am a teacher at an Ecuadorian high school. My wife is also a teacher, but works at an international school that follows the typical North american schedule. For the last two months I have done a lot of travel, some writing, started a weight loss program and played some poker. I haven't had to worry about fitting my diet around work, or figuring out the best time to do my workouts.
That changed today. Mar 22 is back to school or for teachers so here I am back into a work routine. We are up early enough to get our animals taken care of and lunches packed. Then my wife gets on her bus and I get on mine. First day for teachers, of course is fairly simple. We get a couple of meetings, spend some time networking with the other teachers and seeing what everybody did on their vacations. Then we check out our rooms - I got a new desk!Next it is checking out the schedule for the next week - filled with meetings, and deadlines for turning in curriculum plans, diagnostic tests as well as signing up for after-school activities.
After school was over I changed and did a cardio session on the school track. While doing that I heard a yell. Some of my oncoming seniors were at basketball practice. While the ladies had a water break we talked a bit and briefly got caught up. Fun!
Showing posts with label Ecuador. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ecuador. Show all posts
Monday, March 22, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Bridging the Cultural Divide
Just found this book and I love it. It is the type of book I wish I had thought to write. It is a great look at cultural aspects of Ecuadorian society, so you don't come off as the "Ugly American" or at least the arrogant outsider. Must reading if you plan to travel into Ecuador or the Galapagos, or anywhere in Latin America, for that matter.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Great Game
This last week I went and saw a local soccer team, River Plate play. Had a great time, the home team won, and I got a dazzling sunburn!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos
If you are thinking of coming down here to Ecuador to look around, or travel to the Galapagos islands, here is a decent guidebook with lots of useful information.
Health Care Ain't So Easy
One thing to always worry about when living and working in a Third World Country is Health Care. It is not just quality, but so often the crazy rules other countries have are even worse then what we hear about the US system. Consider this situation I just dealt with here in Guayaquil, Ecuador:
My wife is bedridden due to pain from a herniated disk in her back. The Doctor prescribes a pain medication - 20 doses of 5mg each. I go to the one pharmacy in the area that carries that medicine. Can't help me. They have the medicine, but they only sell it in quantities of 30. Can't buy 30 because the prescription is for 20. They can'
t just call or fax the doctor to clarify or correct it, like a US pharmacist normally would do. Can't buy 20 because the minimum is 30. It takes a second roundtrip to the doctor and again to the pharmacy to get the medication.
My wife is bedridden due to pain from a herniated disk in her back. The Doctor prescribes a pain medication - 20 doses of 5mg each. I go to the one pharmacy in the area that carries that medicine. Can't help me. They have the medicine, but they only sell it in quantities of 30. Can't buy 30 because the prescription is for 20. They can'
t just call or fax the doctor to clarify or correct it, like a US pharmacist normally would do. Can't buy 20 because the minimum is 30. It takes a second roundtrip to the doctor and again to the pharmacy to get the medication.
Resurrection From the Dead
After much thought and urging from the wife, it seems to be time to resurrect the old blog and share our experiences. yes, we are still a couple of over weight, middle-aged teachers in Ecuador. Yes we still have legions of dogs and cats and geckos. No, we didn't feel the earthquake in Chile (long way away), but living as expatriates is still as fun, and challenging, as ever.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Slammed, Study and being a Geographical Bachelor
Wow, things have gone from crazy to totally nuts!
Partly it is teaching at my school, Colegio Americano. We are set dead in the middle of our second quarter. You's think that things would have settled down into a rhythm, but no. Lots of teachers and clubs and everybody else are having school trips right now. In fact today (Tuesday) I will have only two classes all day, since everybody else are off gallivanting around. That really guts your teaching plans, as you see classroom hours melt away. Also, this is a middle of the South American flu season, so there are a lot of kids out sick right now. I suspect more are staying home than would normally due to Swine Flu concerns.
And then of course the history class I was teaching at nights is over (thank God)! It was a great experience but it was tough to get through with everything else on my plate.
Partly is Lisa left to go to the States for a few weeks, so I am at home holding down the fort with five dogs, three cats, two kittens and a bird. Plus, I had to go through another round of bureacratic nonsense to get a replacement Ecuadorian ID card which I had lost earlier at the same time I lost my passport on my previous trip to the States.
Add to that I am in the middle of taking a Critical Thinking class which is required for the teaching certification program I am working in online. It is not a bad class content wise, but it is quite a bit more "thinking" required than most - strange, hmm?
Plus I am trying to get together for my next trip to the States. I am going to Phoenix and Las Vegas for a week. Partly it is to at least see my wife for a few days during her vacation. Partly it is because I need to pass the APEA - which is the test you have to pass to get your Arizona teaching certificate.
Finally, I am pulling all the paperwork together so I can officially apply for conducting my final practicums. I think this part is so much fun. Not only is it paperwork intensive, but I find the fact that I am a working teacher with over 12 years of experience need to take 9 weeks of student teaching and Practicums in order to get my certificate to be ironic. Understandable on some levels, but dripping with irony nonetheless.
