First days at the lab + random

I’ve realized this isn’t going to be easy. I never expected it to be a breeze but the magnitude of the challenge has become apparent to me these past two days. Learning more advanced laboratory techniques such as PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay) would have been tricky in the States but throw in the language impediment and the difficulty reaches a new level. My Spanish has progressed to the point where I can have a 10-15 minute conversation with a new person and not run into too much trouble. However, in the lab, where a single word can carry utmost importance and meaning, I still have a way to go. Despite this I have enjoyed my time at the CBM (Centro BioMedicina).



(My desk space, shared with Dr. Guevara and Dr. Calvopina-I've mostly been in other lab rooms)


My first morning, after an exciting bike ride into the lab, I met Theo Murer. Theo is a Swedish national, about 40 years or age, who is volunteering in the lab and absolutely pumped to be helping out on such important public health issues. He is still a bit of an enigma, but I believe he has worked most of his life in labs throughout the world. His family (wife + 2 kids) are here in Quito as well and he says he plans to stay for quite some time. I have worked with him and a young woman named Tatiana these past two days, primarily helping/observing in how PCR is prepped. Once the reagents are all set the process is rather automated but getting to that step has proven far more complicated than I ever thought. They are working to determine the exact strains of Tuberculosis bacteria infecting patients residing in a nearby hospital. The lab is a mecca for infectious disease research; Chagas disease, Leishmaniasis, Onchocerciasis, TB, Malaria, and Dengue are all being examined.

One area I was able to contribute concerned a reagent manufacturer’s instructions. The instructions were entirely in English and it was giving them fits. There were tricky key words they had no idea about that I was able to render into Spanish so they could catch the meaning. I wasn’t the only one having language be an impediment to the research! One thing I’ve noticed is that all the young student level people in the lab, with one exception, are female. I’m not sure if this normal in Ecuadorian science but the ratio is almost uncanny. In conclusion, I was getting frustrated with myself for not following well and not “getting it” but once calmer I realized I’ve been there only two days out of 10 months and just need to keep trying. I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to work with and I know things will improve.

OK, another topic. There is a sweet little park about 100ft from our front gate that I’ve gone to the past two evenings after work. They have a bunch of old monkey bars and other equipment that is perfect for pull-ups, throw in some pushups and crunches and I think I’ve found a far cheaper and almost as effective option as seeking out a gym. Today after a short workout I met a little boy, who’s name I was not able to pronounce back to him (Maybe it was Quechua?), and we engaged in some one sided teeter-tottering. Both parties involved seemed to have a great time☺



(The park!)


On the way to the park I ran into the local neighborhood security guard, Oswaldo. We chatted for a while and I found out he’s lived in Quito for only 4 years, originally coming from a southern coastal province. He always has a smile on his face when I see him and I hope to talk with him more soon. As much as people must internally cringe at some of my pronunciations they haven’t said anything mean yet! I get the sense that a lot of people come to Quito looking for employment, some like Oswaldo succeed, while others, the many homeless to be found all over the city, are not so fortunate.



(Oswaldo)


Tomorrow I won’t be going to the lab as I have to go the Embassy for a security briefing followed by a meeting with one of the personnel there to discuss our projects. They are supposed to scare the **** out of us but I’m already pretty paranoid. This stems from talking with one of the other Fulbright fellows, a young gal named Juliet, who got mugged her first day here and also hearing a story from Theo about how he was strangled to unconsciousness before being robbed; at 3pm in a populated tourist area…

It would be unkind to end with such a morbid image so I will tell you about the fruit truck. The first time I heard the garbled megaphone I thought the political campaigners were in our area. Even several rooms back into the house the booming voice resonated loudly. I went outside to see what was going on and saw a pickup truck full of fruit and people, with the driver screaming into microphone. What a deal, a broken eardrum and two papayas for only a dollar! Seriously though, the fruit here is amazing, served with every meal and the juices, wow, they really are in another league. Fresh made every day and so many different types!

Just in case you didn't know, if you click on the pictures they show up enlarged.

Hope you’re all well, hasta luego. -Michael