Vamos a la playa: Gringa in Latin America, part 1 5 reasons why I still in love with Latin America Two years ago I visited Spain first time in my life and understood how much I love this country! I liked everything about Spain: people, food, beautiful cities, breathtaking nature and of course the language! Spanish is so passionate and ardent, in the same time melodic and sweet… So the universe ‘told’ me I probably should have more Spanish in my life. That’s why I decided to move to South America. There is no reason why I decided to do it. I just made this decision (I knew nothing about Latin America, except some good footballers from there), but the voices in my head made me go there. I found a job in Ecuador, bought tickets from Madrid to Quito and … said Goodbye to cold Europe! Hola, Ecuador! Hello, new life! Different altitude, different people, different food and even the air is not like we have in Europe. From the first day there I understood it's a new world for me. For sure, South America, nor Ecuador is perfect. People complain, people need more, people wanna changes. But they have something special in their minds, blood, bodies, etc. Something we, Europeans, have to learn. So, there are things I learn in Latin America and it still helps me a lot. 1. In any situation... dance! People in Latin America are totally good in dancing! They can dance salsa, bachata, etc. without any dance classes. They feel rhythm very well without being musicians. They dance like they make love – without any tension, free and with a smile. Probably, as a European girl, I will never be able to dance that good as the Latin people do, but... Who cares if I like it? Sometimes we just need to do things we like. Not only useful ones. Sometimes we should dance salsa in the rain, play the guitar by the Ocean, spend a day with a little nephew... Life is not about doing useful things only. 2. Be open and helpful It was really nice to speak with people in South America! They are very nice, friendly and really helpful! Even if they don't speak English (my Spanish is not perfect) they tried to understand what I need and find a way how to help me. I even hitchhiked in Ecuador and can say that experience was really positive. And I noticed a great thing there: if someone helped me, I wanna do something nice for other people. And probably if I help someone, this person will want to help someone else :) So it's like a circle of kindness! Second part: https://www.italki.com/entry/725906