I did take a few hours off during the 4th of July. I went over to Colegio Americano where the American Community was having the typical 4th of July picnic stuff - games - food - music, etc. Good times - and all free too. I don't know who paid for it, it was some sort of a joint venture between the local American Consulate, InterAmerican Academy and Colegio Americano, but free beer, hot dogs and burgers is always a good thing
Partly it is teaching at my school, Colegio Americano. We are set dead in the middle of our second quarter. You's think that things would have settled down into a rhythm, but no. Lots of teachers and clubs and everybody else are having school trips right now. In fact today (Tuesday) I will have only two classes all day, since everybody else are off gallivanting around. That really guts your teaching plans, as you see classroom hours melt away. Also, this is a middle of the South American flu season, so there are a lot of kids out sick right now. I suspect more are staying home than would normally due to Swine Flu concerns.
And then of course the history class I was teaching at nights is over (thank God)! It was a great experience but it was tough to get through with everything else on my plate.
Partly is Lisa left to go to the States for a few weeks, so I am at home holding down the fort with five dogs, three cats, two kittens and a bird. Plus, I had to go through another round of bureacratic nonsense to get a replacement Ecuadorian ID card which I had lost earlier at the same time I lost my passport on my previous trip to the States.
Add to that I am in the middle of taking a Critical Thinking class which is required for the teaching certification program I am working in online. It is not a bad class content wise, but it is quite a bit more "thinking" required than most - strange, hmm?
Plus I am trying to get together for my next trip to the States. I am going to Phoenix and Las Vegas for a week. Partly it is to at least see my wife for a few days during her vacation. Partly it is because I need to pass the APEA - which is the test you have to pass to get your Arizona teaching certificate.
Finally, I am pulling all the paperwork together so I can officially apply for conducting my final practicums. I think this part is so much fun. Not only is it paperwork intensive, but I find the fact that I am a working teacher with over 12 years of experience need to take 9 weeks of student teaching and Practicums in order to get my certificate to be ironic. Understandable on some levels, but dripping with irony nonetheless.
I did take a few hours off during the 4th of July. I went over to Colegio Americano where the American Community was having the typical 4th of July picnic stuff - games - food - music, etc. Good times - and all free too. I don't know who paid for it, it was some sort of a joint venture between the local American Consulate, InterAmerican Academy and Colegio Americano, but free beer, hot dogs and burgers is always a good thing
Friday, June 26, 2009
Insane Week - US - Farrah and Michael
Wow, Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson both gone. For a Generation-X guy living in Ecuador this has been a truly astonishing week. Much of it actually life changing in their own ways. I'm not just saying that the deaths of Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett changed the world. I think it gave notice that the world has changed. What a week.
The week got off to a grand start with the US soccer team's shock win over Egypt, vaulting into the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup. Shocking even more that they trounced soccer giants Spain 2-0 a few days later. This allowed me to walk around with chest puffed out in soccer-mad Ecuador.
Then Farrah Fawcett died. Then Michael Jackson died. Wow.
Farrah of the impossible hair and dazzling smile, the young woman in that awesome one-piece red swimsuit that adorned the bedroom wall of millions of teen aged boys (me included). Michael Jackson of Thriller and the Moonwalk and the iconic single glove. Dead.
Farrah Fawcett succumbing to a painfully long battle with cancer. Oh My God! She was in her 60s!
Michael found dead in his home - autopsy to come. I am half expecting his to come back in a "Resurrection Tour", but then not really.
It is the notice to guys like me that we really are getting old. The icons of our era are starting to fall. How long until we too see our last days?
Pardon me, but I think I will just get through Friday and get very drunk this weekend. I'll start with a toast, "Farrah and Michael, good luck on the otherside."
The week got off to a grand start with the US soccer team's shock win over Egypt, vaulting into the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup. Shocking even more that they trounced soccer giants Spain 2-0 a few days later. This allowed me to walk around with chest puffed out in soccer-mad Ecuador.
Then Farrah Fawcett died. Then Michael Jackson died. Wow.
Farrah of the impossible hair and dazzling smile, the young woman in that awesome one-piece red swimsuit that adorned the bedroom wall of millions of teen aged boys (me included). Michael Jackson of Thriller and the Moonwalk and the iconic single glove. Dead.
Farrah Fawcett succumbing to a painfully long battle with cancer. Oh My God! She was in her 60s!
Michael found dead in his home - autopsy to come. I am half expecting his to come back in a "Resurrection Tour", but then not really.
It is the notice to guys like me that we really are getting old. The icons of our era are starting to fall. How long until we too see our last days?
Pardon me, but I think I will just get through Friday and get very drunk this weekend. I'll start with a toast, "Farrah and Michael, good luck on the otherside."
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Swine Flu News Story - Closed School
Here is a translation of a news article in the Guayaquil newspaper "Expreso" announcing the closing of our school, Colegio Americano, due to the Swine Flu Outbreak.
