Day 3: Mi Familia

Before I start on day 3, I left out some notable things from day two:

1. Somewhere between Boston and Ecuador someone in the airport ate the chocolate I packed to give to my family! When I checked my bag there was only one piece of candy left in my bag of Ghirardelli Milk and Peanut Butter chocolates. I was amazed that someone actually went through my luggage, took my candy, shared it with his or her friends, and returned the almost empty bag...lol!

2. Okay so I didn't really believe that altitude sickness could happen to me...boy was I wrong! The first time I climbed the steps at my hotel I was carrying my luggage, so I used the heavy bag as an excuse for my tiredness. The second time I climbed the stairs I did not have any luggage, and when I reached the top I was panting! When I realized that my travel buddies and I were all physically exhausted and short of breath...I knew it was because of the high altitude. So, I gave in and took one of my altitude sickness pills. It got even more real for me when I woke up in the middle of the night and I could hardly breathe. I've never heard myself breathing so hard...it was like there wasn't enough air for me to fill my lungs...hence I took another pill. I found myself wishing I had my physiology syllabus so I could review what was actually going on in my body. Today I'm still a little tired...but I'm hoping to get acclimated to the altitude very soon.

Today, Jorge, the driver for Cachamsi picked us up from our hotel at 9:00am sharp. When he got there we were enjoying our breakfast, juevos fritos y tostada. Surprisingly, I also had coffee and it tasted pretty good. After breakfast we all packed into Jorge's car. My travelling buddies conversed with him in Spanish. I didn't really say much, but I did understand almost everything. Like I said, I was super tired. So, even though I slept for almost 10 hours last night, I slept for most of the 3 hour drive from Quito to Riobamba. It wasn't just any kind of sleep either, it was goooood sleep! For the little time that I was awake I did have the chance to see the beautiful hills and mountains of Ecuador, a few cows, and a young boy getting into the trunk of a car (I guess they ran out of room in the back seat!)

When we arrived at my family's home I was greeted warmly by the woman of the house, Hilda. The house is so beautiful and very big. I also met her son and his wife and their two children. Their son, who is probably 4, kept running away from me until I finally got him to give me a high five. Their daughter is 11 and is learning English at school. For the short time we were together, I helped her with English and she helped me with Spanish. I will meet two more kids who actually live here soon. I can't wait. I'm sure they are going to make my stay here so much fun!

I also had the chance to unpack today....whew, what a relief! I love my room. Its a nice size with a TV and DVD player, a big window, lots of storage space and lots of sun. I really couldn't ask for more during my stay in Ecuador. 

Today I learned that in Ecuador lunch is a big meal, while dinner is a small meal. So, for lunch Hilda made a delicious soup called "Sopa de Verde" and chicken with a tomato salsa, fired bananas, and rice. She also made a juice from a type of tomato that is very sweet. If you know me, you know I can't eat alot in one sitting...so right now I am sooooo full!

Hilda also showed me her garden and her dogs. The dogs were so playful. They could almost jump mu height! When we opened the gate they just ran and ran. It looked like they were racing each other. From her garden I got to taste a fruit...I can't remember the name right now, but it was sweet and tangy and had a leafy covering.

My question for today has been...am I going to get traveler's diarrhea. Its so common among people who travel to Ecuador, that it seem inevitable. But Kenya prayed for me not to have any GI problems, so I'm believing that I will make it through my trip diarrhea free! 

Adios for now!

EP <3