If this doesn´t work I´m moving on:)

Hello Hello! Happy Monday! I just got back from a weekend excursion to Otavalo. Like all our adventures, it was an adventure! We drove there in a school bus, not the ones like in the US, it looks different, more like a van painted yellow. They call them Escolar. So basically I felt like I was in middle school again:) And it was a tight squeeze, I swear those seats were made for smaller rear ends then mine:) We arrived and right off the bat went on a small hike through a forest to a waterfall, beautiful, no jumping off this time though! We climbed to the top where there was this small tunnel cave type thing. It was a great time, and then we hiked up even higher and enjoyed the scenery. Saturday we spent much of our time at the famous Otavalo Market. It was crazy! People everywhere and so many things I wanted to buy! I tried to control myself:) I did however buy a poncho so now I can really look Ecuadorian! Our guide this weekend was a teacher from my University here in Ecuador. He is a total blast, always kidding around. We went to a restaurant for lunch and then headed to his house for the night. We spent the night talking and playing cards. We played Mafia about a zillion times! To all of you who know the name, it gets pretty intense! But lots of fun. We also played a game of volleyball outside but there were all these wires hanging so it made it semi difficult, only for those taller than the rest:) This country was not made for people of my height!! The game was absolutely hilarious, I was definitely not the MVP however:) The next morning we set out around the village to different families homes. They all hand make these wonderful leather, wood and silver crafts. I got some earrings made of Coconut. We then set out to a beautiful lake where we were able to take a boat tour around. They also had a market there so I bought a hat, one of the ones with the funny ear flaps! Now I really fit in!! We had to head home to quito after that but I was pretty tired. I got home and studied for my test that I have today and went to sleep before 10! So I am feeling very refreshed! This is good because I have another 6 hour bus ride tonight that starts at 11pm. We are leaving for the beach tonight and I couldn´t be anymore excited!! I come back Friday night. This time we are going to Canoa, I have heard amazing things about it so I really can´t wait! When I get back there are only 6 days till Heather comes!! Man this month is flying by! I´ve got to catch the bus to school but I hope you enjoy your week and can´t wait to hear from you!!

Lets try this again, Otavalo!

Otavalo!

Salsa!

Well my test is done with and its Friday! What could be better! This week was a great one:) I was able to teach English to the fourth graders by myself yesterday because the teacher had an appointment. That was kind of scary, but I loved it at the same time. It’s fun because they correct me in my Spanish and I correct them in their English. Its win win! I also had my first salsa lesson this week on Wednesday! I am so excited about it! I´m having my third lesson today. Last night I learned step 5! Get excited!!! And then it was my friend’s birthday so I got to practice that same night in a live situation. Its pretty embarrassing but still so much fun! I go with my friend Adam because he really wants to learn too. We have individual lessons and then get the last 15 minutes to try the stuff together. I´m going to try and get Heather to take lessons while she is down here, its just such a good time!
Last night my friend Lindsay’s family came into town, her mom aunt and brother. I was really excited to meet them. I am also secretly jealous that her family is here, I can´t wait for everyone to visit me! They all want to go out dancing tonight so that should be a good timeJ:) I leave for a town called Otavalo tomorrow, I can´t wait because there is supposed to be great markets to shop in! I´ll tell you all about it when I get back. I also leave for the beach on Monday night! I feel so fortunate to be able to do that. We have a vacation day on Wednesday and I never have class Tuesday or Thursday because I volunteer so we are going to stay until Friday night! My back is two different colors right now because of my bad pealing so hopefully I´ll even out a little and not look so ridiculous! Well I´m off to dance lessons so I must go but I miss you all and hope to hear from you soon!!!