"Cellular text messages calls were used by students of Colegio American to alert their parents of the presence of an outbreak of the virus AH1N1 in the institution. Near 10:00, and while an assembly was ongoing to choose the student leaders, the presence of the authorities of Education and Health of the Coast it interrupted the activities. The representatives of the Government informed the school administrators of the infection, tens of family parents arrived at the facilities to retieve their children. At 11:00 it was unusual to see as much activity at the entrances of the school. The constant traffic of vehicles drew attention of the passers-by, who prior to this had been ignorant of the situation. After the official news was announce, the students were held at the stadium of the institution. There, a brigade of the Ministry of Health explained the situation and gave instructions on what to do in case of presenting/displaying symptoms. The authorities of the school gave an official notice in closing of the establishment for 8 days. Also one of the representatives asked students, “like an act of citizen responsibility”, to stay in house and to avoid contact with third parties or to be in public places for 8 days, time that is for delay in the virus in presenting/displaying symptoms. In case of suspecting the contagion, it was requested for students to contact the Ministry from Health or authorities of the Colegio Americano."
"Cellular text messages calls were used by students of Colegio American to alert their parents of the presence of an outbreak of the virus AH1N1 in the institution. Near 10:00, and while an assembly was ongoing to choose the student leaders, the presence of the authorities of Education and Health of the Coast it interrupted the activities. The representatives of the Government informed the school administrators of the infection, tens of family parents arrived at the facilities to retieve their children. At 11:00 it was unusual to see as much activity at the entrances of the school. The constant traffic of vehicles drew attention of the passers-by, who prior to this had been ignorant of the situation. After the official news was announce, the students were held at the stadium of the institution. There, a brigade of the Ministry of Health explained the situation and gave instructions on what to do in case of presenting/displaying symptoms. The authorities of the school gave an official notice in closing of the establishment for 8 days. Also one of the representatives asked students, “like an act of citizen responsibility”, to stay in house and to avoid contact with third parties or to be in public places for 8 days, time that is for delay in the virus in presenting/displaying symptoms. In case of suspecting the contagion, it was requested for students to contact the Ministry from Health or authorities of the Colegio Americano."
Details on Swine Flu - School Closing
Now that the chaos has settled down, and I’ve had a good night’s sleep, here is a more detailed recollection of the Swine Flu outbreak at my school:
The day started knowing it would be chaos anyway. It was student council elections, which is pretty much an all day affair here at Colegio Americano. The schedule was supposed to be:
Period 1 – Normal Class
Period 2-3 – Assembly at the stadium to “present the candidates”
1st Recess – Normal
Period 4-5 – Normal Class
Lunch Recess – Prepare for chaos
Period 6-7 – Student elections.
Of course, here, student elections are more like a big run up to a massive soccer game here, with even more pageantry, but I digress.
The first thing that happened was there was no power to the secondary school, then there was, then there wasn’t. Since my room has few windows and is poorly ventilated without the electrically powered A/C-Fan unit, we switched from inside to me giving a lecture outside for my marketing class. First period finally over, it was off to the stadium.
Elections in Ecuador are quite different than what we do in the states. In the states, we vote for individual candidate who just happens to be a member of a political party. In Ecuador, you vote for a political party. You vote, and the members of the political party you vote for get office. So for our elections there were two competing slates – “Lista A” with their blue and white colors matching those of the Guayas state flag, and Lista B matching the yellow, red and blue of the Ecuador State flag (kind of like one being in the colors of the American flag while the other is in the colors of the flag of Texas, as an example).
First we start with some boring speeches by school officials about what we were going to do, and listening to stern advisements to all to behave in a “dignified and disciplined manner.” Then the student speeches started and the party began. With the student introductions there were horns blowing and confetti flying, with students singing and dancing to pounding drums in celebration after every speech and announcements of one of “their” candidates.
Great times, and I fully expect to regain my hearing in 2-3 weeks.
Finally, the candidates were sat down in chairs while school administrators asked each candidate a series of questions – two in Spanish and Two in English – with more singing, chanting and pounding drums made at every answer.
Then two final speeches from administrators about how the elections would proceed – and then there was a delay.
In fact, there was a delay that stretched on for quite a while.
With the whole stadium becoming restless, the principal finally came out to announce that members of the state’s health department were on the campus. One student who had just returned from a trip to Miami had just been diagnosed with Swine Flu, which officially was known as virus N1H1, and because of this classes would be suspended for eight days. And all hell broke loose.
The kids were cheering as if Ecuador had just scored the winning goal to win the World Cup Championship. This attitude changed fairly quickly, though, as Health Department officials removed the infected student’s course from the stadium to undergo examinations at the infirmary. Even more so as the minutes dragged on, and information was meted out piecemeal. This was not a vacation. Students would need to stay at home and not go to crowded public areas: no sporting events or extracurricular activities, no malls, restaurants, parties or movie theaters. Realizing what they had been hearing about the Swine Flu outbreak in the news, many students dived into their backpacks to pull out the breathing masks they used in chemistry. Others wrapped cloths over their faces. Some cried in fear. Many times I was asked, “Mr. Evans, are you worried?” and I would patiently explained why I wasn’t that worried, but that the restrictions were extremely necessary to follow to prevent a wider contamination.
Finally we were told that buses were arriving to take the children home, but that no one would be able to leave unless they first had been given an official notification that was being jointly made by the Health Department, Department of Education and the school. All of the students were dismissed to their 5th hour classes to await the notifications.
