So

So yeah. I came here to work on my Spanish and challenge my pedagogy ... be careful what you wish for! So busy these days I have to make myself stop and stare at the mountains (and roses)... so tired its hard to relax. On my own, though; happily staying with a couple of other teacher's until my roommate buys me a bed. Pictures coming soon... if my classroom ever looks presentable.

"La Gringita"

They call me "la gringita," (the little white girl). Ha. Okay. So it's true!

Saturday I had a "cafecito" with the grandparents... tried an agua that has pineapple and oatmeal in it... a little different, but not bad. I also had my first, homeade Ecuadorian tamale, with more vegetables than the Mexican kind. The grandfather cleaned up the plates and the grandmother and I went upstairs and watched "Take the Lead." She showed me some of her incredible art... she makes icons, picture frames, and boxes.

One of the grandmother's hand-made icons

Sunday another new teacher (staying with family) and I went to the Middle of the World. We then had a crazy latin family dinner and a late cafecito. Who knew that powdered Nescafe could be so good? Today Heather and I went to Cumbaya and explored a little... we had coffee with Juan Valdez, a REALLY good lunch del mar, and tried our first Ecuadorian beers.

Walking down Latitude 0'0

I want to live life fully and not hold back... the thrill of being here and loving every new little moment is not worth sticking to something just 'cause you feel safe and comfortable. Que sera, sera. Whatever will be, will be. I don't know what I will do later... but for now I'm drunk on this beauty, and happy.

Pilsener with a view of the mountains

Rollercoasters

If you ever come to Quito, make sure you like roller coasters! It is so mountainous and hilly... the streets are often at 90 degrees, made of cobblestones and winding up and around the sides of cliffs. I have to tell myself to look up at the volcanoes, or concentrate on the conversation. I did figure out the name of my hostess :), and met some more of her family today. Her father wants to take me to the movies tonight (the grandmother cries and is scared easily). So my first Ecuadorian date is only 82 years old! He used to be the Ecuadorian ambassador to Mexico, and is quite the gentleman. 

I figured out what I will buy mom for Christmas, too. I bought more batteries for the camera, so there will be pictures soon.

http://www.glasssteelandstone.com/GSS/forum/lofiversion/index.php/t422.html

http://en.loadtr.com/Quito_view-455791.htm

Esta, aqui (en Ecuador)

It's finally real... I'm really here in Ecuador. I knew I was excited when I woke up at 6am yesterday and couldn't go back to sleep. The flight was so simple... it only took about 4 1/2 hours of actual air time. The airport and passport control were fast, despite a small size and many people (mostly tourists). One of the school's secretaries and her son met me and drove me out of the city to their house, where she lives with her elderly grandparents. They put me in my own suite - seperate from the house and with everything i could need.

It's cold here - about 48 F when I arrived. I slept under all the blankets and with a hoodie. When I woke up I went into the house and their maid (!) had my breakfast all ready and laid out... cut papaya, watermelon, banana; fresh-squeezed orange juice and bread. She heated milk for my coffee and made me an egg. While I ate, the grandmother and grandfather came and introduced themselves... they speak English but are nervous. They are very kind. The grandfather is adorable... slender and busy working in the yard/garden area... barely smelling of sweat but all dressed up in nice pants, button-up shirt, vest, and a little hat. The grandmother is in a dress with pearl earrings.

We are in "the valley", but I can see Quito from here. Huge mountains and volcanoes... there is a small canal running down the side of their yard that is used for local irrigation... they have a pump that pulls from it to water their flowers.

We are supposed to go to town to meet the secretary's boyfriend and his children for lunch, and they are going to show me around. HOPEFULLY I will figure out the name of my hostess! How embarrassing.