Hey look I'm posting

I know some of you have been wondering, when is she finally going to write in that blog of hers? So much life has happened this past week and half. Our schedules during orientation are packed full to the brim. There is barely anytime right now to facetime, let alone write in my blog. I had more time today, because I am unfortunately sick. Wah wahh wahhh. I have un resfriado, or a head cold. I'm on the mend right now, and have been resting all day. However, this gave me some time to write, so I hope you enjoy!

First, my fellow volunteers are amazing and wonderful. Honestly they are all talented, and we all have different life stories that led us here to Ecuador.

Hey look it us in the Centro Historico. Photo credit Judy Reid. 

Also the field staff I have at world teach are pretty amazing. Our field director, Lindsay,  was a former Peace Corp volunteer from Bolivia and Ecuador. She also married an Ecuadorian, and is a vegetarian. Did I mention how much I adore her?

See, she's killing it in this hat. Photo credit Judy Reid

There is also JT and CJ. CJ was the old field director, and is stepping down to head back to the classrooms full time in Ecuador. JT is the assistant field director, and is cool too. Sadly, I don't have a picture of him rocking a Panama hat, yet. Hopefully soon.

I already mentioned how busy I am. For one month I have orientation with WorldTeach. All day long I am in a classroom relearning English grammar, and the basics on how to stay healthy, and safe in Ecuador. I start observations tomorrow, and soon I will be co teaching, and then next practice teaching!

Ecuador is honestly so beautiful. Quito, has some of the best weather on Earth, and some amazing views of the Andes. In Quito we are up high. Like really high, like 9,350ft up in the air high. Although this country and particularly this city is beautiful, it is also un poco dangerous for the gringo volunteers who live here.

See beautiful? Also, finally a picture I took.

Some health and safety tips:

•  Watch your stuff. Hold your purse like a baby on the bus. If you have anything in your pockets keep one hand in your pocket as well. We already had a volunteer whose wallet walked away from him.
• Pay attention when walking. There are random holes, pipes sticking out of the ground, uneven pavement etc. 
• Try your best not to walk alone at night. 
• Make sure to take only legit taxis, there are a ton of pirate taxis here
• Also watch out for cars. Seriously, they are crazy here, and the cross walks are not the same like in the States. Jay walking is the norm. 
• Drink water. All the water. Altitude is no joke. 
• You know what else is no joke? The sun. It's super powerful here at the equator. So wear sunblock, use a hat, or you know risk a sunburn. 
• At first do not eat fruits and vegetables that are unpeeled or have not been properly washed. Diarrhea is not fun, but it is something to be expected. Several of our volunteers are sick already. 

I think I will stop here for now. I have so much more to talk about, but I will save those for other posts. Ciao.