By this time a number of the students had checked their Blackberries to see that the school closing had already made the news on the local paper El Universo.
Finally the official notifications came. The students were sent off. There was a final meeting of teachers and staff, mostly saying that the same restrictions applying for the students applied to us as well. Classes would restart on May 25.
And home I went.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Swine Flu is Here!
Well, for those not knowing the breaking news, Swine Flu (excuse me, Infuenza virus H1N1) has hit Guayaquil, Ecuador - AT MY SCHOOL!
Yes, a young 13-year-old child who just returned from a trip to Miami on Sunday, and attended school on Monday for only 2-3 hours before going home sick, has been announced as Ecuador's first confirmed case. Our school was one of the first to know, due to the phalanx of department of health workers who descended on our school with no warning about 9:30 this morning. After a great deal of confusion, the student's classmates in Segundo Curso (equivalent of 8th Grade in the US system) were trotted off to the infirmary for a checkup - and a second student was quarantined for "suspicious symptoms" - school is canceled for eight days - until May 25th at least.
As for me, I am sternly cautioned to remain at home, avoid public areas and especially around crowded areas, maintain a high personal hygiene and take lots of Vitamin C. If a start to show any symptoms, I must immediately contact the department of health.
As my good buddy Justin is probably saying - Oh, Joy.
I think I'm feeling a bit feverish.
Yes, a young 13-year-old child who just returned from a trip to Miami on Sunday, and attended school on Monday for only 2-3 hours before going home sick, has been announced as Ecuador's first confirmed case. Our school was one of the first to know, due to the phalanx of department of health workers who descended on our school with no warning about 9:30 this morning. After a great deal of confusion, the student's classmates in Segundo Curso (equivalent of 8th Grade in the US system) were trotted off to the infirmary for a checkup - and a second student was quarantined for "suspicious symptoms" - school is canceled for eight days - until May 25th at least.
As for me, I am sternly cautioned to remain at home, avoid public areas and especially around crowded areas, maintain a high personal hygiene and take lots of Vitamin C. If a start to show any symptoms, I must immediately contact the department of health.
As my good buddy Justin is probably saying - Oh, Joy.
I think I'm feeling a bit feverish.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Wow! Is it really May?
Life is so crazy I didn't even realize it has been two weeks since my last blog. Lots of news to behold. I'll absolutely find it impossible to share it all but here it goes.
The first thing is that most things at school are going well. Classes are well established and the kids, for the most part, are into the swing of things. However, like most places there is a small percentage of students who are more interested in the quality of their nail polish or what other other students are doing with their lives than actually going to school for what a teenager is supposed to do (study, that was not a trick question). Anyway, It is three partial weeks and one full week in, almost halfway through the first quarter and I have my small cadre of students who are currently running a 19% or 32% grade so far. Tuesday notices go to parents so I probably will have a flurry of parent-teacher conferences right after.
The place where school is NOT going well is the schedule. We went three wees and everything was fine. Then the Powers That Be (PTB) announced a schedule change for the entire secondary school. Many teachers learned they were teaching completely different classes. Not I, since my classes are so specialized but it did scramble who I saw when. We got a full half day warning before the schedule flipped.
But when there is a flip there will be a flop, so when we walked into school the following Wednesday one of the admin assistants was waiting at the bus stop to hand out NEW SCHEDULES THAT WERE TO START THAT DAY! There were so many bad parts to this it could take me hours to vent. First, I had expected two prep periods that day, so I had been planning to use my lunch period to give some makeup tests to some students. I also had planned to spend some time during one prep period finishing some handouts to use during a couple of my afternoon classes.
With the new schedule, I had no prep periods, none. So with me having to pull duty during first recess, and the make-up tests during lunch, I did not have a single break for any reason all day. This meant I had no break to prepare my materials for my afternoon class. Worse, I now had classes for which were not previously scheduled for that day, so students showed up with no books, since many had left the books at home, thinking there would be no class.
In the few times I had a moment to speak to one of administration, I was not diplomatic in saying how horrid I thought this had been handled. Even worse in my book, we never received an explanation as to why the major schedule change was needed, nor received any reason why they couldn't wait even 24 hours to let teachers have a chance to adjust.
Grrr!
On a quasi-plus side, I've agreed with Blue Hill College here in Guayaquil to teach some history classes. I'll be teaching an American History, 1945-Present Class starting on May 5. Of course, I still am teaching a full spread of classes in the day, PLUS tutoring a group of pilots for their English Certification Test. PLUS I am still finishing off the first stage of a teaching certification program through a distance learning program.
No stress here.
The first thing is that most things at school are going well. Classes are well established and the kids, for the most part, are into the swing of things. However, like most places there is a small percentage of students who are more interested in the quality of their nail polish or what other other students are doing with their lives than actually going to school for what a teenager is supposed to do (study, that was not a trick question). Anyway, It is three partial weeks and one full week in, almost halfway through the first quarter and I have my small cadre of students who are currently running a 19% or 32% grade so far. Tuesday notices go to parents so I probably will have a flurry of parent-teacher conferences right after.
