Here we go!

Well the adventure has officially begun; I arrived safe and sound on Tuesday in Guayaquil, Ecuador! While I had to scramble (in my usual fashion) to pack everything the day before the trip, everything else was smooth sailing. No delays or issues with any flights and upon arrival I was greeted with a huge hug from my Ecuadorian host mom! While here I’m staying with the host-stay family I lived with when I studied abroad 2 years ago. It’s great to be back and see them again, and judging by the hug my host stay mom gave me, they feel the same way. We celebrated my arrival with a bottle of wine and before I knew it was as if I had never left (my host-mom even caught me up on the latest drama in the Ecuadorian soap operas…can you honestly believe Daniela is cheating on Pedro!?!)

My Ecuadorian Family!                

So just to give you a brief introduction to Guayaquil; Guayaquil is a very industrial city and the largest city in Ecuador. I like to say that Guayaquil is analogous to Detroit (minus the awesome superbowl commercial), industrial and pretty big, but not too much in the way of tourist attractions. While it may not be the most glamorous city, I grew to really love it while I was studying abroad and it's great to be back. In terms of climate, right now is the hot/rainy season with temperatures in the mid to upper 80’s and shirt drenching humidity. Nothing says welcome to South America like instant sweat when you step off the plane!

When I studied abroad in Guayaquil I worked at a medical clinic named "Luchadores de Norte". Luchadores del Norte is a small clinic and provides free medical services to the people living in the surrounding shantytown. Working with the patients and doctors at Luchadores del Norte was an incredible experience, so on Wednesday I went back to say hello.

The neighborhood where the Luchadores del Norte is located.

Luchadores del Norte

While I was very excited to see the clinic, I hadn't forewarned anyone of my arrival so I was slightly anxious as to how I would be received (would I even be remembered?). However, my trepidation was immediately alleviated as I was walking to the clinic and an old patient came out of nowhere and gave me a huge hug! Needless to say I was incredibly flattered that she still remembered me after 2 years! What’s more, I received an identical reception when I finally got to the clinic. Not only did everyone remember me, but everyone was incredibly eager to chat and catch up. In fact, after learning that I would only be in Ecuador for a few days, they insisted that I come back on Friday to see them again and properly celebrate!

Some of the great staff of Luchadores del Norte!

Overall, it’s great to see people and places again that had such a profound impact on me two years ago. As I was being nearly squished to death by the mass of people on the bus back from the clinic, I couldn't help but smile as the familiar sights and sounds of Guayaquil were rushing past me. It’s good to be back, and I can’t think of a better place to start my South America adventure.

Tomorrow morning I leave for Mancora, Peru...more stories to come!