This morning’s sunrise illuminating the Andes south of Cumbaya and reflecting off the snow caps.  Taken from the apartment roof patio:

hello all, I have gotten settled into my new house nicely.  The first full day here I slept a lot due to the altitude and my exhaustion from flying.  I have a nice big room with a comfy bed so I definitely didn’t mind laying down most of the day.  The view from my two huge windows shows some cows grazing, other houses, and mountains in the distance.   The second day I went to Colegio Menor for Family Day! Although the kindergartners weren’t there I got to tour the school with Chip and his family and see my own classroom! I am very excited to start Monday. I also went to the big mall in Cumbaya with Chip’s family and got to explore a little bit. Cumbaya is absolutely breathtaking! I got to see Chip’s house which has the most beautiful views I’ve seen thus far, as well as a cute bakery, a university, and so much more. I have now officially met all the people living in my house as of last night.  Raquel is the owner, a woman who speaks Spanish fluently but enough English that we can converse!  Her two nieces, Alejandra and Nicole, stay here too for school and work respectively.  Here you are greeted for the first time with a hug and a kiss on the cheek! Too funny!  Raquel has been cooking for me and makes different food but good food.  I’ve had hamburger patties, chicken, soup, rice, and breakfast cereal.  All food served here is really fresh and salty! I also get fresh squeezed orange juice in the morning. It’s very good and I’d even say better thn OJ we get at home.  Enough for now, will check back in later!   Good luck to all other student teachers embarking on a journey!

Today was Family Day at the school, so we had a chance to spend the day meeting staff, students and parents.  The festivities were endless with multiple soccer games, a parade and many vendors selling food and beverages.

Kelly and I toured the school and found our classrooms.  I was also able to meet my class in their room and be introduced.  First names.  So now I really am Mr. Chips.  They are a lively bunch, but I am told that is just for today, and that on Monday its back to business.

My class wears the red outfits.

Following are a few photos from the Family Day.

 

 

Smooth transition to Quito – on time flight, met by Guido and Cristina and then fully ensconced in our amazing apartment by 1:30 AM.  This morning we walked a quarter mile to the Supermaxi supermarket and stocked up.  No problems with altitude.  Looking forward to Family Day at the Colegio Menor (pronounced colikio) tomorrow, meeting students, parents and faculty.

My 11 year old has his breakfast waffles and pancakes and hot dogs for lunch so he is all set.  Ruth and I have found the adult beverages and it appears we will be experimenting with unknown labels.  Sounds like fun, especially as a cheap bottle of gin goes for $60.

Weather today is typical – bright bright sun for most of the day with dark clouds and thunder descending from the snow capped Andes around mid afternoon.  See photo taken from apartment balcony.

 

 

It still does not feel real to me that in less than a week I will be in Ecuador! I have  had an amazing experience student teaching in the States and can’t wait to continue it in Ecuador. I still have not packed a thing so my weekend will be full of packing, completing my STA, and probably double checking my luggage.  I am excited to be living with a host family – I’m sure they are super nice and I know they live very close to my school.  I also can’t wait to see the differences in the two schools… I have already been informed that my students will call me by my first name which is interesting to me.  I think this will be the experience of a lifetime and I’m so honored to be participating in Student Teaching Abroad! I hope to read all about the other student teacher’s experiences as well!