The place where school is NOT going well is the schedule. We went three wees and everything was fine. Then the Powers That Be (PTB) announced a schedule change for the entire secondary school. Many teachers learned they were teaching completely different classes. Not I, since my classes are so specialized but it did scramble who I saw when. We got a full half day warning before the schedule flipped.
But when there is a flip there will be a flop, so when we walked into school the following Wednesday one of the admin assistants was waiting at the bus stop to hand out NEW SCHEDULES THAT WERE TO START THAT DAY! There were so many bad parts to this it could take me hours to vent. First, I had expected two prep periods that day, so I had been planning to use my lunch period to give some makeup tests to some students. I also had planned to spend some time during one prep period finishing some handouts to use during a couple of my afternoon classes.
With the new schedule, I had no prep periods, none. So with me having to pull duty during first recess, and the make-up tests during lunch, I did not have a single break for any reason all day. This meant I had no break to prepare my materials for my afternoon class. Worse, I now had classes for which were not previously scheduled for that day, so students showed up with no books, since many had left the books at home, thinking there would be no class.
In the few times I had a moment to speak to one of administration, I was not diplomatic in saying how horrid I thought this had been handled. Even worse in my book, we never received an explanation as to why the major schedule change was needed, nor received any reason why they couldn't wait even 24 hours to let teachers have a chance to adjust.
Grrr!
On a quasi-plus side, I've agreed with Blue Hill College here in Guayaquil to teach some history classes. I'll be teaching an American History, 1945-Present Class starting on May 5. Of course, I still am teaching a full spread of classes in the day, PLUS tutoring a group of pilots for their English Certification Test. PLUS I am still finishing off the first stage of a teaching certification program through a distance learning program.
No stress here.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Just Hot!
Wow! It is just scorching today!. I came home from teaching all day, walked into the office and saw the temperature inside was 35deg Celsius - which translates to 95deg Fahrenheit. TURN ON THAT AIR CONDITIONER!
Of course, I am sure this Ecuadorian temperature is probably quite higher than what most of my Northern buddies are experiencing right now.
So I am just slumming at the moment, but I'll have to go out in a bit since I have a night class I am teaching.
More ice!
Of course, I am sure this Ecuadorian temperature is probably quite higher than what most of my Northern buddies are experiencing right now.
So I am just slumming at the moment, but I'll have to go out in a bit since I have a night class I am teaching.
More ice!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Living in Guayaquil
Had a person I was exchanging some emails with ask me a bunch of questions about living in Guayaquil. I thought I'd share his questions and my answers here.
How do the Ecuadorians on the street treat you?
Very, very good. Very friendly, and if you have any Spanish they love to ask you about the US (the taxi drivers will talk your ear off). However, it is a city of over 2mil people so it has its bad areas and crime issues. It has a fair amount of economic crime directed at foreigners (pickpockets and the like) but violent crime against foreigners is almost unknown. There are some poor beggars and street kids hustling money by selling sweets, but overall it is very good.
How is the food?
It is near the Pacific Ocean so heavy on seafood, ceviche is very popular. Typical [i]almuerzo[/i] (lunch) is a soup (they do them good here) served with rice, beans, a vegetable or salad, meat, fresh squeezed fruit juice and a postre (small dessert) for about $1.50. Comida Typica (typical food) is heavy on vegetables, fruits (they have about 20 different types of bananas and plantains). Chifas are their version of chinese food which serve fried rice and noodle dishes. There are also a wide range of western style restaurants - TGI Fridays, McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Burger King, etc are everywhere if you need a fast food fix.
Cost of living?
This is a tough one. If you live mostly on the economy then it is very cheap. That means shopping mostly like the locals do and eating generally like an Ecuadorian - it is incredibly cheap. You could easily save 50-60% of your salary if you do that, and still travel and enjoy. However, meals at malls and chain restaurants like McDonalds etc are very expensive, while higher quality imported items are EXTREMELY expensive. So if you don't mind living on local resources (and Guayaquil is a fairly modern city) then COL is very low compared to your salary. Living like you are still in the States will become VERY costly.
Would it be easy to find a fully furnished/all bills paid apartment/condo/house that is near the campus/or near a bus line? How much for rent per month(US)?
We are in a very large townhome shared by 3 teachers for $580/mo, furnished (although we added a few things). plus utilities of about $75/month. It is very easy to get a fairly nice place on your own (with assistance from the school) in the $300 range in Urdesa or Kennedy Norte. Housing allowance is $400, so good deal.
How is the transportation system(city and country)?
Transportation is everywhere and extremely cheap but it is insane. Buses are everywhere, in fact any bus you want will almost certainly be along within 5 minutes, but there is no bus map so you simply have to ask until you find what linea works for you. Buses are cheap - $0.25 - but generally are crowded and dirty. Taxis are also everywhere, and you can go most places in town for $2-$5. Buses that go in between cites are also extremely frequent and cheap. You can pretty much go to any city in the country by bus for less than $15. Local air flights are convenient, but tend to be less reliable - $120 round trip between Quito and Guayaquil. Going to the Galapagos is VERY expensive.
How are the services: Internet, WiFi, electricity, telephone, water & sewage system, etc.
