By Bradley Rehak – Guest Blogger studying in Quito, Ecuador

If there is any force or resource possessed by Latin Americans, which indubitably and unequivocally they hold sway over, is not oil, politics, coffee, drugs, nor tropical fruit exports. It is something that every Latino, in some blessing from God, holds in their blood: la salsa.

I don't mean this lightly or jokingly; in fact this is a very serious matter for a white man such as myself. I simply lack any and all sense of rhythm, which even the youngest of Ecuadorian children have mastered. I also lack the ability to move my hips in any useful fashion other than for running, kicking, catching myself when I trip over something, and scratching my back. Keeping a beat is entirely out of the question.

Why is this so important, you may ask? For me, a firm believer in science and the body's lust for procreation, it all comes down to sex—or more exactly, relating with the opposite sex. There seems to be nothing that is more potent in attracting a girl that the ability to dance: I've seen very attractive rich men snubbed for unattractive men who can dance well. Is there any wonder why? I think the relationship between dance and sex is well established.

All of the guys I've met here talk about it, and I try, very calmly, to explain why I can't dance—but they don't believe me! It's very easy, they say. I just need to practice, they say—but how can one even practice if they can't stick with the beat? Even the most desperate of girls don't enjoy having their feet stepped on. I can imagine a world, say 8 years from now, in which Latinos control the world, everyone else merely being their laborers. Laugh now, but you would be absolutely amazed at the number of unattractive men walking around Quito with extremely attractive women (and these aren't the guys wearing suits, either).

For those of us who happen to be lucky enough to find a girl that is somewhat indifferent to dance (although I know mine would be much happier with me if I danced more…) the consequences are less severe. But pay heed and learn while you still can, you never know when she might be lured away by a short, fat man who can shake his hips in time at 300 beats per minute!

By Kent Truckor – Guest Blogger studying in Valencia, Spain

In the third week of school I have found that persistence pays off in regards to learning a language. I have fallen on my face a few times now in regards to speaking the language and speaking with native individuals. However, it is true what they say that the majority of the people are patient with someone who is learning the language and work to help you. I have gotten a better chance of practicing the language through intercambio with Silvia as well as speaking with my Spanish mother and her son in the house. What I have found to be the most difficult is listening to native speakers, deciphering what they have said and then responding in a manner that makes you sound coherent. I figure this gets better with time and practice.

Yesterday I met Arturo who is new to the city as well and was lost. He is a student at the Polytechnic University of Valencia and is 23 like me. It turns out the street he lives on is directly behind my apartment building so I walked with him to show him where the street was. The streets in Valencia are marked well, however much like any decent size city one can get lost due to the slanted and diagonal roads that exist. Either way, I think I have found a new friend in Valencia who likes to fish as much as I do. The next goal is to find a proper place to fish. It is pretty remarkable that after two weeks of Spanish I can communicate with Arturo decently. I wouldn't say great because there are times when I don't understand what he is saying – however he studied in London for a month a few years back and has retained some English abilities.

If one is interested in learning a language, I would heed the advice of many who have come before me, and that is to meet people to speak it with. Yes it can be painful at a first but the more one tries the better they get.

Last night we went on this charter bus from one of the language schools in town to this big new fancy bar like 30 minutes outside of Valencia. Very interesting because I originally though it was in the city center. Either way, the bar was something that would have fit perfectly into something out of the OC, or Beverly Hills. The whole thing was outside and it had a bunch of lit pools, white vinyl sofas and like 5 bars that lit up translucent and were covered with these giant sails that lit up white. I have never been to such a place in my life – Joe's in Metamora and this place could not be from the same planet. However, I would never go back again – the only people who should be there are executives and attorneys – people who can afford a beer and a coke for $7.50 a bottle! Well, it was 5 Euros, but that is roughly $7.50 American. I wish I have my camera, but I left it at home. We couldn't leave until 3:30 because that is when the bus came back. It was definitely a pretty place, but I can have more fun and spend much less money other places, i.e. Ponds for fishing

There are many things to do around Valencia that don't require much money including some of the parks and museums, I look to head in this direction next and at some point escape the city to explore the rural regions of Spain. All for now – take care.

By Bradley Rehak – Guest Blogger studying in Ecuador

The previous entry may have given the impression that Quito is an extremely dangerous place to be, that the rest of South America is likely the same, and that it's best just to remain at home in one's own country. It probably doesn't help for me to say that two other girls in my school had money and belongings stolen from their bags on a bus on Sunday. But in all honesty it really isn't so dangerous if one uses a bit of common sense: walking only in groups at night (which those climbing the volcano failed to do), staying in populated areas, and keeping one's bags under foot, on lap, and in hands.

