Miami, Cotopaxi, La Basilica, Baños

     I left home after Christmas vacation thinking that I definitely needed to see my sisters before coming home in July. So we made a plan to meet in Miami in Feb. Chelsea and Rachel got to the hotel before me, but when I arrived, a proper run and hug was in order. Nothing better than sister squeezes!

     It was a bit colder than I thought it would be, but we still got some sun time, and no worries, I of course missed spots of sunscreen and got pretty burned. Story of my life! We ate some delicious food and drinks, walked along the beach, and admired the lifestyle of the super fancy people and cars on South Beach. 5 days went by in a flash, and before I knew it, it was time to say goodbye again. The time we had together was worth every penny spent.



She is Barbie in real life.

Let the selfies begin!


She got them #lips



Beach ready!

Superbowl Sunday!!!! And a disappointing loss for the Pats..

I cannot be serious...Ever.





Do you think she works out? Hot DAYYUM Rachel.

Went to #Baconbitch for lunch before I left Miami. It was as awesome as it looks!

I love you guys more than life! Thank you for meeting me in Miami.

     Shortly after I got back, I received a friendly visitor who flew from China to see me. :) During our time together, we went to a few places I hadn't yet visited. First, we took an overnight trip 2 hours from Quito to Cotopaxi (a famous, active volcano known in South America). Then, we went downtown to Centro Historico for the day to visit la Basilica, a beautiful church. Our last stop as super tourists was in Baños, a 3.5 hour drive to a mountainous area filled with waterfalls and lots of adventure. Back in Quito, Maroon 5 visited on Orlando's last night here. Check it out...
Photo Opp :)



Welcome tea at Secret Garden.

Hammock alllll day!
Waterfall Hike
Cotopaxi in all it's glory! Its peak reaches 19,393 feet. 

La Basilica in Centro Historico






Dinner at Cafe Mosaico

 Zoologico de San Martin in Baños! We saw some beautiful animals, although I must say, their cages were too small and many of them weren't in an area that resembled their natural environment. Some animals, like the bears for instance, had behaviors that showed anxiety, which was really disheartening.

This is a bear hug if I've ever seen one!


Orlando looks small next to these ostriches...

The sunset perfectly captured the regality of this beautiful lion. 






Breakfast at Honey Coffee & Tea

About to begin our biking adventure around la ruta de las cascadas.





Pailon del Diablo (Devil's Cauldron)


La cascada Machay

Someone went for a swim, and someone else definitely did not. 



These views made my legs super shaky!


The infamous swing at the edge of the world: 
La Casa del Arbol




Lunch at Cafe del Cielo






We biked from 9 am to 6 pm. My hands were noodles.


Back in Quito...
I always wondered if music artists struggled with the altitude since they are only here for a few days. Adam Levine put my wonder to rest.







Ciao for now!

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