Mostly good but it is a Third World Country so there can be times of outages, especially during the rainy season of January-April. Water should not be drank, because of biologicals, but bottled water is widely available and relatively inexpensive. Local telephone service is very expensive. Most people have cell phones which is much cheaper, and do a lot of texting, which is even cheaper here. Many people, myself included, use VoIP providers like Skype because of the price. I can actually call the US for 10% the price of a call local $0.015/min US vs $0.12/min local Ecuador.
How do the Ecuadorians on the street treat you?
Very, very good. Very friendly, and if you have any Spanish they love to ask you about the US (the taxi drivers will talk your ear off). However, it is a city of over 2mil people so it has its bad areas and crime issues. It has a fair amount of economic crime directed at foreigners (pickpockets and the like) but violent crime against foreigners is almost unknown. There are some poor beggars and street kids hustling money by selling sweets, but overall it is very good.
How is the food?
It is near the Pacific Ocean so heavy on seafood, ceviche is very popular. Typical [i]almuerzo[/i] (lunch) is a soup (they do them good here) served with rice, beans, a vegetable or salad, meat, fresh squeezed fruit juice and a postre (small dessert) for about $1.50. Comida Typica (typical food) is heavy on vegetables, fruits (they have about 20 different types of bananas and plantains). Chifas are their version of chinese food which serve fried rice and noodle dishes. There are also a wide range of western style restaurants - TGI Fridays, McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Burger King, etc are everywhere if you need a fast food fix.
Cost of living?
This is a tough one. If you live mostly on the economy then it is very cheap. That means shopping mostly like the locals do and eating generally like an Ecuadorian - it is incredibly cheap. You could easily save 50-60% of your salary if you do that, and still travel and enjoy. However, meals at malls and chain restaurants like McDonalds etc are very expensive, while higher quality imported items are EXTREMELY expensive. So if you don't mind living on local resources (and Guayaquil is a fairly modern city) then COL is very low compared to your salary. Living like you are still in the States will become VERY costly.
Would it be easy to find a fully furnished/all bills paid apartment/condo/house that is near the campus/or near a bus line? How much for rent per month(US)?
We are in a very large townhome shared by 3 teachers for $580/mo, furnished (although we added a few things). plus utilities of about $75/month. It is very easy to get a fairly nice place on your own (with assistance from the school) in the $300 range in Urdesa or Kennedy Norte. Housing allowance is $400, so good deal.
How is the transportation system(city and country)?
Transportation is everywhere and extremely cheap but it is insane. Buses are everywhere, in fact any bus you want will almost certainly be along within 5 minutes, but there is no bus map so you simply have to ask until you find what linea works for you. Buses are cheap - $0.25 - but generally are crowded and dirty. Taxis are also everywhere, and you can go most places in town for $2-$5. Buses that go in between cites are also extremely frequent and cheap. You can pretty much go to any city in the country by bus for less than $15. Local air flights are convenient, but tend to be less reliable - $120 round trip between Quito and Guayaquil. Going to the Galapagos is VERY expensive.
How are the services: Internet, WiFi, electricity, telephone, water & sewage system, etc.
Mostly good but it is a Third World Country so there can be times of outages, especially during the rainy season of January-April. Water should not be drank, because of biologicals, but bottled water is widely available and relatively inexpensive. Local telephone service is very expensive. Most people have cell phones which is much cheaper, and do a lot of texting, which is even cheaper here. Many people, myself included, use VoIP providers like Skype because of the price. I can actually call the US for 10% the price of a call local $0.015/min US vs $0.12/min local Ecuador.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Quito Plane Crash
At 5:30 this evening a military plane carrying three military personnel, plus the spouse and child of one (what?) crashed into an apartment building near the Quito airport in a thick fog, killing two additional people on the ground. I'm wondering if I know any of them, since I have done so many Aviation English classes for a lot of military pilots and air traffic controllers here.
Here is a link to some video reports (this one in Spanish, but there is also access to some English reports.
Here is a link to some video reports (this one in Spanish, but there is also access to some English reports.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Barefoot Gringo
What fun. Lisa doesn't like to grade at home, because there are generally too many distractions for her to concentrate. So she heads out and asks me to check on our parakeet we keep on the front porch. No problem. She heads off and I see the bird's perch is askew. I spend some time straightening it, doing feed, and making the little girl comfortable. Then I turn to go in and see the front door is locked closed.
I am in my shorts, no shirt, no shoes, no keys, no cell. Lisa has just gone off to spend several hours grading.
Oh joy.
Nothing to it but to walk barefooted across the sizzling pavement (the equatorial sun is just blazing today) for three blocks, cross the main street of Victor Emilio Estrada to the little shopping center where Lisa normally goes to grade. First little restaurant, not there. I see her at the second place, through the window, but the guard at the door is not going to let a bare-footed, bare-chested guy come waltzing into the place. but I call out and Lisa hears me. She quickly sizes the situation up. She has a massive grin and says joyfully "I bet I know what happened!" as she dangles her keys in front of me.
So much fun, living in Ecuador, don't you think?
I am in my shorts, no shirt, no shoes, no keys, no cell. Lisa has just gone off to spend several hours grading.
Oh joy.
