I'm Going To Miss These People

I board my plane in about 11 hours, and while I'm very anxious to return to the States, I am having a tough time leaving these people behind.

Me and Sofia, my host sister

Me and Wilma, our Assistant Director

Me and Rocío, my Literature professor

And everyone else. You have all (compañeros en el programa, familia anfitriona, profesores, y todos) changed my life in so many ways I cannot express. Thank you.

As for me, this is my last blog post from Ecuador, but if you're lucky and if my life stays interesting, the blog may continue in the future. Keep your eyes open.

See you soon, America!

La Capilla del Hombre

One of the most famous artists to ever come from Ecuador was named Oswaldo Guayasamín Along with a semi-personal connection with the program (a host family's grandfather was BEST friends with Señor Guayasamín), he has been instrumental in the representation of Ecuadorian and even Latin American culture. His house and personally designed museum are now huge tourist attractions and we ventured to see the amazing art and history as part of our Quito Bucket Lists. Here are a few pictures:

Me and Luis

Katie smiling at the illegal photo-taking I am doing (photos are NOT allowed inside the museum... oops)

Me and this REALLY cool sculpture. 

Guayasamín is buried under this tree, called "el árbol de vida"

But yeah, it was easily one of the best museums I've ever been to, and I learned more in one day there than I did all semester. Oops.

Paella and Movies

As of today, I have one week left in Ecuador. While it's exciting to think about returning to a place where I will be able to speak English and drink some Starbucks, it's really sad thinking of leaving everyone here. But, I promise to make the most of this upcoming week and hopefully document things that happen between final papers, exams and presentations.

Yesterday we were invited to my friend Kaya's house for a "goodbye" lunch of paella and sangria. Yummy!

Kaya and Noah

Silvia (Kaya's mom), Melody and Me

After that, we went to Hannah's house and watched "Crazy Stupid Love" which was adorable. And today, I'm going with the family and the cousins to see Gato en Botas which should be fun as well.

Casa de la Cultura... FINALLY.

I've lived across the street from the Casa de la Cultura for 4 months now, and today a friend and I decided to venture inside for the first time. There are two museums, the Museo Nacional and the Museo de Arte Contemporanea. I must say that both were equally cool, but I liked the Contemporary Art more. Here are a few pictures:

This area is called the "Children's Garden" but it's really just a bunch of cool statues.

Inside the Contemporary Art Museum. 

So, mark the Casa de la Cultura off of my Quito Bucket List! Only 9 more days to get everything else off that list. Wish me luck!

The Galápagos Islands

This weekend our program was lucky enough to spend time on 4 of the Galápagos Islands. It was easily the best trip we've taken all semester, so naturally we had to end with a big bang! After spending time on the islands of San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Floreana, and Baltra, we definitely got a taste of the Galápagos. Swimming/snorkeling with sea lions, turtles, marine iguanas, sharks, dolphins, penguins, manta rays and fish were only some of the highlights. Here are a few pictures, I won't bore you with text:

Sea lion

Sleeping sea lions.

Sleeping Lion Rock, where we went snorkeling.

Sunset

Swimming at the beach.

Tortoises in their natural habitat.

Climbing in a tortoise shell. Standard.

Charles Darwin station. So much biology (jealous Stacey?)

Lonesome George (well his butt). He's the last tortoise of his species so he's always a little bit lonely.

Obviously there is a LOT more that happened these last 4 days, but these were highlights. Hope your weekend was good too!

Dad Turns 50!

Happy Birthday to the BEST DAD EVER!

 This is my favorite picture of both Peter and Dad.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY. I promise to celebrate with you when I get home in less than 3 weeks.

This weekend we are going to the Galapagos Islands, so I will have TONS of pictures for you all, I promise.