Return to Quito

I left Cotacachi this morning with my friends Grace and Emily, graciously driven by Grace's host family. It was very hard to say goodbye to Digna, Ernesto, Tamia, Huaita and Karen. They said they hoped God and the Virgencita watch over me, and wished me luck with my studies and happiness in life. Digna, who embroiders beautifully, gave me a cloth calendar with my name on it, as well as a square with "pictures" of our terreno on it. They are kind, wonderful people and I will never forget my month living in that village.

That being said, it was just as nice to come home to my Quito family. Angelica, who was at home for the day because it's the Ecuadorian version of Labor Day, ran out to greet me. She, Consuelo, and Marita were all happy to see me and showed me the new carpeting in my room, as well as the desk, bed, and excercise bike that for whatever reason are now in it.

I'm messing around on the Internet at the moment, had a very good talk with my friend Allison with Grinnell on Instant Messenger, and should eventually take a shower and get to work on my monografia. However, despite the fact that I smelled the smog for the first time and hated the smelly city after being in the fresh mountain air for so long, it's good to be back. It's a beautiful day today.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/6598749.stm

The above link is a fairly good, concise explanation of Ecuador's recent political situation.

http://grinnell.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2009021&l=7e5ee&id=22500005

The above link includes my recent pictures, of spring break and the first few weeks in Cotacachi.