Jon Brandt
I studied abroad in Sevilla, Spain and knew that I wanted more. After volunteering in Uruguay during my last spring break, I wanted to continue giving my time, and so I volunteered as an English teacher in Cuenca, Ecuador. I'm continuing to work on writing and photography while experiencing the culture and learning more about myself down in South America. Now I live in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where I work as a writer/editor at a travel agency.
Hometown: Boston
School: University of Massachusetts at Amherst
Abroad Program: WorldTeach
Where I've Lived Abroad: Sevilla, Spain - Cuenca, Ecuador - Buenos Aires, Argentina
Travel Guy
Double-Barrelled Packing
12 Jan 2010
I'm sitting in my room now and it's nearly empty. There are still the paintings on the wall that my ... read more
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Insider Tips
Ecuador
It's Cold!
In Ecuador the indigenous language is Quechua, but everyone has adopted parts of the language into their Spanish. Instead of saying, "Hace frio!" when it's cold, most Ecuadorians will ... read more
24 Mar 2009
Ecuador
What religion are you?
Living in a country that's 95 percent Catholic, I often find it a little awkward to tell people that I'm Jewish. Most people assume that you're Catholic ... read more
26 Mar 2009
Ecuador
Ya mismo
In Ecuador, "Ya mismo" is a common saying. Literally translated, it could mean "soon" or "right now." Yet in this country, it means anything but -- usually referring to a time ... read more
27 Mar 2009
Ecuador
No sea malito!
A very common phrase in the sierra is the phrase, "No sea malito!" It's usually said in a whiny voice when bargaining for something, and should be pulled out ... read more
29 Mar 2009
Ecuador
Kiss on the left
When greeting a woman in Ecuador you always kiss on the left cheek and that's it. If you are more familiar with her, you can put your hand on ... read more
29 Mar 2009
Ecuador
Don't bother waiting in line
That's right. Don't bother waiting in line because Ecuadorians certainly won't respect that you were there first. It's usually a free-for-all just about everywhere you go ... read more
29 Mar 2009
Ecuador
Go ahead, continue no more
Something you hear all the time in Ecuador is a contradictory phrase. Generally, the words, "No más," are added on to directions that would mean the opposite. An example of ... read more
29 Mar 2009
Ecuador
TP in the toilet is a no-no
The pipes in Ecuador are too weak to handle toilet paper, or basically anything other than human waste. So do not throw toilet paper into the bowl! There is a ... read more
20 Jun 2009
Ecuador
Fireworks and cows
During the Corpus Christi celebrations in Ecuador, week-long celebrations take place in almost every town. You can expect to find candy being sold by churches and cathedrals all week long ... read more
29 Jun 2009
Argentina
It's okay to eat Pancho!
If you've been around Latin America, you know that "Pancho" is a nickname for someone named Francisco. However, in Argentina, Pancho is the word used for hot dogs. No ... read more
04 Oct 2009
Argentina
Seriously, look both ways
Crossing the road is never more difficult than it is in Argentina. Even when the crosswalk gives you the right of way, cars will continue to go left on red ... read more
