First Week Recap!

This past Tuesday I arrived in Quito, Ecuador. From the moment I stepped off the plane all of the students from the flight hit it off and immediately became friends.

Day 1: The sun woke me up bright and early at 6:00 AM with a beautiful view! Our crew then rode to Hacienda El Refugio which is an outdoor team building center. This helped us to get to know one another better and strengthen the bonds we had just created. There were lamas, an amazing view, a sketchy outhouse that was only a hole, beautiful scenery, and fantastic people. People also ate a guinea pig at dinner!!

Day 2: We learned more about the program and took a tour of one part of the city. We also had a trivia night to learn fun facts about Ecuador.

Day 3: We went on a scavenger hunt throughout the city of Quito. We learned how to use the trolly, call a cab, and navigate the city on foot. This was the hardest day by far because of the problems that arose in colonial Quito. Our phones stopped working, we did not get food until 3:00 PM and we arrived at the final destination an hour and a half after everyone else. It was extremely helpful to learn the city better but it also showed me how different life is in a city.

Day 4: We went back to colonial Quito on a tour bus and I had a much better time. We went to a chocolate coffee shop, went to an amazing empanada restaurant, and ended with another coffee shop with a beautiful view.

Day 5: I attended a Spanish-speaking church and had an amazing time. The people were very kind, the worship was incredible and the sermon was good as well (the 30% of it that I understood at least). I ended the day doing a puzzle and watching a movie with my apartment mates.