However, there is another reason to feel safe here: the prevalence of private security (which I will describe for all our pleasures). Private security guards are pretty much ubiquitous in middle and upper class neighborhoods, as well as similar commercial areas. They spend their days and nights standing in tiny little huts that are just large enough to hold them and just strong enough to keep out the wind and rain. These huts can be found: next to bookstores, swimwear stores, on random corners, in front of houses, and on the roofs of condos. There really isn't a place where it would be surprising to find one (maybe the poorest neighborhoods).

Most of a guard's time is spent, as previously mentioned, standing directly in front of their hut (on the sidewalk, on the roof, etc.). Depending on the guard they also sit in the hut a lot, usually listening to the radio and looking at pictures of girls in bikinis which they have posted to the inside of their hut. Strangely enough, even though I have to gawk every time I walk by, I've never caught the guard at the swimwear store staring at the life-sized pictures of girls in swimsuits, which are directly behind his hut.

The other primary activity of the guards is whistling. Not at women passing by, but at each other, with whistles, during the night. They do this in order to ensure that the others are still alive (the notion of radios being quite below them), and so therefore blast away at their whistles at all hours of the night at a given interval of about at hour. Don't get me wrong; when I walk home after dark from the internet café, I'm quite ecstatic to pass thirty guard shacks. However, the guard shack for the condo I live in is on the roof, level with my room, about 15 feet outside my windows. And if there is possibly anything that I value more than my life and my money, it's my sleep.

By Kent Truckor – Guest Blogger studying in Spain

It is the beginning of my third week in Valencia. I have found that I have learned much in these two weeks because today quite a few new people have started at the school. One of which entered my cultural class today and really only understood ¿Como se llama? I feel kind of bad for him because in two weeks it seems as though the class is progressing ahead in a uniform manner in regards to dialogue.

Until he came into the class today I felt kind of frustrated that past day or so because I do not feel as if I am progressing along well enough. However, I am aware that I am my strongest critic. It is my ambition to be able to speak, listen and comprehend Spanish in an excellent manner before I leave Spain. I have given myself 5 months to do this and from those whom I have spoken with that is a good window to do it in. It is a challenge but, like anything, practice makes perfect.

Therefore, I have found a Spanish individual by the name of Silvia to do intercambio (language exchange) with of English and Spanish. Silvia is 24 years old and is originally from Madrid. She gained her degree in Tourism Management from the University in Salamanca. Silvia works at the AC Hotel in Valencia and is looking to improve her English in order to gain a position in England. It is interesting because she speaks English very well, at least I think. However, she says that she wants to speak with a native speaking English person because she feels as if she is losing her vocabulary. I fear this as well when I return to the United States in the winter. This is why I have been thinking of ways to find interaction with Spanish speaking people either through work or volunteering.

Yesterday, we received two new homestay students in my house. Their names are Sam and Ana and they are from England. They are young 17 years old and seem to be very close. Witnessing this I realize that it would be nice to have a buddy from home to travel Spain with and Europe yet at the same time I realize that it would be extremely detrimental to my learning of the language. This is because I have realized that the majority of people, if they have the ability to, will speak English in discussion formats. Therefore, I am thankful that I have done this trip on my own. Over time, I will build my network of Spanish friends of which will benefit my language abilities.

This past weekend was relative tranquil. On Saturday, Mario and I went to la playa (the beach) and stayed for a couple hours but then left because it was extremely hot. That night I came home had dinner with the family and then took it easy watching some TV trying to strengthen my listening skills. Muy dificil on TV. Sunday I went to mass at the Cathedral in the center of the city. The Cathedral is very large and very beautiful. It is located in one of the historic districts of Valencia of which is great to walk through. In the afternoon, I explored more of the city, as there is much to do. Late Sunday afternoon I met Silvia for the first time and we talked for about 2 hours about everything including work and school. All in all it was a good weekend.

All for now – stay tuned!

By Bradley Rehak – Guest Blogger traveling in Ecuador

I had planned on talking a bit more about Quito and my host family, describing life here, etc, but recent events have demanded that I write about a somewhat more sobering topic: the dangers of traveling.

A group of students and I had planned on climbing Cotopaxi, the second tallest active volcano in the world, this weekend. In preparation, we tried on mountaineering boots, crampons and the whole bit a couple of days ago, and then decided to do an easier hike yesterday for acclimatization to the high altitude. For this we went to Guagua Pichincha, which is the closest volcano to Quito.

We rode the Teleferiqo, which is basically a big ski lift, most of the way up the mountain, as almost all of the locals and tourists do (there are restaurants, a club, etc at the top of the ride). Then we started hiking up to the top, which is around 4,100 meters. I, however, being the least acclimatized and the most wary of climbing Cotopaxi, decided to stop about two-thirds of the way up. I rested a bit and then came down and went home. Being the traveler that I am, I was rather wary of the time, as it was getting late in the afternoon and there were very few other people high on the mountain—but I decided the other five would be safe together.

