LIFE ON THE EDGE - no laptop

Well, it's way past my bedtime, so please excuse my grammatical errors.

Just a little update on my adventure...

Today was my first full day in Ecuador, but we actually landed here in Cuenca yesterday evening.

Cuenca is Ecuador's third largest city (Quito is the largest - we were there for a few hours in the airport), and I will be staying here primarily for about a week.

Today we (Olivia, Melita, and myself) went into town to the craft market. WOW! A lot of absolutely stunning products. I had my heart set on a specific kind of Ecuadorian shirt I saw Ecuador's President, Rafael Correa wearing. I found one! I'll share a photo later, and go into more detail about Correa.

We walked around the historic city's cobblestone streets for a while gazing any the beautiful architecture, then had lunch at a pizzeria. Oops, I forgot to mention we had ice cream with alcohol in it... Yum.

We ended up on a bus tour of the city by mid afternoon (we started the day late - we were all too exhausted to get moving this morning). The tour gave us a glimpse into the history of Cuenca, and a wonderful view of the city from a point called "Turi" which is a Quechua word meaning looking point. The Quechua people are indigenous to Ecuador and produce the most beautiful pieces of art, like the shirt I bought today.

Before heading back to Melita's we decided to visit a lady she thinks of a s a second mother. I'm so glad we did! She was incredibly sweet, hospital, and patient with my 101 level Spanish. She gifted me a bottle of wine as we left - I was touched by her kindness.

After going back to Melita's we were doing some planing, and I mentioned going to a David Guetta concert in Guayaquil (Ecuador's second largest city - a bit south of Cuenca). The idea stuck, and we've got the ball rolling! Up early tomorrow to head to Guayaquil! It's going to be over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, so I am going to be happily melting! :)

Back to Correa! He is the president of Ecuador, and for many reasons I find him to be awesome! He is incredibly courageous, and his policies have improved and stabilized Ecuador. We met someone affiliated with his political campaign (he is running for another term) who told us he will be hosting an event in Cuenca early next week - I will be there. I am so incredibly excited! Melita's father seems to think I'll be able to meet him! I can't imagine... Correa this week, then Obama next week? Two world leaders in my presence in two weeks? Who am I? Hillary Clinton? I could get used to this.

Anyway, I love Ecuador. I love the people. I love the food. Love. Love. Love. Traveling is such a great experience... The world would be a better place if more people from varying cultures were able to experience a way of life different than their own.