So it has been quite awhile since my last post. Yes i know you’re all dying from Dakota withdrawals. Well to say the least it’s been a comical last few weeks. I have gotten robbed, had an amazing time in the Galapagos, and have become more anxious to go home and eat pasta with my besties.
The black girl gets robbed. Yea so I was walking down Mera to meet some people to go to Cotopaxi for some hiking and biking with my friend Dylana. It was about 7 am and I was barely awake and 4 or 5 guys just come up to us and push us up against a wall asking for plata. Now, I’m not upset by the act itself, but rather the ease unto which my sense of security was taken from me that early morning. I’ve never felt unsafe or scared in Ecuador because up until that point I had only been asked for directions, about my fashion sense, and where I was out of simple curiosity from people. I liked being thought of as someone similar to Ecuadorians, someone from Latin America„ or at least someone of color who relates to certain elements of life that either shock you or impress you. Certain experiences come from being of mixed heritage, which I gather still seem to be of some importance today in Ecuador. So being robbed of my camera, jacket, phone and other material items shattered my comfort within a country that had been none other than kind, welcoming, and curious. What is funny is the fact that about a week later, I saw some ladrones wearing my bright purple extra small jacket one night while partying with some friends. The police did nothing and my friends and I were taken aback by this. Like seriously guys?
On another note, Galapagos was amazing. Snorkeling and awimming with wildlife was incredibly breathtaking. Who knew that sea lions were so playful and fun? That marine iguanas acted like pimps, as if they owned the world? And that penguins were super fast and sexy? Well, I had the opportunity to learn all this and more while embarking on one of the world’s beautiful treasures. I roomed with my girls and had a lot of fun. We even started a “you know you’re in Ecuador when…” list. Perfect.
Time is winding down here pretty fast. I leave next Saturday. I still cannot believe it. One of my friends already left to make it in time for her graduation. We went to Crepes and Waffles the night before her departure and shared some laughs. She is awesome and i am definitely planning a reunion for thegirls i’ve met here. Some were down for going to LA. Sounds good to me. I definitely have met some characters here. Some cute guys that have made me a little nervous ( theres nothing more dangerous than a boy with charm, as christina says), some very opinionated people, some crazy ones, some quiet ones, and for sure some funny ones. I am glad that i met them and i hope to see some of them again one day.
Mi familia is still amazing. I dont know what I would have done without such caring and enjoyable individuals during my time here. I really do consider them a part of my family, particularly after playing hide and seek with my cousins and brother at night after dinner. So much fun! I am definitely going to miss them. Too bad the ladrones have my camera. I had some good family moments on there.
So, I am headed back to LA single, tan, more geographically and culturally astute than ever before and ready to unpack what I’ve learned. It seems like Grinnellians have continued to do whAt theydo best: party and make it through another impossijble semester at Grinnell. I’m excited for my triple with my best girls, to more partying, and to creating new memories for my last year of college. Say what now? Yes, I will be a senior. Crazy!! Well, i suppose it’s time. Can’t wAit!
