A Normal Weekend in Quito

This weekend was a relaxing one overall, especially after visiting the heart of the jungle for four days.  However, there are always little adventures here, and I usually learn something from them.  On Friday, I was itching to play soccer, and I had seen a few indoor fields to play in.  My host-mother dropped me off at one of the fields, but the owner explained that without a team, I could not play.  So, disappointed—I took the bus to another field—with the hope of playing.  After talking to the owner of the other field, the result was the same: I could not play without a team, because “pick-up” games are only on certain days.  However, I waited around and asked a team if they needed an extra player; I got my chance!  I played well, but twisted my knee towards the end of the indoor game, and have nursed it the rest of the weekend.  On Saturday, I went with my host family, and their family, to a good Ecuadorian restaurant in Quito.  The food was excellent, (as I have eaten there before, as well) and I enjoyed their company.  The coolest thing about this entire weekend was that I felt comfortable engaging in all-Spanish conversations with the guys at the soccer field, taxi-drivers, restaurant employees, and my entire host family.  My Spanish is improving each day that I am here, and I am more and more comfortable conversing in my second language.  Although I miss my loved ones, and other aspects about the United States, I must say I am growing more comfortable in this small South-American country; I love Ecuador.