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Published: March 6th 2007
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I think today was some kind of record for the three of us in that we actually managed to be at the British Embassy dead on ten and we were the first ones there! In fact we were the only ones there for quite a while - it seem the others had been informed of a change of plans and knew we were now supposed to meet at eleven but no-one had managed to get the message to us. Typical really!
Anyway, the elusive Rossy finally turned up only to leave us with a tour guide straight away who was taking us around Quito for the morning. Good to know Rossy exists finally even if her visits are rather fleeting. We also were met by Rio and Annie, two GAPpers who have just finished their placments and came to say hi. Annie had been working in the orphanage I´m going to be in and had loads of photos of it. I´m so excited about starting work now although it will be odd to leave Quito.
Not sure why we need an orientation of Quito as a) we´ve already been here for over two weeks, and b) we leave for
Cuenca on Wednesday. We were taken to the Basilica (for the third time) although luckily we didn´t have to climb it again and we got to see the chapel attached to it that we didn´t the last two times. There´s a local legend that says that when the Basilica is completely finished it will be the end of the world. Looking around there´s not much chance of that happening for a while. The chapel, whilst very beautiful, was only half-painted and apparently there is always building work andrepairs that need doing. Next we toured several other churches including the Jesuit church the inside of which was covered in seven tonnes on gold leaf! Very impressive even if we weren´t allowed to take photos. Next was up the Panecillo to visit the Virgen de Quito (second time for me, third for some of the group) where we had lunch.
Back down again (which is truly an experience in a minivan!) and back to the embassy where we waited. And waited. And waited.
Giving up on Rossy we decided to make our own way up to the 12th floor to the Bristish Embassy only to be told it was closed
(can Embassies actually close?) Anway, we were sent up two more floors (except for our lift which decided to do a detour to the ground floor before going back up again) and finally met someone who knew what was going on. We filled in registration cards and given the do´s and don´ts lecture. Apparently Baños might be off the table for a while as the volcano is active again.
Got home to have a final salsa lesson with Danny who then invited us out for the evening. Good night had by all although I am now officially exhausted!
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Splarah
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We miss you!
Hey, not sure when you´ll get this, but just thought I´d let you know it´s our first day without you Cuenca guys and we miss you! Went to see our placements today, all looking pretty good apart from that CENIT is run by and EXTREMELY irritating American woman. But she´s leaving in about a month :) Anyway, good luck with stuff, speak to you soon! My mobile number is 091487775, let me know all your numbers when you have them and I´ll pass them around. Chao chica!