The document describes the author's experience as a 16-year-old exchange student living in Riobamba, Ecuador during the summer of 1969. They stayed with the Granda family and became very close with their host family, spending time together shopping at markets, playing sports, visiting waterfalls, and traveling to other cities. The author reflects that they could not have had a more perfect experience and still remembers that summer vividly over 40 years later with great affection.
17. I traveled to Guayaquil to visit the family of a boy I knew.
18. I also spent time in Quito, at Carmen’s house. Carmen’s friends took me to the Equatorial line, just north of Quito.
19. One foot in the northern hemisphere, one in the southern.
20. I do not believe that I could have had a more perfect experience than I did. 40 years later, I still remember that summer very vividly and with great affection.
21. Luckily, in my line of work, I’m not likely to ever forget. September 2006: Roberto visiting me in the classroom where I teach Spanish.
22. Made with and in honor of all of the wonderful people of Latin America, but especially my dear Ecuatorian family – who will forever remain “ mi familia .” Music: “Quiéreme mucho” from the album “Latino Americano” by Franck Pourcel. (This music was frequently heard in the Granda household that summer.)