...you can be my Quito dream when you make ahí.

"An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered. An inconvenience is only an adventure wrongly considered." -Gilbert K. Chesterton 

"An adventure may be worn as a muddy spot or it may be worn as a proud insignia. It is the woman wearing it who makes it the one thing or the other." - Norma Shearer.

     I found both of these quotes over the past few days and I really love them. The Chesterton quote is so true of Ecuador. I've had to really learn to embrace "flex-a-dor." Case in point, "the baby place" we visited for an almuerzo two weeks ago has started closing every afternoon when we walk by. I asked why and the woman working told me they close everyday at 11 and don't reopen until 12:30. Firstly, I was impressed with my own spanish skills for having that conversation, but secondly- I simply couldn't believe the cultural difference there. In the states, a restaurant, or business- would not imagine closing for an hour and half each day, here it's commonplace. Mostly, I laugh it off- but its makes up a huge part of my Ecua-adventure. 
      Bad news for "the baby place" though, as the girls and I had the best lunch yet at a place a few blocZAks from our school. Arroz con pollo con tomato y aguacate (chicken and rice w/ tomato and avocado) SO GOOD! The ahí at this place was also unbelievable. We followed the whole meal with cafe con leche (coffee, or rather, nescafé- with warm milk and lots of sugar.) I could get used to this, no problem.
    
     The "adventure badge" I've been wearing most has been my spanish conversation skills. I'm loving living in what I find to be one of the most beautiful languages I've heard. Everyday is a challenge, but also a great learning opportunity. Today I had a conversation while waiting for the Trole with a man who works for El Ministerio de Educación (ministry of education.) He told me all about this job, his son and his opinion on international politics. I even understood most of it! It was amazing to hear his opinion on the US and how much freedom and wealth he thinks we have. I suppose this is where most people usually wax poetic with patriotism, but I'd rather here what you, my family and friends think about this man's statement- as I was taken aback by it. 


So for now, that's all. I'm loving life, and living quite the adventure. (oh, i'm hoping for a photo post soon.)