Beginning of Quito Year 2!

I had a month an a half at home to mentally prepare for year two in Quito. Ecuador is a beautiful country, filled with amazing people, but last year I didn't feel like I fully took advantage of it. I basically allowed school to consume every waking moment, even when I was on a weekend getaway. I was mentally exhausted every day. Not wanting that to happen again made me super anxious toward the end of the summer!

That being said, The start of year 2 has looked promising! Not having to adjust to a new school, new culture, or new expectations is a lot off my plate this year. Knowing what to expect is half the battle for me.

I am still mentally exhausted every day, but I am pushing myself to be busier on weeknights and weekends--otherwise I would just plan for school all the time, and I know that I need to give my brain a break. So far, I have been eating like it's nobody's business and I'm still being a tourist, finding new places to explore!

Day 1 back in Quito: Fresh juices and bread from a bakery called Ay Pan:



'twas the night before the first day back at school to set up the classrooms... 


Here are some photos of my classroom before the first day of school:









                                  
                                                              Views on views on views!         





On Sundays the city closes down a major road to cars and opens it up for bikers. This is something I wanted to do all last year but never made it around to it. Peggy behind me let me use one of her bikes!  




Hiking to find this waterfall, Condor Machay with my teaching partner from last year!





Still exploring downtown with fancy churches and more great views!




 My new favorite work shoes... On sale obvz!


This is Berni. She is my Spanish teaching partner this year and I love working with her so far. We are on the same page with everything!



 This year, my dear friend Laura and I have explored many restaurants using our "Foodie Passport" which we bought last year together. The restaurants we go to give us discounts when we use it. Here are some highlights:

Cafe Botanica

Lucia's Pie House (not on our foodie passport but amazing)

De La Llama: This is called Chocopaxi (named after a volcano in Ecuador) and it comes with a llama cookie!!!


Bahn Mi: Everyone says to try this popcorn ice cream. It sounds kind of gross, but it was pretty great!  

Bar above Bahn Mi with gorgeous ambiance!

Just a super fun Saturday night with crazy people!


 Cirque de Soleil in Quito: The way these people can move their bodies is mindblowing. The story was based on the Tempest. The seats we bought were decently far back, but they moved us to the center stage in the 5th row because the show wasn't filled. What great luck! 





Ciao for now! Another post to come in the next few days!
 

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