Back...for the first time

I know, I know I’m late with this blog, right? Well, it almost didn’t happen. I did start it back in October, and even put a few things on it, but I wasn't feeling very inspired. BUT after giving this some serious thought and having intense conversations with friends and family about my life option at this stage of my life, I’ve conceded to BLOG about the journey and the experiences it holds for me.  As one of my dear friends, Vernon, pointed out. If we are brave enough to open ourselves up by letting go of fears of rejection, disappointment or even shame, at the end, we discover that we have arrived.  And, more importantly, when we share these eventful moments in complete truth with others it makes a difference to them on so many levels. I have had so much support from my family and friends that I can’t let you down.  My words can’t thank you enough, but as a way to somehow thank you, this is sort of my gift back to you.

Okay, okay enough with the deep philosophy of it all.

Anyway, I spent three weeks with family and friends in the States, and I'm now back in Quito. I arrived yesterday night. No hassles at the airport. but I certainly had them when I left Quito Christmas morning. La policia checked my luggage THREE times! The weather here is nice and pretty warm during the day. So different from the bitter cold and snow in Atlanta. It's a welcoming change.

Wow! I'm actually here!

So, I'm staying in the hostal, Posada del Maple, in the Mariscal District of Quito. The hostal gives me the feeling of staying in an old historical colonial house...well, actually, that's what it is. It's very cute with its winding staircases, tile floors, concrete walls, and courtyards with tables for us travellers to sit and read a book or sip a cup of cafe con leche.

First Impressions of Quito

Hey guys! Well, I made it! The flight wasn´t bad at all. It seemed like after I took a
brief nap, we were getting ready to land.

As we flew into the city, the Andes mountains were simply AMAZING!!! If my
camera wasn´t jammed so deep in my backpack, I would have snapped a
bunch of pictures, but I´m sure I´ll have a chance to do so.

Surprisingly, I could understand a lot of the words that were spoken
to me by the guy sitting next to me on the plane, the airport workers,
and even the lady at the front desk of the hostal. Their Spanish
really is very clear and distinct. And yes, I´m giving it my best shot
at speaking back at them. They seem to understand, so I guess I´m on
the right track in a rudimentary sort of way.

The weather here is a bit cool but not so bad for a typical New
Yorker. A light sweater or jacket is all you need.
My first impression of Quito reminds me of San Franciscso, CA or
Guadalajara, Mexico because of the mountains and you see so many
houses embedded in the landscape. We´ll see what I think tomorrow with
daylight. I think I scared myself out of walking around tonight
because of all the warnings and the Ecuadorian Presidential thing.

Okay, stay tuned for pics. I'm not the most computer savvy person, but I'll get them on here.

Getting Ready

Pre-day - September 30, 2010
Okay, I have a million and one things to pack in two suitcases! HELP!!!!!!