Aloha Everyone,
This morning in class, Juana discussed the economy and politics of Ecuador, when and why the United States dollar became Ecuador's main currency.
On March 1, 2000, under President Jamil Mahuad, the US dollar became the legal tender. The country’s “dollarization” was a way to cut 60 percent inflation and to bolster an economy that had nearly collapsed.
David is an American,originally from Colorado. He has traveled and lived in parts of the world where J.J. and I have yet to go including Africa, China, Nepal and Australia.
After South America travels, David will become an intern at a hospital in the United States. His goal in medicine is to practice in the area of Pediatric Surgeon. David is a very passionate humanist and J.J. and I enjoy talking with him. He told us that a reason for learning Spanish is to expand his mind and to be able to connect with people who speak a different language.
It was an interesting and educational lunch with Juana and David as our conversation was 75% in Spanish occasionally turning to Juana for clarification and translation.
Here is a photo of David and J.J. taken at Trattoria Novecento in Hotel Boutique Santa Lucia in El Centro, Cuenca.
Aloha -- Cathi
