I have not forgotten my blog. I have, however, been putting it off. Without a computer at my use except in a pay-by-the minute internet café, it's a little difficult to get to things when one wants to.
My flight to Ecuador was mostly uneventful. I made last phone calls in Atlanta and then watched movies for the whole flight to try and distract myself from what I was really doing. Was I a little nervous? Yes, I most certainly was. It was the hardest to say goodbye to my family, which involved finding the nearest restroom and locking myself in a stall for a brief breakdown and gathering myself up.
Customs was packed when I got in country. Some flights had been delayed and so we waited in line for at least an hour with three other planes worth of people in front.
Once I did get through however, I got to meet José, the Resident Director and Ruth, my host mom. Also Zanobi was there, who is my host brother. I had a long taxi ride home through the crazy streets of Ecuador late at night and I was soon acquainted with my room, which is actually very nice. Every morning I wake up to the sun pouring through my window and I can roll out of bed onto the hardwood floor. My shower, however, is rarely hot and it consists of a cold tub with a hose shower head attachment thing. But not to worry. I showered in a closet all summer that was never warm toward the end, so it's practically the same thing.
The first couple of days I spent locked in at home, partially because I didn't know the city and didn't have keys and partially because my mamí had to go help a friend. I didn't know anyone at that point, so I was definitely locked up.
On Sunday after arriving, I went to Itchimbia park, where I met most of my UI colleagues and the RD, José. The food at our restaurant was great, but we were all really uncomfortable with each other still. We did paperwork and a small city tour for the next couple of days until Wednesday, when we left for Yunguilla.
It was actually a little rough to try and acclimatize to one host family and then be up-rooted a couple of days later and try to get used to another family. While in Yunguilla, our team really bonded. We got to see the Yumbos ruins, weed the community garden, become "cement-ologists," make marmalade, make cheese, go on a hike on the Yumbos trails used centuries ago to transport contraband material through the jungle, go to a dance and milk cows. It really was a great experience!
The community was an interesting one, based quite a bit on socialistic principles, which worked for them. I found that I could never be a part of a community like that because I am far too independent, but it was still a great place. 
This last week we had Estudiantes Internacionales orientation. We got all orientated again and we even got to go to the Mitad del Mundo, or the Middle of the World. I'm including several photos with this post, so look there! We were right on the equator.
I have seen the Museo del Banco Central, a museum that houses the oldest artifacts in the country. Interestingly, when American students learn so much about the Incans back at home, they learn about the shortest-lived population in Ecuador. The museum was fascinating.
At El Ejido, we looked through artisan booths and the art that is out during the month of August. If I had a house, I would have bought some art to bring home. C'est la vie.
And then the sickness hit in and I have been struggling immunally ever since. But this is a cold and not the regular stomach sickness common in foreign travelers. Slowly I will conquer!
I love to hear from people, so definitely write to me! Classes will be starting tomorrow and I got into level 4 in Spanish, meaning that I can take some classes outside of Spanish! Pretty neat considering the first time I tested, I got into level 1. If I stay on track, I won't have Spanish classes by the second half of next semester.
And if you are wondering about the food, there has been NOTHING here that I have eaten that I did not like. It has all been great.
Other than that, the employee here in the Internet center has his girlfriend with him and I can't stand the persistent sound of smooching. So time to load some photos and get out of here!
Peace to everyone! Stay in good health!
Emily
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