjoying things.
Beth and Sam
So glad to hear you’re off to a good start, feeling comfortable and excited about
your excellent adventure. Looking forward to seeing some pictures of Ecuador.
Roz xoxo
Hope you are feeling better. What an adventure with hospitals, I’m hopeful the surgery won’t have anymore complications and you can get back to Spanish! Nothing like a health crisis to disrupt your life. Chanting for your health in my new Buddhist Practice!