Daily Life

During this past week, I explored more of the colorful, exciting, and dirty streets that wrestle their way through the city—on foot.  I ate at a few new places, all of which were very good.  I am falling more and more in love with Ecuadorian food, and its fresh, real flavor.  I fought the altitude once again yesterday, when I played in a full soccer match against the high school students.  We did not win, but we had a good time, and some of my classmates even came to watch.  Following the game, we wandered into a small alcove of lime trees and tall grass, to pick the freshest, juiciest blackberries I have ever eaten.  They were incredible!  On a bright, warm Sunday morning, we climbed the volcano, Pichincha—which borders Quito on the western side—in the Teleferiqo (something similar to a ski-lift).  The views from the top of Pichincha were breathtaking.  As I sat on the side of the mountain only feet from the steep cliffs that fall into the city, staring at the wonder that is Quito, I became grateful once again for the opportunity and gift of being here, in Ecuador.