Llegada a Cuenca

Hola todos!

Wanted to add some pics of Quito- I downloaded them today.

To the left is the interior of Hostal Quito Antiguo, apparently one of the most famous hostels in the Mariscal area.

Ok, I'm having trouble with blogger... it only let me upload this one photo. So I am going to upload the rest to facebook! Anyway, I wanted to clarify that last night I hung out with the gringos out of pure desperation. There was not enough time for me to meet Ecuadorians to travel with for only one day. But I will not travel with gringos again if I can avoid it... especially ones that don't speak Spanish! I was their principal translator.

So I got up at 5am this morning and Fabián, the kind older man who picked me up on Sunday night, was downstairs at 6am. We went to the Quito airport and I was left alone once again, this time in an Ecuadorian airport. I garnered many stares. I don't know how I made it through sitting in the waiting area and boarding the plane without God's grace. Because I was a spectacle for them. A veterinarian guy sitting next to me was chatting it up with me, but he wasn't too creepy, just curious. And another interesting thing- we walked outside on a painted path to get to the plane. It was a good 2 minute walk, too. Another thing is that although it was 60 something degrees, everyone was wearing jackets as if it were in the 50's. To them, spring weather is "un poco frio." But for us, it's warm. I think it's because they don't have winters here whatsoever.

Through the plane window I saw two major volcanos that look like white-capped mountains. One of them was Cotopaxi, the 2nd highest summit in Ecuador. It was incredible to see. The Andes are very brown, and then all of a sudden you see these white-capped peaks and it's just wild to behold.

The flight was very short. I got off the plane, and waited for my luggage with the rest of the Ecuadorians. I already noticed a difference in the way these Cuencanos looked in comparison to the people of Quito. Most of them are lighter skinned and dress nicer. I would learn later from my papá that Cuenca has the most money out of all the cities in Ecuador... So I got my luggage, and walk out, and immediately I recognized Julio. I knew that I should expect a young guy, according to Karla. Julio is 22 and works with Ordex, the exchange program that I'll be working with. He took me into the center of the city and showed me all around. This city already enchants me. I'm hooked. I can't even tell you how lovely it is. The streets are clean and made of bricks/cobblestones. The buildings are colonial and lovely. It took us forever to find a place to park- first we had to go to Julio's house and pick up keys for something. Then we parked outside his parent's boutique called "El Chateau." I met his mom and 2 of his cousins- all are extremely welcoming and sweet!! Then he took me to a cafe and we had breakfast. Then back to the Ordex office, which happens to be directly above the parent's boutique! He gave me some maps and I tried to connect to the internet to no avail. I explored the area a little by myself, feeling very safe but still getting stared at. Then Julio brought me to San Joaquín, the neighborhood where my host family is!

San Joaquín is totally rural, in the countryside, at the base of a mountain, pretty much! It is so beautiful and calm. I prefer it to the city any day. And by the way, I LOVE my family!!! Guido (papá), Nancy (mamá), Andrea (24), and Adrian (15). Their photo was completely deceiving, friends!!! They are not at all serious- it's definitely how they take pictures because the photos in their house are the same. I also met Olga, the abuela!! They are wonderful. They took me to an authentic Ecuadorian restaurant and we had mote pillo, mote sucio, pork, these bean-like things (can't remember the name), cheese, and Coke. Now I am stuffed. Back in the house. Andrea and Adrian both are awesome and friendly and I get along with them fine! Liliana is the middle sister, and she's in the US right now for a cultural exchange, to return July 1st.

I am so excited about what the next few months hold. And so comforted in the fact that I will be able to go out with the girls- travel to the beach and such- especially once they finish school in July! The Lord has provided for me once again. And I've already learned tons of new words... if only I could remember them all. Gara= cool, chendo = I'm joking, it's a joke... and more. :)

Hasta luego! Go to facebook for pictures of Quito!