Nothing to it but to walk barefooted across the sizzling pavement (the equatorial sun is just blazing today) for three blocks, cross the main street of Victor Emilio Estrada to the little shopping center where Lisa normally goes to grade. First little restaurant, not there. I see her at the second place, through the window, but the guard at the door is not going to let a bare-footed, bare-chested guy come waltzing into the place. but I call out and Lisa hears me. She quickly sizes the situation up. She has a massive grin and says joyfully "I bet I know what happened!" as she dangles her keys in front of me.
So much fun, living in Ecuador, don't you think?
Friday, March 6, 2009
Running Around
Friday and I needed to get around and get a few things done. One of the great things about living overseas is that many places have much better transportation options than you typically have in the United States. Of course, "better" does depend on your point of view! If your idea of good is clean, quiet and comfortable, maybe not so much. Cheap and convenient? Then definitely so!
I left home around 2pm and walked the three short blocks to the bus stop (known as a parada here) and caught Linea 54 which goes to right in front of my school. I flagged down an ancient bus painted blue and white and paid my $0.25. The bus is grimy, noisy, with plastic seats that are filled. I am one of about a dozen that are standing as we huff down the road, driver laying on the horn at every opportunity. Fifteen minutes later I slither through the mass in the aisle and hop out of the bus. At Colegio Americano I drop of some documents to the HR department.
Then I’m back out to the street to hail a passing cab. It is an old Lada, about 18 years old and you can only open the passenger door from the inside. It is a fairly quick trip to Mall del Sol, a fairly modern, Western-style enclosed mall. The trip in the taxi costs $2.50. I do our weekly shopping at MegaMaxi – kind of an Ecuadorian equivalent of a SuperWalmart. Shop, and then grab another taxi home at another $3.00.
When school is in, my work provides an expreso which offers free rides to and from work. For most employees in Ecuador, where the minimum wage runs about $175 a month, this is an important benefit. Imagine working for $175 a month and you had to spend $25 on getting around?
Tomorrow I get to spend more time at Lisa’s school, they are having an international culture day and her 8th Graders are responsible for something or other. I’m coming along to lend whatever support and heavy lifting I can.
I left home around 2pm and walked the three short blocks to the bus stop (known as a parada here) and caught Linea 54 which goes to right in front of my school. I flagged down an ancient bus painted blue and white and paid my $0.25. The bus is grimy, noisy, with plastic seats that are filled. I am one of about a dozen that are standing as we huff down the road, driver laying on the horn at every opportunity. Fifteen minutes later I slither through the mass in the aisle and hop out of the bus. At Colegio Americano I drop of some documents to the HR department.
Then I’m back out to the street to hail a passing cab. It is an old Lada, about 18 years old and you can only open the passenger door from the inside. It is a fairly quick trip to Mall del Sol, a fairly modern, Western-style enclosed mall. The trip in the taxi costs $2.50. I do our weekly shopping at MegaMaxi – kind of an Ecuadorian equivalent of a SuperWalmart. Shop, and then grab another taxi home at another $3.00.
When school is in, my work provides an expreso which offers free rides to and from work. For most employees in Ecuador, where the minimum wage runs about $175 a month, this is an important benefit. Imagine working for $175 a month and you had to spend $25 on getting around?
Tomorrow I get to spend more time at Lisa’s school, they are having an international culture day and her 8th Graders are responsible for something or other. I’m coming along to lend whatever support and heavy lifting I can.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
The Smell of Paint is in the Air!
Had to stop by the school today. During my recent trip to The States I lost my passport and had to go through horrible hoops to get an emergency replacement so I could travel back to Ecuador. Now here in Ecuador, most of my paperwork for the bank, my teaching position and my visa is in the old passport so I have been running around getting things updated, and today my first stop was Colegio Americano. Stupid me, I accidentally brought my WIFE's passport, not mine, so it was a wasted trip and I'll have to go back again tomorrow.
However, in South America school is getting ready to start a new year - the vacation goes from February to March, unlike North America where it typically goes June-July - and the maintenance crew is going whole hog. Lockers are getting sanded, repaired and painted. New signs are up. Doors are getting a fresh coat of paint and it appears that the exteriors of the classrooms are going to have a fresh coat slapped on. March 23rd teachers are back and April 1 students return. What a wonderful April Fool's Day!
After that I did some shopping, then headed over to my wife's school, InterAmerican Academy. They are a true international school operating on the North American schedule so they are just closing out their 3rd quarter. They had got together a teacher's vs. the school's basketball team and they needed a few extra bodies. Of course, I was the oldest and least in shape of everyone on the court but I had fun and got through it without lasting injury. (InterAmerican Academy Sharks 38, Guests 26).
Then it was home to work on an online class I am taking on phonics reading instruction. Next week my wife is asking me in to teach a seminar to some of her classes on research for research papers. Hey! I'm supposed to be on vacation!
However, in South America school is getting ready to start a new year - the vacation goes from February to March, unlike North America where it typically goes June-July - and the maintenance crew is going whole hog. Lockers are getting sanded, repaired and painted. New signs are up. Doors are getting a fresh coat of paint and it appears that the exteriors of the classrooms are going to have a fresh coat slapped on. March 23rd teachers are back and April 1 students return. What a wonderful April Fool's Day!
