Arrival in Quito

I'm in Quito! I made it here last night without any trouble....except that we had to deplane wearing face masks as a precaution against the swine flu. We arrived fairly late at night, so I only saw the city in the dark. But what I did see reminded me of sights from Peru. (I went there with my dad when I was in 3rd grade.) The houses are gated - a lot of people have a fence and/or a line of shrubs surrounding their property. Just like in Peru, shops are also gated at night - like in a mall after closing time. There's also a different smell - not bad by any means, but different.

The family (the McFarlands) that I am living with is great! They are incredibly welcoming; I think I am going to enjoy living with them. They have one daughter at home, who is about to finish 8th grade - I look forward to getting to know her too. I have my own living area, "The Cave" as the McFarlands call it. It is in the backyard, unattached from the rest of the house. I have my own bedroom and bathroom. The sun streams in all day and when it is clear, I have a view of one of the mountain ranges that enclose the city. This is going to be a great adventure!

mi casita - my little house

my room