Estoy en Quito

Hola todos,
Hey guess what? I LOVE Ecuador. Today is my 6th day in this foreign land and the things that seemed impossible at first are a breeze now, like finding the right bus and knowing where I have to get off. Although I say I love Ecuador, what I really love what this semester holds. The past five days have been full of so many new faces and places but I know I am just getting started. Already, I have heard time and time again, "You've got to check out this place" and "make sure you go to that place." I can't wait to actually get out there a EXPLORE.
So people in Ecuador speak Spanish. I am in a country that doesn't speak my language? Ah!!! But actually I am getting along just fine. Just by interacting with my host family for the first few days has done wonders for my Spanish comprehension. All of my classes are taught in Spanish which may seem like a lot to swallow at first but already after the second day I am confident that I will be just fine. La Universidad San Francisco de Quito is phenomenal. I am such a newbie so I don't really know my way around but so far what I have seen, I love. The architecture is very modern and colonial at the same time. There is a lake lined with flowering trees adjacent to an Asian pagoda where my yoga class takes place. There are fountains and courtyards and sculptures all over. My classes are going to be fun this semester: Cultura Ecuatoriana, Hatha Yoga, Historia Moderna de America Latina, Espanol Intermedio, y Pintura. Que divertido! To top it all off, I am surrounded by the Andes mountains everywhere I look! The weather here is sunny with a frequent cool breeze. It is not very hot even though it is on the equator because I am so high up in the mountains.
I have already met some great people here and my host family is so hospitable. The Corderos have taken me under their wing and consider me a part of the family. They feed me so well I always feel like I am going to burst. But I love the food here: locro (potato soup...kinda), plantanos, arroz con pollo, frijoles, y muchas frutas. But I must say at the end of the day it is wonderful to have wireless internet in my room for Skype and email. I haven't forgotten about all of my friends and family back home so it is nice to stay connected.
I have only gotten a taste of the culture here in Quito: the music, the dancing, the food, the politics, the traditions, the social and economic problems, family dynamics, the history, etc. but I am very happy here and eager to learn more.
Hasta luego,
Carrie