After that I did some shopping, then headed over to my wife's school, InterAmerican Academy. They are a true international school operating on the North American schedule so they are just closing out their 3rd quarter. They had got together a teacher's vs. the school's basketball team and they needed a few extra bodies. Of course, I was the oldest and least in shape of everyone on the court but I had fun and got through it without lasting injury. (InterAmerican Academy Sharks 38, Guests 26).
Then it was home to work on an online class I am taking on phonics reading instruction. Next week my wife is asking me in to teach a seminar to some of her classes on research for research papers. Hey! I'm supposed to be on vacation!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Dueling Vacations
One reason I finally decided to take the plunge and become a teacher was vacations. The two-month vacations my wife annually took seemed beguiling when compared to the short times I managed away while in business. Better yet, we thought, how about being able to take lengthy vacations together? Even travel extensively together! How cool is that?
Travel? Check with places like Colombia, Mexico and of course our current location of Ecuador. The problem we has was our positions at two different schools. You see, Lisa teaches at a true international school, one that is accredited in the US system and follows the American-typical schedule of classes August-May. My school is more of a high-level Ecuadorian school which follows the typical South American schedule of April-January. Of course, this means no shared vacation times.
Except this week, since I am still in the waning days of my "summer" vacation, while her school is out for a week for Spring Break. We've actually had time to do some things together. Granted, it is amazing how much we are actually doing on school stuff. She is getting ready for class Monday, while I have to start thinking about what I am doing for "next year."
Funny about that. I had lost my passport during a recent trip - something which deserves its own blog entry and I hope I get to it soon - so I needed to stop by my school so they can get the new passport information. While there I stopped in to chat with MariaLaura, the school's International Baccalaureate (IB) Coordinator. She mentioned classes "next year" and I teasingly replied, "you know that 'next year' is in three weeks, you know."
"Don't tell me that!"
So yeah, the days are counting down until March 23 and I have to be back to work.
I have been monitoring the job listings at The International Educator and right now there are over 1100 teaching jobs posted there. We have to make a decision soon if we want to remain here another year or to look for a new place. We will have to see.
Travel? Check with places like Colombia, Mexico and of course our current location of Ecuador. The problem we has was our positions at two different schools. You see, Lisa teaches at a true international school, one that is accredited in the US system and follows the American-typical schedule of classes August-May. My school is more of a high-level Ecuadorian school which follows the typical South American schedule of April-January. Of course, this means no shared vacation times.
Except this week, since I am still in the waning days of my "summer" vacation, while her school is out for a week for Spring Break. We've actually had time to do some things together. Granted, it is amazing how much we are actually doing on school stuff. She is getting ready for class Monday, while I have to start thinking about what I am doing for "next year."
Funny about that. I had lost my passport during a recent trip - something which deserves its own blog entry and I hope I get to it soon - so I needed to stop by my school so they can get the new passport information. While there I stopped in to chat with MariaLaura, the school's International Baccalaureate (IB) Coordinator. She mentioned classes "next year" and I teasingly replied, "you know that 'next year' is in three weeks, you know."
"Don't tell me that!"
So yeah, the days are counting down until March 23 and I have to be back to work.
I have been monitoring the job listings at The International Educator and right now there are over 1100 teaching jobs posted there. We have to make a decision soon if we want to remain here another year or to look for a new place. We will have to see.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Salverston?
Who am I?
Well, my real name is Richard Evans, a 48-year-old teacher living and working in Guayaquil, Ecuador. My somewhat farcical pen name is Salverston J. Saddlebelly, Esq, something I concocted decades ago while in high school and have used it for all things odd and amusing. Me? In South America teaching Ecuadorians? That can be about as amusing as it can get.
While I backed into teaching, my wife has been one of those amazingly solid folks who have magically dedicated to helping the next generation (and the next, and the next) get a smart foot as they step out ahead to their future. She has been teaching English and Spanish for almost 30 years. Myself, I was originally a journalist, then an Army guy, then got into business. Then figured that my wife was setting a wonderful example so I've made my fourth career change.
While my degree is in Social Studies, right now I am teaching Business and Marketing at a private college prep school.
This blog is here to explore the wonders of international teaching, and travel throughout the world.
Well, my real name is Richard Evans, a 48-year-old teacher living and working in Guayaquil, Ecuador. My somewhat farcical pen name is Salverston J. Saddlebelly, Esq, something I concocted decades ago while in high school and have used it for all things odd and amusing. Me? In South America teaching Ecuadorians? That can be about as amusing as it can get.
While I backed into teaching, my wife has been one of those amazingly solid folks who have magically dedicated to helping the next generation (and the next, and the next) get a smart foot as they step out ahead to their future. She has been teaching English and Spanish for almost 30 years. Myself, I was originally a journalist, then an Army guy, then got into business. Then figured that my wife was setting a wonderful example so I've made my fourth career change.
While my degree is in Social Studies, right now I am teaching Business and Marketing at a private college prep school.
This blog is here to explore the wonders of international teaching, and travel throughout the world.
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