Getting to Pedro Vicente Maldonado

Wednesday, January 25

With the help of another friend who I met at an internet café (he asked me for help with his English homework and we ended up chatting—language conversation partners!), I made it to the bus station and was off to Pedro Vicente Maldonado (PVM).  By the time I left the bus station, my anticipated arrival time was only about 2-3 hours later than I had indicated to those expecting me in PVM.  Typical?  Sure.  I stepped off the bus and immediately was overtaken by the climate change.  PVM is about 2 hours west of Quito (116 km, at altitude 620 m), but the difference in temperature and humidity is drastic.  Wishing I wouldn’t have packed those sweaters…


As the Director of the hospital met me, I realized that my computer cord, which was in a side pocket of my backpack, had been stolen on the bus.  I had been dosing a bit and the backpack was on the floor in between my legs, so I think someone must have been creeping around under the seat.  I actually read a warning about this posted on the bulletin board at the hostel in Quito, so I should have been more aware.  Not a big deal, though; I had an extra one at home (from a broken computer) and the American doctor with whom I’m working was flying to Ecuador within the following week, so my parents mailed it to him.

I am living in the residence hall where a few medical residents live during their residency at the hospital.  My room is simple and sufficient and very close to the hospital.  The only downside is the kitchen; the residence is very newly-built, so the kitchen is not finished or functional.  (Which I’ve learned is ok because the cafeteria in the hospital offers all meals for $1.75 each!  Lunch = soup with some kind of meat; main course of rice, beans/lentils/plátano verde, salad of some kind, and chicken/beef/fish!).

 I like looking out the window when rains (it still rains everyday, as in Quito), watching the clouds form foggy layers of hills and trees on the horizon and listening to the chorus of music, dogs, chickens, children, birds, frogs, and insects...and at night a lullaby of rain pattering on the roof.

This might look run-down, but it's a relaxing view; a picture doesn't do it justice.