Yesterday (March 10th), I spent most the day relaxing. I slept in, had a late breakfast and showered. I took some time to relax and read my book and waited for the girls to arrive home. When they arrived home around 2:00pm, we ate lunch. I brought several different foods for the girls to try including Thin Mints, Poptarts, and Keebler Fudge Stripe cookies. We had a blast trying the desserts and eating ice cream. Afterwards, we went outside to play and enjoy the sun. I took a picture with their little dog, who kinda has hair that matches mine!
When Magus arrived home, we went into downtown Ambato to the artisan market there so that I could buy the last of my souvenirs. It was a long walk and it can be hard to shop in the market because you have to barter and search for the best deals. When we finally finished our shopping spree, we headed for dinner. We had colada morada, which is a warm smoothie type drink which has several different types of fruit. We also had empanadas (probably my favorite food in all of Ecuador). We tried ones of meat and cheese. It was soo good.
As you can probably see, the sun is great here. I love the vitamin D that I've been getting! After dinner, we came home and just relaxed. I started planning my trip to the airport and just relaxed. Unfortunately, Netflix does not work here!
Today (March 11th), I slept in again and went on the roof all day to soak up some sun with my book. I am getting excited to come home. My flight leaves tomorrow morning at 5:30am and I will arrive in Chicago around 2:30pm. I will most likely be up all night driving and checking in at the airport.
Most the morning I sat on the roof with this view! I was so sunny and beautiful! What a blessed last day!
This afternoon, the girls asked if I would pick them up from school. Of course I said yes! I took a taxi to their school and picked them up and then we went out to lunch at the restaurant. I had Gautita, which is an Ecuadorian tripe stew...
Our last lunch together!
After we ate lunch, we came back home and relaxed outside some more. A little later, Marco's (Magus's husband) parents came to meet me before I left. They were so sweet and brought me little souvenirs of Ecuador. We then had to run some errands and I was able to say goodbye to most of Magus's family. Then came my favorite part of the day! Magus taught me how to make my favorite Ecuadorian food, Empanadas! It was so often and I will definitely be trying the recipe at home!
All in all, my trip was absolutely amazing. I was so blessed that Magus and her family were so generous and such great hosts. I am so blessed that God gave me the resources for this trip to relax, teach, and spend great time with friends. Thank you again for all your continued interest and support in my journey! Until next time!
Danni