Which was stupid. They all continued to the top—another hour hike—and then separated on the way back down. Whereupon a guy and a girl were accosted by a rock-throwing local, who then showed them a machete and ordered them off the path. He led them for hours through the forest and down the mountain, robbed them of everything they had, them set them loose many kilometers from the city without shoes or money late at night. They then had to cross through a very dangerous neighborhood to return to the school.

They are lucky, of course, to be alive—and free. They certainly could've been killed or held for ransom. They are currently recovering from the bruises they received falling down in the woods (because they were bound) and from fighting with the abductor.

I relate this story not to dissuade people from traveling, but to approach a crucial point: we are still travelers from wealthy countries. We may feel great about learning about other cultures and living among indigenous peoples, however the bad elements among them don't care a bit about our ideals or where we come from, except inasmuch as they can obtain money from us. And in many countries around the world, just having light skin or different clothing makes us easy targets.

Which is to say: travel. In groups, during the day, and with sobriety as much as possible, to reduce your risk of encountering such problems.

By Kent Truckor – Guest Blogger studying in Spain

Today has been a very good day. First off I received an email from a woman named Sylvia who is interested in an intercambio language exchange. What this means is that I will help her with her English and she will help me with my Spanish through discussion format. From what I have heard this is a truly dynamic way to improve ones listening and speaking abilities. I have found that I can speak decent with Spanish people however when it comes to listening and comprehending what they say when they speak at a regular pace, this is a different story. I am excited about the opportunity to work with someone who is native to the Spanish language but also that I can help with English. This provides me with a sense of merit for what I am trying to achieve.

I also received a number of emails from friends and family back home. This is my first extensive trip/study experience abroad. I was curious as to if being home sick would hit me but if it has, it has been minor. This is not to say that it can't come on down the road. However, what I have found is that for me email is my link/life line to everything that I have known or experienced at home. It is different for everyone but when I can email a friend or family member at home and vise versa just to catch up I feel as if I am there in a way. I email friends and family each day and I have not lost a beat.

This morning I met with a Professor from the Polytechnic University of Valencia. A professor of mine from my college back in the United States has met him a while back and had become friends with him. I met him to see what opportunities existed for intercambio exchange at the University as well as possible internship opportunities throughout the city for Construction Management and Technology, the degree of which I graduated with in May. Opportunities for internships sounded bright as he has a friend who works for a local construction firm of the city. This would be an excellent experience for various reasons, career and personally. The intercambio exchange would not really happen until the University resumed regular classes in September.

Today, class went well. Although I must admit there were a few times when I seemed to drop the ball when speaking in class, lol. However, much like anything I have found no matter what happens the best advice is to keep pressing on. Although I still may sound funny due to my limited knowledge of the language I know now that I can get a point across when needed which is a terrific realization. There is much to be seen to the city and I have just begun. When the Spaniards speak much of it is still baffles me however more and more I can pick out and understand words. All in all, things are going well. It is an uphill battle learning a new language but it is one that is well worth taking on.

By Bradley Rehak – Guest Blogger studying in Ecuador

I admit to knowing very little, if nothing, about Ecuador. I don't see anything wrong with that, because where am I to better learn about it than here? However, I did have a few ideas about what the country and the people would be like. Most of these were colored by my roommate Brad, whose mother is Ecuadorian (and whom I've never met). I imagined the people to be mostly short and squat, with dark skin and round heads. Other characteristics of my roommate (idleness, near-continual intoxication, popcorn eating) I assumed to be unrelated to his maternal ancestors.

I was pretty much correct. The people generally are short and squat, with dark brown skin and heads twice the size of mine (I have a rather narrow head). I was surprised today by a few six foot and then some pale giants, but they are limited so far to the presidential guard. I have found no evidence of laziness (the gate guard at our school wasn't there when we returned this afternoon, and when he saw us he sprinted to let us in) nor midday drunkenness–however, I assume that the popularity of corn here means that somewhere, Ecuadorians are eating popcorn.

The city of Quito is much more modern than I expected: tall buildings, clean streets, internet cafes, etc. It's in the shape of a rather thin rectangle that runs North-South, which allows for its odd public transportation, that basically only runs right through the middle of the city. And the views of the mountain range to the West (which includes a volcano) are impressive. That sums up my knowledge of the city itself at this point: mountains to the West, buses in the middle. I'm not quite sure how to get back to my house, to be entirely honest. I've received some assistance from one of the coordinators here, so hopefully my city map (which bears a somewhat frightening resemblance to those of Six Flags or Disney World) is detailed enough to get me home for dinner in four hours.

My biggest surprise so far is this: finally being forced to speak Spanish again having taken numerous classes the last few years, I've found that I'm actually pretty good when I don't have English to fall back on.

