Training is just about over, and we’re hanging out in Quito this week while we finish up evaluations, exams, etc. It’s actually been really great, because we’ve had a lot of time to hang out in the nice areas of Quito, which is almost like the US. I got to visit a climbing gym here and eat Indian and Mexican. I even had my first McDonald’s cheeseburger since longer than I can remember.
We finally have a lot more freedom, which means we’ve been painting the city red while trying not to get robbed. A couple of people in our group have already “lost” cell phones, and yesterday some sketchy guy followed us back to our hostel. Luckily nothing happened, but we still don’t know who he was.
Quito is a pretty nice place. The climate is just unbelievably great, and there are some really nice corners, despite its rough edges. We’re all in for a shock when next week we’re alone in the far corners of Ecuador.
Am I ready? I don’t know. My Spanish has gotten a lot better, but I’m still far away from being able to speak naturally with the ridiculous accent they have on the coast. The first few months will be very interesting as I try to figure out where to focus my work efforts.
Hello there. I am a potential peace corps volunteer and was just wondering how the training is. Do you learn mainly how to speak spanish or is it focused more on what you’re doing in the country you’re in? I was nominated for a field which I really have no experience in soo…i’m curious. Thanks!
Honestly, I found training to be lacking. Every country is probably different. PC takes a lot of initiative once you get to your site. Are you currently applying?
Hey,
My name is Jackie, I’m heading down to Ecuador with the next bunch of PCT’s.. But I have a question about the climbing gym that you went to. I really want to do some climbing down there and was wondering if you liked it, or rather how the climbing is down there. Thanks.
-J
Jackie, we’re excited to have you! Are you in health or youth? The climbing gym was really chill – hanging out in Quito was kind of like being back in the US. Apparently there is some climbing on real rocks here, though I don’t know much about it – the folks at the gym suggested it’s very regional.
Are you pumped to come down?
You have no idea how excited I am to be coming down there! From what I have heard and seen it looks like its going to be amazing! I really can not wait! I will be in the Health program, and those of us who have been talking have been hearing some interesting stuff on where we are going to be place…
Cheers,
-J