Tres Meses

Sunday, November 17th marked three months since I left Minneapolis and arrived in Quito. While we say "Time flies!", in some way it seems I have spent much more time here than that; it seems so much has happened in the past three months.

Like this much...(and more)

Moved into an apartment--painted the entire place, now working on the decor

Rode the Ecovia (one of the main bus lines)--I have yet to be groped as the man from the American Embassy promised; I'm not complaining about that

Bartered prices with taxi drivers--my negotiation skills are really coming along

Started a new job--oh, to be the new girl again, having to establish a reputation all over and prove myself to colleagues and administrators

Learned something about the courting trends of certain South American men--calling this North American woman 6 times in one afternoon will not score you points

Climbed Pichincha, one of the active volcanoes near Quito--looking forward to more climbing after the New Year

Shopped at the local market, Iñaquito (the blog I just linked here puts me to shame), most weekends

Shopped at the organic market in the park the other weekends

Discovered a multitude of cafès that serve divine chocolate caliente

Attended yoga classes which double as Spanish lessons--most important take away: respira profundo Deep. Breath....Breath. Deeply.


Located a good brewery, no, a great brewery--where many of the expats go on Thursday night

Joined a gym--maybe it's my ticket to meeting some more Quiteños with whom to practice my...

Spanish--I haven't worked on it as much as I had hoped, the weekdays leave me pretty drained, but reading on the bus in the morning has improved my vocabulary por lo menos

I've traveled to Otavalo--seriously awesome artesian handicrafts

Wandered through Old Town--Wow, the Spanish Colonial part of the city is kind of romantic, kind of right out of a movie, especially Calle La Ronda

Had a long weekend at Same--la vida en la playa es muy tranquila

Ran my first 10k race--WeRunQuito! Happy to ignore the arthritis in my knees in order to feel the competitive spirit come alive again

Discovered an amazing tea shop (thank you, Amanda)--I down a solid 5 cups of tea a day; I've gotta have my quality loose leaf

Visited the Guayasamin museum--one of the most famous Latin American painters, Oswaldo Guaysamin, fought for the rights of the indigenous; his works reflect this quest to improve all human rights

Learned the routes to several friends' homes--no small feat for one of the most directionally challenged people you know, right Dad?

Found out about this lovely drink called a Pisco Sour--my taste buds just starting hopping thinking about it

Discovered new delicious fruits--granadilla (also known as "booger fruit" which I think is a horrible nickname for this mouth-watering fruit high in Vitamin C), pitahaya (I was luckily warned it is a laxative before I devoured 4 or 5, which would be easy to do)

Treated myself to a couple of pedicures--for $6 a pop I just can't resist this luxury from time to time

Made some new, awesome friends--this is what makes the experience really worthwhile, feeling connected to people who also thirst for adventure and challenge and culture

Despite the challenging adjustment period, my time so far in Quito proves to be invaluable. While I can't say I love what the challenge feels like some days, I am learning to just breath into it; I believe each moment has something to teach us, and I know from some of the toughest moments is where we end up reaping some of our greatest wisdom. I am incredibly fortunate to have this opportunity to discover and grow, so on days I feel a bit whiny, I am reminding myself to suck it up; there is beauty even in the kind of hardship that I find myself experiencing. Helen Keller wrote some lovely words once (or like a dozen times): Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing at all. The adventure isn't always romantic or picturesque, but it certainly does inspire good reflection. It certainly does open my eyes to more of the world. And it certainly does inspire a deeper sense of gratitude for the life I've been granted.

A merry weekend to you all. Missing your smiles, hugs, words, and more.

Con mucho amor,

Jame


 

La hospitalidad de una familia

I woke Saturday morning to exuberant voices of children laughing together. Oh, and the sound of salsa music. 7:30 am and the small town of Mascarilla, nestled amidst the mountains of Ecuador, about 3 hours north of Quito, was full of life.The niños I heard were Ana's adorable nieces and nephews. The salsa music was drifting up from someone's computer down the street, though drifting is perhaps a bit of a euphemism; it was, rather, blaring. 

Last weekend Ana invited me to her family's casa for homemade colada morada y pan dulce y pan de sal. It was quite the treat. First, being with a family, and second, filling myself such delicious tastes of Ecuador.

This week, I think I'll let the photos do the talking.

The base for colada morada. Many fruits were to be added. Love the rich color. And the rich flavor.

The bonds of this family are strong.

Fresh pan. Baci girls know how to eat their bread.

Amidst the mountains.

Newfound friend?

Ana and una sobrina.

Two of my favorite colors to juxtapose. 

She's the cutest. And, boy, do I miss Natalie and Giatta.

In honor of Dia de los Muertos, people visit the graves of their relatives.

A gorgeous photo of Ana's parents. Muchas gracias to these lovely people for welcoming me into their home for the weekend.