By Kent Truckor – Guest Blogger studying in Spain

I have started my second week of classes and things are going well. I continue to meet individuals from various countries, which is excellent. In my class, there are students from China, Turkey, Austria, France, Belgium, England, and Hungary. It is a fun environment because everyone is going through the same thing of the battle of learning a new language.
The past weekend was good, Valencia held the 4th meeting of The Catholic Families of the World and Pope Benedict the 16th was in town. Two of my friends and myself checked out some of the events that took place and the weather was nice for it as well. The majority of the event took place at Santiago Calatravas Campus for the Arts and Sciences which is truly amazing (check it out online to see for yourself or better yet come to Valencia to see it in person!) The streets were filled with the symphony playing music for the event and the night ended with fireworks.
I was able to see more of the city this past weekend and have found that the center of the city is very beautiful with all of the old winding streets, buildings, fountains, and statutes that you would hope or expect to see in an older European city. Up to this point the experience has been terrific and I look forward to gaining a stronger grasp of the language in the weeks to come. Adios!

By Bradley Rehak- Guest Blogger studying in Ecuador

Packing is the most important part of travel and study abroad. This may sound surprising, but keep in mind that I said "most important", not "most interesting" or "most exciting". How well you pack can have a profound effect upon your entire trip; for example, if I forget my diving license, then I won't be able to dive. A forgotten passport might mean days of intense negotiations with the local consulate or embassy—maybe even expulsion from the country.
Most people don't forget such major things; however, less obvious items can easily be overlooked. I've just finished packing for 8 weeks in Ecuador, and as a somewhat veteran traveler, I am wise enough to know that I have forgotten something important. The key is to always forget those objects, which can be readily and inexpensively acquired wherever you're going to be. For this reason, I always start and end by listing in my head—and then laying out on my bed—what I don't want to have to buy again: shoes, pants, watches, sleeping bags (on some trips), cameras, etc—the need to repurchase such things might mean not being able to afford a weekend trip to a national park. The next step is to consider those objects, which might be difficult to obtain, or even unavailable, such as glasses (prescription sunglasses?), prescriptions (Allegra, antibiotics for traveler's diarrhea) and gym shorts (in some countries people just don't wear them, or exercise). Finally, I consider items that the average traveler doesn't carry, but which I have come to use and appreciate: green tea, a pocket electronic dictionary and a reading light, for example. Having completed all of the above, I am generally certain that I haven't forgotten anything that will damage my trip or my wallet excessively.
To finish all I have to do is: pack. As a soldier, I very much appreciate a tight and organized packing job, so in a very anal retentive manner I roll all of my socks, underwear, towels—and shirts, if I'm running out of room. This saves an incredible amount of space, meaning I can bring Frisbees, video games and other items that probably wouldn't fit otherwise (and that are important to my entertainment, usually). And I always leave plenty of empty space when I'm departing the States, because if there is one rule more true than that I will forget something, it's that I will always return home with twice as much gear as I left with: I'm going to have to cram it all in somehow.

By Kent Truckor – Guest Blogger studdying in Spain

I write you after spending three days in Valencia and I must admit I have not done a great job of seeing the city – it is good size eh. The classes are good and the instructors are very good. As time progresses I have gotten better at speaking with my madre, although it is still an act that demands patience, more from her than me.

One of the things that I find exciting is that the class that I am in now there are students from China, France, Belgium and Russia. The entire school is this diverse, which makes it a great environment to learn in and outside of the classroom. Everyone is here it seems to achieve the same goal of strengthening there Spanish skills as well as experience the culture which makes it great. I must admit that it is an uphill road in learning a new language but the rewards of doing so are innumerable.

From what I have experienced everyone carries a story and it is nice to be able to communicate with people in order to hear their's. This is one of my strongest ambitions in learning a new language and I would recommend to other if they have even a slight interest to give study abroad a look. All for now, I must go to mi casa for dinner.

A few days later….

Things are going very well – it should be know that learning a new language is very demanding on the mind However, it is very fulfilling to be able to communicate with peoples of different backgrounds. The school is great; I love the diversity. The other day I played cards with four girls from Turkey and two guys from China. It is great because we all have a unified purpose of learning Spanish.

My homestay is going well. My Spanish mom, Carmen, is a very good cook and is patient with a gringo learning the language. Valencia will be very busy this weekend because Pope Benedicto is coming to town – something exciting for me because I am Catholic and it is rare opportunity. Tomorrow, two of my friends from school and I will go out and see what he is up to

Valencia is very warm this year but not outrageous, it is a nice city with a nice beach – I hope to see much more of it in the days to come.

Tonight, I was able to communicate with Carmen at the dinner table and we had a conversation, which was pretty incredible because I have only been here for 6 days and my Spanish knowledge was minimal coming here. Study abroad is going well – so far so good.