Well, there were no fireworks. But this weekend was a whirlwind of events. On Friday I left for Quito with one of my host sisters, Elisa, her boyfriend, and our maid. It took about four hours to get there, but once we got there we were starving since we hadn´t eaten dinner... therefore we had a truly American dinner late... KFC. I can´t even tell you all how delicious it was. I also can´t remember the last time that I had KFC in the US. Last time I think I ate it was with Spencer in London last year. Anyways, we stayed at my mysterious host brother´s house for the night, and in the morning went to a multiple-baby baptism, where my host-niece was baptised. It was really interesting, but I got a little lost with all of the Spanish. After the baptism there was a lunch reception, and there was so much food to eat! It was a four course delicious Ecuadorian meal and a true celebration topped off with cake. However, one thing that Ecuador does not really believe in is moist cakes, so it was a little dry. I can´t wait to get back to the US and have some really moist cake (Mom, that´s a hint to you)!
After the lunch reception, my host brother dropped me off in La Mariscal, which is the main activity area of Quito and where I was meeting my other volunteer friends. It was so nice to see them and we checked into our hostal, got some ice cream, and ALL called the US for dirt cheap. In Riobamba it costs about 25 cents per minute or more to call the US from a phone place, but in Quito it only costs 5 or 6 cents per minute. We all took advantage of that, along with quick internet and the chance to speak English with each other. We spent the afternoon just hanging out, and then at night there was a going-away dinner party for our field director. She is finished with her term and then assistant field director has stepped up as the new director, and we also have a new assistant field director. It was a great dinner with lots of amazing food! There was dancing next door after dinner, and an all around good time for the night. It was so nice to be able to spend time with everyone, and we started to make plans for future travels. My schedule is pretty booked in terms of traveling, but it will certainly make for an incredible summer! In addition, today marks the one month point that I´ve been here. It has absolutely flown by and I can´t imagine how fast the next month and a half is going to go by!
Also, despite the fact that I don´t really miss American food too much right now (that will probably change soon), I have found the absolute BEST burger in Ecuador! There is a little stand in Riobamba that my family went to last night for dinner and I cannot even begin to describe how good it tasted!
This week I have more classes, which I will update everyone on, and then this Saturday I´m off to Tena in the rainforest!
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Hey, little girl, loved your detailed adventures and it sounds like your finally enjoying your new surroundings. Your Mom told me that you're doing pretty good on your Spanish. Your Dad would be so proud. How are all the kiddies? Are they learning English? And how do you like being a teacher? Love you and miss you, Grandma
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible summer you are having, Kathleen, and what a great teacher you are becoming!! Reading your blogs reminds me of the many ESL experiences I have been blessed to enjoy. We are praying for you each day and look forward to your ongoing reports.
ReplyDeleteThe Wagners, Dave and Judy