My Life as a Gringo!: paradise!

              My first week in Ecuador has been absolutely AMAZING! I cannot believe how beautiful it is here! The first week has been very, very busy. After travelling all day we arrived at our beautiful hotel to get some sleep. It was definitely hard to adjust to being in another country! Not only were we at a high altitude, but after getting used to certain things for 19 years, activities like brushing your teeth with bottled water only make for an adjustment. We spent the next day traveling around Quito exploring the culture and the history. I was amazed at how intricately designed the churches, cathedrals, and architecture was. It was obvious how devoted people were to making beautiful landmarks. My favorite part of the day was visiting La Mitad Del Mundo, the equator. Its amazing to be at the center of the world! Did you know that at the equator you weigh less because of gravity? Or that you could balance an egg on a nail? And yes, when you flush a toilet on the southern side of the equator the water does spin the other way! It is absolutely fascinating!

              The next morning we traveled to the cloudforest for 3 days! We stayed in Junin and the Intag Valley. In Junin, we were able to learn about their lives, and the struggles that they face due to the mining companies attempts to ruin their land. It was heartbreaking to hear about how individuals that love their land so much have to face the fear of losing everything they have. In the Intag Valley we were able to stay on Carlos Zorilla's farm. Staying at his farm was a once in a lifetime experience! I couldn't believe I was able to shower in a waterfall! It was paradise! We also went on a four hour hike through the cloudforest. It was an unbelievable feeling being so close with nature. The beautiful plants and the fascinating insects were all things I never would have seen in my life if it wasn't for traveling to Ecuador. It is sad to face the reality that so many large corporations and countries want to ruin Ecuador's land for its natural resources. The resources and the people are what make Ecuador so beautiful. Taking away the resources forces the people to be without homes. Its unfortunate they have to spend their lives fighting to get by. It is places like Carlos' that help to show individuals, like myself, the true beauty and serentiy of Ecuador.

             We spent the last two days of the week in Otavalo. While there, we were able to shop in one of the world's largest saturday markets! I loved bartering with the locals. Also, I was able to practice my spanish! Being engulfed in the culture of the Ecuadorians was fantastic. I loved being able to purchase such authentic and gorgeous pieces that were handcrafted. The colors, the sounds, the smells, everything about the market was perfect. As we end the week, we prepare to spend the next five days in the Amazon. I cannot believe that I am going to be able to witness the flora and fauna and the climate that is the Amazon. I am so excited for this experience and cannot wait to share my pictures and tell stories of my experience to others. Adios amigos! :)