We're here!!!!!

Getting up at 5:30 yesterday morning and on the go till midnight had us all fall into bed exhausted. But what a great day - clear roads to the airport, two pleasant flights, (they took away my Oil of Olay at the Detroit Airport - the bottle was too big - I know, Hilary, you told me!) - so now what - will my face shrivel up like a prune? Got on the plane into some very snug seats, teammembers seated right in fromt of us and across the isle... a gorgeous sunset high above the clouds... glimpses at the gulf of Mexico... it was a day of many impressions and many firsts.
We arrived with all our luggage,(an answer to prayer) which we retrieved after what seemed like an eternity in line through immigration! Andy and Jenell's came a day late. At the guesthouse - a spacious, lovely place, we met the rest of the team, GREAT GROUP! went to our rooms and were surprises by chocolates, a vase or REAL ROSES and a note from our team leaders - it was still Valentine's day - and this one will be lodged in my memory for the rest of my days!

Today we explore Quito a bit (take a gondola up the vulcano) Pinchito Mountain(?), have lunch out and then this afternoon take the bus to Cayambe, the town we will stay at for the next 10 days. It was amazing to hear the birds sing as I woke up this morning, looking out the window - which was open all night!!! (are you envious up north?) I saw flowers in full bloom and green grass - wow, a feast for the eyes! Our busride (we get to have our own small bus) promises to be an adventure in itself - driving around here is alot more of a challenge than at home.

I love hearing spanish spoken again and see the people who speak it - very actively, very expressive.Will not be able to check into the blog for a while but will catch up as I'm able.

Off we go as the adventure unfolds...