Ecuador exchange an adventure of lifetime for Sudburian

A little over month ago, I left everything that was familiar to me behind to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey that was sure to be a life-changing experience.

I left my home town of Dowling and boarded a plane to Cuenca, Ecuador. Yes Cuenca, not Macas. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I was told by my host Rotary Club that I would be spending my year abroad in the charming city of Cuenca instead of Macas. I was quite surprised by this news as it came to me a week before my departure.

I had been speaking to my host family in Macas for almost six months and now I would be getting a new family I hadn’t even spoken to.

But I believe that things happen for a reason. Maybe this was my first challenge of being an exchange student. I was able to adapt to this news quickly with a positive attitude.

I must say, leaving the only life you have ever known behind is no easy task. I was especially nervous about my flight and making the right connection in Panama City, as I have never flown before, let alone by myself. This was challenge No. 2.

I ended up having a very nice flight attendant who aided me. When I arrived in Guayaquil and was finished going through customs, I was greeted by a man named Felipe Iniguez who brought me to a lovely hotel where I spent the night.

The next day, Felipe took me sight-seeing in the city of Guayaquil. I got to try ceviche! I was then driven to the airport to meet with my second host family and another Rotary exchange student from Germany because my first host family were on vacation in Peru.

We drove to the lovely seaside town of Salinas for a week-long vacation on the beach. This was my first time seeing the ocean. It was beautiful. Upon returning to Cuenca, I spent several more fun-filled days with my second host family discovering the city and visiting ancient Incan ruins, seeing the beautiful view of the city from Turi and visiting the immensely beautiful Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

After these few days, I was finally acquainted with my first host family, where I will be spending the next six months. I started school shortly after at Unidad Educativa Particular Alborada, along with several other exchange students. I am enjoying it very much.

School in Ecuador starts a little bit earlier than in Canada, but ends at 2 p.m. I have also had a chance to savour many typical Ecuadorian dishes, such as maduro frito, a type of banana fried and served cold, which is just heavenly. I say a type because Ecuadorians have many different ways of preparing bananas.

The city of Cuenca is quite beautiful and filled with lots of history. Part of the city is more modern, but if you head downtown to the centre of Cuenca, it is like you are stepping back in time, with beautiful houses and cobblestone streets that remind you of Europe from the Colonial Era when the Spanish ruled Ecuador.

So far, my stay in Ecuador has been absolutely amazing and I cannot wait to see what other exciting adventures the future will hold for me. I know I will continue to learn more and more Spanish with every passing day, and I plan on improving my dancing skills so I can be an expert when I return to Canada.
In Ecuador, everybody dances!

Noah Loiselle is a Grade 12 student from Greater Sudbury who is taking part in a Rotary Exchange in Ecuador, and documenting his adventure for NorthernLife.ca.