Brett didn´t tell us about this

What is this white stuff you see in the pictures below? Oh, this is snow, and lots of it. Yes, I am living in South America this summer, but this does not mean I only wear shorts, t-shirts and chacos. That is what I would be wearing if I was in Mississippi, but I am in a totally different world.

So I know I was going to tell you all about the great times I had out with locals, but it is going to have to wait. Today my post is dedicated to the one and only Brett Brynes. Brett is-was our study abroad advisor for our trip to Ecuador, but no one here in Ecuador is sure if he is still employed at the University of Mississippi.

Ecuador has had a lot of surprises, and some I think we could have done without if we would have been informed of what to expect from Brett. But then again Brett has never been to Ecuador, and I don´t know if he has even read a book about Ecuador. So here we go.

Lesson 5- Don´t take Brett´s word for it. You are going to need to do a little background research to where you are going, and ask other students who have been before you what to expect. For example, I bought a book about Ecuador and I thank God everyday that I am friends with Rachel Johnson, or I would have been totally unprepared for most of the stuff I have encountered in Ecuador.

We got all received a schedule at the end of May for the June Spanish session at USFQ. It was scarce in details. We knew we were going to Riobamba, but that was about it.

Last Wednesday, we got more details about our trip to Riobamba and Chimborazo. We were told to bring lots of warm clothes and hiking boots. We figured it couldn´t that bad. Oh, how we were mistaken. Chimborazo is the highest point in Ecuador and where you can find snow in June. Our schedule from May said a hike. When I think hike I think nature trails at Girl Scout camp. I was wrong. For me to climb up Chimborazo I would have to started training last year. So I was automatically against even attempting to hike this mountain. But then they told us we were going down hill, so I pumped myself up to make the journey from one refuge to the next, but once again our plans changed. It had snowed and the snow was beginning to melt so we could only go up. So I didn´t hesitate and joined the group as we started to hike. Every step I thought I was getting closer to having a heart attack. After 15 minutes, Mary Alex ask me if I want to go back because she is feeling sharp pains in her upper body. Hell YES!!! So we turn around. When we get back to our buses we find that 5 of the girls from St. John´s in Minnesota have opted out also. This makes me feel much better. They are having trouble with the altitude too. I no longer feel like such at wimp at 13,000 feet when I start to breath hard from walking too fast or climbing up a few flights of stairs. God is good.

Chimborazo is only after other misadventures. Our journey from Quito to Riobamba to Chimborazo and then back to Riobamba began last Thursday morning. When we loaded the bus with our guide, Juan Pablo and driver Willis.

I am going to end here. But will return to this cozy internet cafe tomorrow to continue the story of my most recent misadventures. Get ready to hear about our appearance in an Ecuadorian music video, new host families, and Hotel Zeus. I promise that you will laugh out loud.

¡Chao!