Ohh Ecuador

Wow, it has been crazy the past few days! 

Culture Shocks: They don't flush toilet paper here! Because we are so high, the drainage tubes are very small and we have to throw toilet paper in the trash rather than flush it. Also....there is so much kissing! Whenever you meet someone or say bye to someone or say hello to someone...or basically anything...you kiss them on the cheek. When I first met my host family, I tried to shake hands with them but they just kissed me haha. I am still getting used to the whole kissing people you just meet thing, it seems strange to me. So, I forgot to mention this last blog but everything is in Spanish. My host family and the staff at my program don't speak English. I was a little concerned when they went over safety information and important documents in Spanish because I don't understand everything yet but this is the best way to learn the language. Also- in America we are always taught to say adios for goodbye. Here...that is a terrible thing to say! Everyone says chau or hasta luego. Adios in Quito pretty much means goodbye forever. I just learned this so I feel really bad because I have said adios to many people haha. 

Anyways, Friday our program went on a tour throughout the older part of Quito. It was very pretty and there were many many churches. One church we entered was created solely out of gold, but we weren't allowed to take pictures. After a long lecture over how important religion is here, we got to explore! Our guide took us on roofs on top of roofs on top of roofs on top of roofs. It was insane...we were so high! And the stairs were a little sketchy haha. Here's some pictures!

So pretty! After the tour, I went out to discotecas with my host sister Stephanie (she speaks English, I love it) and the other exchange student in the house (he leaves today though, he also speaks English so he will be missed haha, I love English time). We went to La Mariscal (gringo landia- I am a gringa aka English speaker) The plaza is crazy! It's similar to New York. There is a giant television and lots of bars and restaurants. One of the places is called tapas y vinos and it's $15 all you can eat and drink! Things here are so cheap, I love it! The next morning Stephanie, Sebastian (other student) and I went to the teleferiqo. We rode little trolleys high into the mountains and hiked and rode horses! The view of Quito was amazing! Pictures:

Que lindo! After eating like kings- because the food here is AMAZING and I am pretty sure I have already gained 20 lbs, I met up with my friend Kyle. We decided to travel the city and La Mariscal. Last night really opened my eyes up to Quito because as we were walking down a street, these guys distracted Kyle while they tried to steal my purse. I was holding on to it tight though and pretty much kicked them. Definitely not in America anymore haha. In Quito they really target "gringos" so you have to always be aware. It's also a little sad- there are many kids about 5 or 6 years old sellings cigs or gum on the streets. It's hard to say no to them, but I guess that is how the system works. Kids here are also the most aggressive! They grab your shirt and put on a pouty face! Anyways- I absolutely adore Quito. Everyone here is so friendly and patient because I don't understand half of what people say to me lol. My family is the absolute best and I couldn't be more thankful to live in such a beautiful home with amazing people. I also am in love with the food here. Lunch is the best meal ever as it is pretty much a fancy 5 course meal! I seriously can't get over the awesome food here. I've tried so many different things and love it. Fruit and potatoes here are a big deal. Well I am off to nap and then explore more! I have a big Spanish test tomorrow to determine if I can enroll in an Ecuadorian University or not so I should study as well. Will update soon as this next week is full of more orientation and exploring!