Day 2: Sightseeing in Quito

Amigos y familia,
Today was another fantastic, fun-filled day.  We woke up and had a great breakfast consisting of crescent rolls with jam or butter, fruit, and eggs.  A special treat was liquid yogurt (think Danimals) which was very popular among the group. :)  During breakfast, we read a cool devotion written by Mr. Tuls, which reassured us that God is always with us, no matter where we are in the world.  After breakfast, we packed our day bags and hopped on the bus to La Mitad Del Mundo, The Middle of the World, AKA the equator.  The first order of business was balancing an egg on a nail on its tip (which is supposedly impossible anywhere, but on the equator).  We had a couple hours to walk around together and go treasure-hunting and oh boy, we hit the jackpot.

Dollars and arm fulls of souvenirs later, we got back on the bus to get lunch on the street.  Some of us had the most delicious pork, a type of Ecuadorian corn cooked two different ways, a fried plátano, and a piece of potato.  Others of us went to an actual restaurant and ordered their own plates which also tasted delicious.  Something that surprised us was that the pop made in Ecuador contains actual sugar instead of the US' beloved high fructose corn syrup.  We were surprised by the taste and that it actually tasted better.

Next we traveled to an Artisan Fair.  This market was filled with more goodies, lower prices, and many more people.  While there, a few of us learned that we can't barter (Sydney), shoes are crazy expensive, even when Eric helped us barter (Emily), and that when someone offers you "the best brownies in the world," they probably contain weed (Zach -- but no worries, none was bought).  Across the street from the market, we stopped at yet another "Art in the Park" type of market.  We had a little free time to look around, buy more stuff, but most importantly, play on the playground.  A group favorite was the seesaw and there will be bruised butts and sore muscles tomorrow.  Thus ended the sightseeing trip to Quito.

We came back to the house for more chill time, dinner at 7:30, and reflections after that.  Overall the day was great and we can't wait for another awesome day tomorrow!

As always, thanks for your prayers and support.  It's much appreciated to know we have people thinking about us at home.
Love you Mom and Dad and family!

-Emily Slenk and Sydney Asselin


PICTURE TIME! :D

Initial instruction

Group on the equator

Josh concentrating

Brad balancing an egg

The equator

Success

Uhhhh...no caption :)

The guys

Balancing eggs

Timmy's face makes this picture (2nd row, 3rd from left, red shirt)

Group pic!

The view from the top of the monument

Brad was pro at balancing the eggs everywhere

The leaders!

The llamas don't respond to English or Spanish...we tried both :)

Sra. Schuitema loved the llamas :)

Yummy food

Showin' off the goodies

Eric explaining how to chew sugar cane

Kendra enjoying the sugar cane! (purple shirt)

Sydney and Emily enjoying the sugar cane!

Erica loves sugar cane too!

More sugar cane. Yumm

The beloved seesaw 

Cracking up on the seesaw

Another favorite

Looooved the seesaw

Fashion show back home

Josh, Tim, and Brad chilling outside during free time. (Tim can be seen to the far right)