Dear Chris Kwon,

I woke up at around 7:45 yesterday morning, turned on my lamp, noted it was working, then went back to sleep. They have electricity problems here, so they turn the electricity off at different times in various parts of the city. I wasn't sure if it was true, so this is why I tested it. I woke up again at 9:30 and noticed the lights weren't working. I took a shower anyway (hot water runs on gas), ate breakfast, and took a nap, since there is nothing I can do without electricity.

Yesterday was my first day at the school. My host mom was supposed to take me, as I am new to the city and I could get lost. I was to be at school at 1:30. At around 1, I was called to lunch. Lupita (not really sure if that's her name, as I'm never introduced to anyone), the maid fed me a big old plate of food. Another woman, Carmencita (I believe works for Susana, but I'm not sure what she does), sat next to me and watched me eat. She was ready to take the plate when I was finished. It was like an eating contest, but I was the only contestant. When I was done, I felt like I was going to die. Susana was much too busy to take me to school, so Carmencita, who I met yesterday (and by "met" I mean she was there watching me eat lunch all of a sudden), took me via taxi to school. I pretty much knew the way anyway, but driving is soooo fun here... not really.

I got to school and all we had was orientation. Fernando Miño is the program director. He is such a precious man. He speaks very good English and made a safety speech somewhat amusing. It was nice being able to speak English for the first time in 4 days. We're not allowed to speak it anymore, however. At 5, our respective families came to pick us up. Susana picked me up and said, "you pretty much know you're way now, right? You won't get lost if you go on your own tomorrow." Somewhat nervous, but mostly relieved that I wouldn't have to ride in a car ever again, I said "Si."

I came home and went to my room in the dungeon. I realized someone was in the room next to me. I walked over and said "Hola, me llamo Ali." A girl stood up and came and we couldn't decide whether to shake hands or hug so it turned into an awkward combination of both. I had

to ask her her name. Her name is Adriana. I think she's from Ecuador. She's an exchange student and she's stayed her for 6 months. So confusing. So, Susana comes downstairs to invite us to dinner, and half-heartedly tries to introduce the two of us. We race up to dinner, where we are met by Antonio and a strange new woman, I will call Yellow Sweater, or YS for short. YS immediately hugged and kissed me. As we were eating dinner, the conversation commenced. At first, I think they were talking about prices of houses. Then it progressed into a heated debate over square meterage of houses. Everyone calmed down and then they talked passionately of the interior design of beach houses. Black is NOT a beach house color. Don't do it!

Somehow, I managed to escape this conversation. Even if they were speaking in English, I would have nothing to contribute. I then finished season 6 of Seinfeld.

This morning, I woke up at 8. I ran upstairs to take a shower and Carmencita stopped me because someone else was in the shower. I was sooooo amped to go to school, I was frantic. I waited in my room and was finally called to shower. I took a quick shower, then ate a quick breakfast. Susy asked what time I was leaving and I told her early. At around 9:30, I left. I stopped by the mall and bought a SIM card for my phone! So exciting, I know. I was proud I was able to make this transaction.

I ran to class and we all got on a tour bus. We began our drive around the city. We drove to this really high point in the city. We then made our descent to Plaza Grande, a huge plaza across from the president's residence (right).

We then went to La Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús- some church. It was all gold inside. I felt like a pirate. The tour was given in Spanish.

We then drove to La Virgen de El Virgen del Pa

necillo, which is a huge statue of a virgin on a hill. Fernando told us he would pay if we would like to go inside the virgin. Of course, we all went. The virgin has a wonderful view of the city, weird structures with christmas lights on them, some schlocky tourist stuff, lots of diseased dogs, and many young children there hitting the dogs. But the view! It was gorgeous.

We made our way out of the virgin's land and drove to the Mitad del Mundo (The middle of the world AKA the equator). We took a tour. Great, a tour about the equator. Fuuuun. No. It was much more than that. We learned about the culture of the Quito area and how the indigenous

people used the sun for all measurements ever. We balanced an egg on the equator. funtimes.

After we returned to school, some of us went to buy stuff for our phones (I was going to buy minutes). My debit card wouldn't work at the bank, so someone loaned me a dollar to buy some minutos. I left the mall at around 5:30. Susy told me not to leave school after 5. It's dangerous to walk alone. Too bad, I was walking anyway. My adrenaline was high. I was totally alert. My heart was pumping. My walk home is about 25 minutes- uphill. It was super hard. By the time I got home, I was so sweaty, thirsty, and out of breath, I felt like I was going to pass out. It was all good though. I survived to make it to another awkward dinner. YS was there again. She kissed me and asked me my name. Oh man. This house is like "full house" according to Ibeth. I'm not sure if I get the same reference she intended, but it definitely applies to the Full House I was thinking. There are so many random people living here.

Thank you for reading this. My life probably only seems exciting to me. I'm sure it's super dull. ¡Hasta Luego!