Semana Uno

Well we decided,that given the time that we had to get of the plane,claim our luggage and go through security, we could be serious contenders for the Amazing Race Canada. Especially, as we had to go from terminal 3 to terminal 1 with only minutes to spare after we had left Winnipeg and landed in Toronto on Day 1 of this amazing adventure. After taking the mini train to terminal 1 and making a dash to the Copa counter,we arrived in time to find three of their staff members cleaning up and only to be told that we were too late to board the plane and that the next available flight to Ecuador did not leave until Monday!!! Well no panic. Annoyance maybe but no biggie. Copa called their upper management, but still no go, we were not going to be on our scheduled flight.
The travel agency's emergency number, that originally booked our flight was called and thus began our quest to get a flight to Ecuador.Suggestions such as splitting us up and having some of the group go to Atlanta and others go via New York were mentioned. Mexico was even mentioned. Needless to say we ended up spending the night in Toronto and making our way to Ecuador the next day via Houston.

It is difficult to believe that one week has passed since we have arrived in Quito.It seems much longer but it a good way, this I guess is because we have not had time to be bored,we have crammed a lot into one week.Our host families are great and have easily made us an extension of their family. Daily, and with smiles and encouragement they have given us permission to butcher the spanish language.Along with our daily spanish classes,we have visited the Virgin Saint of Quito,gone to the Archeological Museum and visited the Canadian Embassy where we given a crash course on how to be safe in Ecuador. We took time to enjoy the soccer game between Barcelona and Germany, at a local sports bar and on another day my rommie Alana and I ventured out to a local mall where of all things we decide to try their KFC! And fellow bloggers, in Ecuador for the price of $4.99 you can get a two piece chicken meal served with rice ,lentils ,fried plantains, a drink and a cookie. I kid you not!

Our group finished of this week with a trip to Otavalo to visit and shop at it's marketplace. Here our senses were bombarded with woven, embroidered, knitted, leather and other goods. Our day ended with a boat ride on the Cuicucha Lagoon, whose historical fascination stems from the fact that it was once a volcano...........This week has shown us that with practice ,perseverance and determination we can attempt to learn a new language. That for myself, coming to Ecuador with an open mind and mere curiosity, I was very pleasantly surprised by the country's vastness and level of development. By its many paved roads,tall buildings and grand structures.Week one has been wonderful, our families are warm and kind and on more than one occasion have expressed to Alana and I 'mi casa su casa'. I am sure that in the days and weeks to come this cultural experience will be even more than I could have ever imagined.

H