Hey everyone, don´t worry, I haven´t forgotten about any of you!!! In the midst of my crazy adventures, the kids, and of course the world cup, I´ve been running around like crazy!! This is only the second time Ecuador has classified for the world cup. I´m so excited to be here at this exact time. Get this, the first game that Ecuador played was on Friday, and of course, the government decided to make it a national holiday. Buses and taxis stopped running, and most businesses shut down for the day. My two gringo house mates (yes, I have an American girl and a British guy staying with me for a month) all decided to buy official Ecuador soccer jerseys and head in to Quito and watch the game at a pub. This had to have been one of the most exciting and memorable experiences I´ve had yet!! Of course, Ecuador won 2-0 against Poland, and of course the entire country went CRAZY!!! Ecuador even has a soundtrack for their games! I felt a strange sense of pride, I know I´m no where close to being Ecuadorian, but I felt very proud of my ´temporary country´. The Ecuadorian slogan here is ´si se puede!´ ´it can happen!´. I don´t want to see what would happen if Ecuador lost! Let me put things into perspective: we had Ecuadorian Ind. Day and it was just another regular day…just for their first game in the world cup….NATIONAL HOLIDAY!!!

Well I´ve also been on a couple of excursions these past two weekends. My first weekend was to Baños. This is a very touristy town known for their naturl hot springs! Mom, Dad, you guys would have been in heaven!

These pools were located inside a valley. Try to picture sitting in a hot hot hot pool, in a ranny afternoon, surrounded by the most breathtaking mountains you´ve ever seen!! (Channa, if you come visit me, this is the first place we´re going to). I ate some of the best food on my trip so far. I WENT WHITE WATER REAFTING!!! (I know, who would have thought, I out of all people, would have had the guts to do this!!) This river was awesome! My rafting trip was just about two hours. I was a definitive thrill to do! (Another thing we´ll do if you visit me sis!!!) I also visited the markets of Otavalo. This was awesome as well. The handcrafts and textiles of this town were absolutely fabulous (don´t worry, presents for everyone!!)

Anyways, I miss everyone back home, and today is exactly two months into my trip…3.5 left to go!!!!

I love you guys!!!