I felt a million miles away from St. Louis for the majority of the summer, and I think a part of me felt that I wouldn't end up back here. But here I am. I guess I feel like I should be able to encapsulate my summer into a few pithy lessons learned or something to that effect. Unfortunately, that isn't quite the case.
I think the best I can come up with is a list of some of the things that I'm glad to have back and some of the things that I'm really missing...
It's always the small things that seem to be the most important. I'm really excited to be able to really unpack for the first time in three months. To be honest, I've been looking forward to putting my clothes in a closet for weeks now. And to be able to leave my shampoo in the shower, now that's really something. Just generally settling down again is going to be really amazing. Having internet and cell phone service is nice I guess, but I kind of learned to enjoy going days without communication.... but I guess now it's back to the race against my inbox.
It pretty much goes without saying that I miss the people in Ecuador. After two tours of duty, I've amassed a pretty significant list of friends and colleagues... and of course a boyfriend. As always, leaving the people is the hardest part. I miss the sound of Spanish all around me, and the volcano Pichincha looking over my shoulder. And I never thought I'd say this, but I miss la hora Ecuatoriana. The idea of rushing to beat a clock for the next 9 months makes me almost physically ill.
So I guess that's that... back in St. Louis for the self-flaggelation that is a dual degree program. An experience only made bearable (and even occasionally enjoyable) by the people who go through it with you.
Until my next trip down south...
St. Louis does have its charms, the whole race against the clock aside. I'm glad you've formed some lasting relationships in Ecuador.
ReplyDeleteSeriously Amelia, you couldn't sum up the experience in a few pithy sentences. What has happened to you?!!
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