Today, Santiago (my airbnb host) and Joakim (Santiago’s tour guide friend) and I went to the Centre of the World (Equator), the volcanic crater at Pululahua, and ruins that date to pre-Inca but are believed to have been used by the Inca as well.   Pictures starting from the top:  Sun dial.  Next one shows the seasons: prepare to plant, planting and growing, harvest, rest.  A shrunken head (from the Amazon).  Tanagers (birds).  Joachim and Santiago at entrance to La Mitad del Mundo (Centre of the World), Farming taking place in the volcanic crater at Pululahua.

Today I was able to walk without stopping to rest so often.  The headaches are gone too!

I spent Friday looking for an apartment and at Inlingua, where I was able to observe another teacher in a lesson.  I think it will be a good place to work.

Today I went to see the House/Art/Museum of Oswaldo Guayasamin, a famous Ecuadorian artist (1919-1999).  His art reflects the turbulent times that he lived in.  He was married three times, had seven children,  loved and was loved by the Ecuadorian people.  In his later years, he gathered his family, shared his wish and got their blessing to leave all his worldly possessions to the people of Ecuador to construct this museum.  Some of the pictures are from outside the museum/house.  One is of the National Stadium-there’s some past controversy about allowing big competitions above certain altitudes.  The other photo is of the National Foosball competition which is taking place in a nearby mall.  Pretty intense.

Interesting incident that I came upon on my walk home:  there had been a traffic accident.  Lots of shouting between the lone taxi driver and three young men from the other vehicle.  The three surrounded the taxi driver and were pushing and shouting.  What I found most interesting is how many observers stopped and made sure that calmness prevailed and that the lone taxi driver was not in danger.  I left before it was resolved but it is an example of the caring and kindness that I see in the people here in Quito (my host tells me that it is not like this everywhere).

Today was a great day!  I took the Quito city bus tour and met two lovely women who allowed me to tag along with them.  We spent a wonderful day together!  The pictures above are some of the sites.  It is a beautiful city and I am very glad that I was not the one doing the driving.

After lunch, I went to the Inlingua office where I learned a little more about teaching Business English.  I will be back there tomorrow afternoon.

I still tire easily and have headaches but the nausea seems to have passed.

I’m here!  The flight yesterday went well.  I was a little nervous about Houston airport but it turned out to be a piece of cake as I arrived and departed from the same terminal.  The Houston to Quito flight was delayed so I ended up landing in Quito at 1 am.  It was beautiful to fly into, nestled in a long narrow valley between mountain peaks.  The people are friendly, kind and hard-working.  My host, Santiago, waited up for me to arrive.  He has been very accommodating and helpful.

Today, I accomplished two goals.  I managed to find the Inlingua office.  I am struggling to find the street names and a system for numbering.  All buildings have security guards and so far you need a card to operate the elevators.  Offices are locked and you are buzzed in.  I also bought a sim card for my phone so will not be running up a huge SaskTel bill.  I’m not exactly sure what I have but it works so far!

I am very tired today, nauseous by times, and get played out very quickly.  I did some walking and stopped to rest often.  Altitude sickness is probably partly to blame and Santiago tells me it should pass within a few days.

The pictures are my apartment building, and pictures from a nearby park.

Hello everyone!

Two weeks till I leave for Quito! Some preparations done, many items left to check off the “To Do” list! The Create Blog Item is now checked off! Next post from Quito!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton