Value

I have had a couple of tough days here. I have been sick most of this week and lost a few pounds. I am starting to feel much better, but came to a realization. The value of being in a Spanish speaking country with a Spanish speaking roommate is as follows: as soon as you wake up in the morning, when your brain still feels like a balloon full of sand being pushed through a cheese grater, you have to understand what your roommate is saying.
This is especially true when you are sick and want nothing more than to put your head inside your pillow and pretend you are still dreaming about gracefully dancing elephants.
Since we are on the subject, I have had several rather vivid and strange dreams since coming to Ecuador. I am assuming that this is a symptom of different food, altitude, and maybe even just being out of my comfort zone. I had a rather enlightening conversation with my socks in last nights episode.
I am starting to experience some culture shock. In place of eating the traditional meal that my seminary provided, I opted for the very indigenous taco bell. I think the pronunciation there is (Wimp-y-man). What a shame to be in a different country and turn away from the wonderful things that they have to offer and instead seek solace and comfort in the pre-packaged beef and processed cheesy goodness, with heat lamp warmed tortilla shell. I could really go for a cheesy gordita right about now.
By the way, check out mr. suave, Bartering in the Ecuatorian market. Thinking in my mind, "Don't look too interested. Now walk away, She'll break" All that for two dollar grapes.