I'm an Ecuadorian Cheerleader

That title isn't a metaphor. At my school back home we had the classic big football games with the band and the cheerleaders and the pommies (dance team). But here they don't have school sports and the culture that comes with them. What they do have is the November 12th parade with all of the high schools in Ambato.

My school has been hard at work getting together the marching band. And then there is a group of girls called the bastoneras who are like a combination of cheerleaders and pommies. They do this dance/march thing and do little tricks with a baston, which is like a metal baton with a pompom attached to one end. Aaaaaand I am one of them.

Now, if you know anything about me, you are probably thinking that this doesn't sound like something I'd sign up for. Allow me to explain: I had no idea what I was signing up for. Last week at our first practice (an hour after school each day), the girl in charge said, "The most important thing is that you be elegant in your movements." That's usually my cue to leave. The last time I had a practice for anything was in second grade, so for me those first days felt a little bit like:

(Minus the part at the end where they're good.)

But I decided to stick it out and I'm really glad I did. I have come a long way, and let me tell you, I had a long way to go (still do). There are about 25 and I think two are from my class, so I'm getting to know girls from all grades. They are all super nice to me and love to ask me to say things and English and get really excited when I do it. It's also cool because I definitely never would have done something like this at home, so it really is an opportunity. We get to wear a special uniform and get all done-up with our hair and makeup. I'm excited and I assure you there will be photos from the event.

This week was mid-trimester exams at school. My grades don't really count towards anything, so while I do try in school enough to not be disrespectful, I can't say I did a lot of studying. Grades are out of ten, and mine have varied from 8.5 to 2.9. That 8.5 was chemistry, and the 2.9 was math, which I am bad at in all languages. What's really hard for me is fill in the blank questions. Unless theres a word bank I just play Mad Libs.

I've been sick again, but not too bad. I haven't missed school or anything but I've been coughing for about a week. They are big on natural medicine here. I get a lot of vitamin C and take a cough syrup in which the only ingredients are honey and eucalyptus. The old woman who lives downstairs has been giving me warnings not to bathe. 106-year-old Virginita really wants me to drink some milk and brandy, but no one else seems to support that idea. Today when I came home, there were a bunch of branches outside my door.

Confusion ensued.

It's eucalyptus. I'm supposed to put it around my bed and just kind of hang out with it to help me breathe better. I'm almost better so I don't really feel like I need it, but I have to say, I'm kind of looking forward to having a little nature around.

I got my first package from home this week! My grandmother sent me makeup and candy and my colored pencils which I have been using every free second since their arrival. I was so excited that it had successfully arrived that I opened it at my art class because I couldn't wait to eat a Reeses. 

Ecuador qualified for the world cup on Tuesday. They actually lost a game against Chile, but because they still qualified everyone was excited. The streets were packed with people celebrating. After a big soccer success like that, all you can hear is car horns. People pile into pickup trucks and wave flags and beat drums. It's a party.

This month has been flying by. I've been so busy between bastoneras, art classes, school, friends and family activities. I'm almost done with my college application, but I still have to finish a few things. I'll probably cry from joy when that's submitted. Can't believe I've been here two months.