La Vida en Quito

Quito is a pretty hectic place. Everyone is constantly running, pushing, driving, shopping, eating, working, and speaking Spanish (duh, I know). Looking out the double windows from my corner room in my home stay apartment, I can watch pedestrians miraculously avoid getting hit by cars and buses, time and time again; I can hear the street performer play "La Cucaracha" and the Pink Panther theme on his trombone; I can struggle to see the lights of all the cars going through "optional" red stoplights through the incredibly thick fog. Getting on the bus is a nightmare, and I've missed my stop more than once attempting to push through the crowds of people in the doors. Small change is hard to come by, which can be a challenge when each bus ride is only 25¢. Safety is always a priority, and I've have a list tacked in my brain of which side of the street to walk on, who to ask for directions, what to always carry with me, when to take a taxi, when to take the bus, and a thousand other helpful tips.

Just imagine how much traffic is

weaving through all those streets.

Quito is also a beautiful place. The way the lights shine through the fog at night is scary, but peaceful, and the view of the mountains from nearly every street is breathtaking. La Parque Carolina is two blocks from my house, and is a hotspot for fútbol, volleyball, skateboarding, biking, running, and with the help of us gringos, Frisbee! The amount of delicious tropical fruits here are astounding, and I don't think I've ever been so excited to try so many different juices (my current favorite is guanábana juice).

Centro Quito screams the influence of the Spanish conquistadors, and the churches offer an artful display of the dominance of Catholicism here. La Ronda is home to "Old Quito," with narrow cobblestone streets, nightly street performances, and tons of restaurants offering empanadas, fresas con chocolate (sticks of chocolate covered strawberries, only $1!), and multiple variations of my new favorite beverage, canelazo.

Wrought-iron and pastel beauty.

I definitely miss Boston, but I'm loving the life in Quito.