Arrival en Quito

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Hola! Estoy en Quito. After un dia of being dazed and confused, I have adjusted quite quickly and feel at home. I am living with a host family in the center of the city, about an hour's walk from the Academia (where I am learning espanol). I learned that the hard way last evening. Perhaps I will experience Quito's public transportation esta noche. Yesterday we walked around the colonial part of the city with a director from the school. He was very well informed about politics, economics, history, culture, the likes. So, we had a pretty rad tour.

After 4 hours of language class today, my spanish is already improving. Class is a bit tedious after a summer of playing outdoors, but parts were really fun. There is a 2:1 student- teacher ratio and the profesora is a really good teacher.

I am already planning weekend adventures with other solo travellers. The only problem is that we want to see everything and we really don't have that much time. The city of Quito itself is surprisingly beautiful and clean, surrounded by beautiful mountains that make sundown a spectacular sight.

Tomorrow we will visit the jail where many foreign people are being held for an indefinite time (primarily on drug charges). There are also many children in jail with their parents, because they have no other place to live. I am looking into volunteering while I am here and I may end up working with these children during my stay.

Hasta Luego!

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Photos

the Academia
The New Students of the semana: Danish Nina, Swiss Fabio, Daniel, and Albin, and myself.

Comments

[Will]

quito
Quito sounds awesome. Fight the good fight champ! -Will

[airwolf09]

Wish I was there!
Enjoy the city. Try to do everything during the day. It is safer. The colonial side is awesome. I heard they have a new amusement park. You might want to check it out. Try also make little trips around the small towns [Guayllabamba, La Mitad del Mundo, El Quinche]. Well, jst wanted to say good luck and always try the tours.... they might be expensive but they always show you the best.

[Anna]

Erin! I'm so glad your travels are going well - be sure to keep us updated. I'm curious what the jail's like. I know you won't have much time to write, but I'm looking forward to reading more. Some time when we're both in the same general area we'll have to have more extensive hang-out/tea-drink/fabulous conversation. Cheers!

[Jen Yum]

muy groovy
Very excited for your adventures. I think working with the children in jail will be an amazing experience. Are you standing on the lower step so that you will not be taller than the boys? Hehehe.