Today I went to "Dulce de Quito" (Sweets of Quito) in the colonial plaza. I went with my friend Laura and her family. Dulce de Quito is a festival that happens each year and lasts for about two weeks. Today was the last day for this year, but it didn't stop it from being busy and alive.

Laura's host mom was so excited to introduce us to all the different sweets that are native to Quito. I have never ever in my life been on such a sugar high like the one that I was on today (and am still recovering from this afternoon). Laura's mom had us try just about everything - ice creams, chocolates, sweet breads, coconuts, fruits, a juice made from maiz, dulce de leche (the real thing!), and much more that I can't remember. So, I don't think I'll need any sugar for the next month or five, but Dulce de Quito was really neat.

I'm getting better each day at speaking Spanish - yay! I got to know Laura's mom a bit, then we came back to my homestay after Dulce de Quito and we talked to my family. My mom is here, along with my sister and aunt. After all the sweets my mom made us carrot soup. It was really different -- you eat it with popcorn in it. And then, just when Laura and I thought we were about to fall over from so much food, my sister had made us something very similar to banana bread. People eat in Ecuador.

I went on my first solo adventure though Quito this morning to get to Laura's house. I took a taxi and was able to talk to the driver the whole time without being confused!! Laura lives near the airport in an area called El Inca. The coolest part about Laura's home --- she has a llama in her backyard! It was pretty sweet... I got to play with a llama this morning. He's soooo cute!

We start our orientation with IES tomorrow. Hopefully my academic schedule will be set up for good.

Miss you all!! Lovely message Meg, I loved it! Go swimming in the fountain for me, k? :)

Oh, photos too...

Overlooking part of Quito from La Virgen

At the equator... haha... I think my legs were in

the northern hemisphere and my arms in the southern...

At 'Dulce de Quito' with Laura and her cousin