Me write pretty one day: Hola de Ecuador

5/14/10
I awoke to a symphony of horns at around 7am this morning. My heart started to race, I think with excitement, when I realized I was in Quito, Ecuador, South America!!! I absolutely love my host family. They smile a lot, are very kind, and both parents speak english quite well. I met one of the daughters, Daysi, last night at the airport (whom I would guess to be around 12 years old) and there is an older daughter who had already left for school by the time I roused myself.
I have my own room, and supposedly own bathroom (which I find odd?). I haven't been out of the house yet (except for the rooftop where laundry is hung!), but Maria says she has to go out later today and I will go with her.
I thought that Quito was in the same time zone as Asheville, but I realized on the flight over that Quito is actually one hour earlier than Asheville. The flight was super short – only 4.5 hours – and only a little bumpy. Just as we were starting to fly over South America, a beautiful light show lit up the sky to the north-east for some time. And I had the entire row of seats to myself!! Three seats I was able to take advantage of and fall asleep for a little while. I think the rest of the plane was full of larger groups of rather silly late teen girls who were saying things like ¨they (Ecuadorians I presume) wear that, like, bulky kind of jewelry right?" or "my mom told me to buy all my jewelry and wear it on the plane home so I don´t have to declare anything" (oh that´s a wonderful way to get robbed my dear). That or gorgeous Ecuadorians with soulful eyes.

12:45
Being immersed in Spanish makes me realize and greatly appreciate just how much French I really did know. Simple things like “can I help you” and “I'm finished” readily come to mind...in French. Which doesn't help me here. I also keep saying oui instead of si and mais instead of pero. Or combining languages like “mais pero” or “oui pero.” I can't wait to start Spanish lessons.
Something that seems strange to me is how much more comfortable I am here saying things in English then I was saying something in English whilst in France. Maybe because I am more obviously a foreigner here than I was in France (being Caucasian and all) I don't feel like I need to pretend to fit in.
How am I going to live here for two months?

22:26
1 day down, 68 to go.
My family are catholics turned christian and every friday night lead a circle of friends in prayer and worship. I was invited. Very music oriented and passionate.
I met the older daughter, Alexandria, tonight. Both girls are so sweet. Walking home from the eglisia, Daysi took my arm and held my hand the whole way back. Granted, they are obviously worried about my safety as a foreigner, especially at night. Marie took my arm on the way to the church, and said “because you are my daughter.” I took this to mean she wants others to know I am with Ecuadorians?
Buenas noches.

My room