Hola mis amores!
Wowee, I cannot believe that it is already the middle of October! Time is flying by…
Last weekend I traveled with 3 other girls to Mindo, a cute little touristy town about 2 and a half hours from Quito. We got the last 2 beds at a lovely hostel called La Casa de Cecilia, and Cecilia took very good care of us! :o) Before we left for Mindo, Emily and I proposed the idea of camping out in a tent, and although we did not end up doing that, I think we got as close as possible. When we arrived at the hostel, Cecilia showed Emily and I to our bed…she opened the door to what looked like a cute 2nd floor balcony, until I turned my head and saw a twin bed covered in a bright Spongebob comforter with a mosquito net hanging overhead. Needless to say…we were pleasantly surprised.
The highlight of our trip to Mindo was a zipline tour through the canopy of the forest. OOooh my goodness --- so much fun and SO beautiful. We also went on a morning walk to see a butterfly exhibit and then went on a short hike to see a waterfall. We ate some pretty amazing food too…grilled cheese and REAL COFFEE. Haha. It was a nice relief from the food at home, although I think I am finally over my Ecuadorian food low and have been feeling hungry for the first time in weeks.
On Sunday, I spend the majority of the day with family. We went to visit my host mom´s brother for his birthday, then went out to lunch, and visited the Panecillo in the Historical Center of Quito. The Panecillo is a huuuuge, beautiful statue of the Virgen Mary. I really enjoy spending time with my family, and it´s kind of a bummer that I only see them on Sundays. I feel like I am finally starting to feel comfortable with them, but I will be moving to a new city in 2 weeks.
Beyond feeling comfortable with my family, I am finally starting to feel comfortable in Quito is well, and part of me is bummed that I have to leave the comfort behind to begin something new. In 2 weeks I will be living with a new family, in a different city, without any other students, working a new job, without anyone to vent to in English. Although moving to my internship is going to be a huge challenge, I know it is going to be an amazing experience. The transition might be difficult, but I think that I´m ready for it.
...I watched the presidential debates last night! A group of us got together at a friend´s house where we could watch them. Actually...13 of us piled on to her mom´s bed, which we broke. Yiiikes! Anyway, I am not the most politically educated person, so I was really looking forward to watching the debate to better understand what each candidate stands for. I have to say I was pretty disappointed, I could not get myself to focud on McCain´s ideas because I was too preoccupied by his disrespectful and sarcastic behavior. I know that´s part of politics, but I felt like I was listening to some sort of childish argument, not to a potential future president. I won´t say much more than that... :o)
I suppose I should study for my Spanish final now…
You all are always in my thoughts and I hope that life is going well.
Abrazos,
Jessica
1 comment:
Hey Girl!
I've missed u, so I thought I would catch up with your blogs. Sounds like your having a great time just like we figured you would. Everything is going great back here and at Alta, not too much has changed. I defiently miss not seeing your coffee craving self every morning on the otherside of my cube. Sadness. Well take care and enjoy every min. of your trip!
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