same old, same old but not in Same.

Don't be dismayed at goodbyes.  A farewell is necessary before you can meet again.  And meeting again, after moments or lifetime, is certain for those who are friends.  ~Richard Bach

a few steps from our door

... and the goodbyes have started. The cornerstone folks and Caleb left this morning. Sharon leaves tonight, and I head out tomorrow. This is weird. But that's something for another day... 

We returned from the beach town of Same (pronounced sah-may) on Wednesday. You wouldn't believe how beautiful it was, well maybe you would- but i'm from Chicago. Ecuador's pacific coast provided us with great waves, only two jelly fish stingings, sunburns/tans, a great sand castle and lots of memories. We left on Saturday night (spending no more than 24 hours in the apartment after the jungle) and took an overnight (and then some) bus to Same. It was a nine hour bus ride, both ways.... and about as hellish as Ecua transport gets. At one point, we were moving at glacial pace, no A/C and listening to the infernal cries of a 3 year old anti-christ. perhaps that last part was a bit much.

our cabanas at Isla Del Sol

All that said, it was wonderful, relaxing, albeit bittersweet trip. We used the time at the beach to debreif from our  three month crazy bus experience, and just hang out with each other one last time. Did i mention that it was beautiful? It was. It put my sad beach experiences at Lake Michigan to shame. We stayed at cabanas called Islas Del Sol that were right on the beach... it was amazing. 

Barnabay's... yummm-o!

This next part may come as a suprise... but everyday we at shrimp for lunch. Amazing. We walked down the beach to a place called Barnabay's each afternoon... so good. Apparently, Bryan's been going there forever, and he certainly didn't steer us  wrong. Coconut shrimp, ceviche, fried shrimp, garlic shrimp and lime. Lots and lots of lime!... mmmmm. Even better, it was just a walk down the beach.- the whole experience was sans shoes. : ) 

The beach was such a great way to end a great semester. For my last full day here in Quito, I am booked up. I am going to La Mariscal with Alyse, Sharon and Chelsey for some last minute souvenirs, lunch and then meeting up with Jose Luis for the last time in the Centro Historico. I'm even hoping to check out a good friday mass in old quito at El Convento del San Francisco. I'm not wasting a minute. Of course, i'll probably post just one last update. 

the gals. Quito Semester 2011.

view from our room at sunset