Author Archives: Betsy

Parque Metropolitano

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I know that I have posted about Parque Metropolitano before; however, since surgery on my knee in December, I have come to appreciate our proximity to the park for walks with Lucy. Roman dropped us off at the park entrance this morning and I was able to walk with Lucy for 2 hours or so. The park is absolutely beautiful with its eucalyptus trees and unexpected large sculptures around every turn. Lucy and I even came across a bunch of llamas at the entrance to the park today (At first, Lucy was not happy about them being there).

While Roman spent the afternoon playing paintball with some friends, Lucy and I enjoyed the fruit trees in our backyard and I hobbled over to “Spa de Uñas” to get my first pedicure. I should have gone sooner–it only cost $8 and the people there were super friendly and kind. I got to practice my Spanish–it is getting better now that Roman and I have been taking bi-weekly lessons. Since we haven’t posted yet this year, happy new year to all our friends and family near and far!

Alpenglow

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Since the equator run directly through Quito, sunrise is at 6 AM and sunset is at 6 PM every day of the year. This is taking us a little while to get used to but the sunsets are beautiful just like in Crested Butte.

The rose bushes in our yard are amazing. They are in full bloom and we notice new buds on them everyday. Even Lucy enjoys sniffing them when she goes out into the yard.

 

Note to Self: Watch out for Ecuadorian hot dogs

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While Roman has been in Mammoth, California this last week for the annual Black Tie Retreat, Lucy and I have been muddling through life in Quito. We went on a fun mountain bike ride in Parque Metropolitano on Saturday and enjoyed a Tanzanian/German/Ecuadorian (how’s that for a fusion restaurant!) lunch at a local restaurant with some friends. Saturday evening, my friend Amanda had a barbecue at her apartment a few blocks away. Just as I was into the second bite of my hot dog, thinking to myself “this is one miserably tough casing on this thing”, my friend Shannon said, “I had a hot dog the other day and I had to remove the plastic covering on it.” Needless to say, that tough casing wasn’t just a casing after all. I think I will stay away from hot dogs for a while.

Old Town

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We went on a tour of the historic center of Quito today. We visited Panecillo, a hill in the center of old town that has a statue of the Virgin at the top, as well as several cathedrals and the presidential palace. The old town has a European feel to it and is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Once again, the vistas from anywhere in this city are stunningly beautiful.

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Escuela

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I began teacher in-service days at Academia Cotopaxi on Tuesday and will continue teacher work days next week. School for students starts on September 1st. The campus for the school is beautiful and very open with lots of outdoor space. This week, the school has provided us with lunch, a three course sit down meal of traditional Ecuadorian food. Today’s lunch included locro, a potato based soup, fried Tilapia and rice, and ice cream for dessert. I was the only person who received 2 scoops of ice cream, possibly because I cleaned my other plates and they thought I was still hungry :).

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Our Neighborhood

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It’s been nice being in our place and getting things taken care of.  We only moved in yesterday but it seems days ago.  Things that are still punch list items for other teachers were already done when we moved into our place.  Furnishings down to bed sheets, internet, and TV; we feel very fortunate.  Everything’s been put away, except our boxes which are still in transit, though it’s hard to remember what we even shipped other than clothes so we’re not sure what more we need than what we have.

This afternoon we were able to take a walk around our neighborhood and take in some views.  We can’t wait to discover the neighborhood restaurants and explore Parque Metropolitano. 

Google Earth Pin of our place.

Calle de El Quiteno Libre

Calle de El Quiteno Libre

View from the top of our building, looking west to Pichincha

Lucy is happy about being here.