So I´m here...!

This is only my second time online since I´ve been here, which is why I haven´t updated. I don´t feel the need to do a day-by-day summary (at least yet), so let me share a few highlights (in chronological order, of course):

*Meeting and talking with a USFQ student who was on my flight, who proceeded to make me two origami-like pieces out of a piece of paper from the airline catalog: a bowl and a heart.
*Being greeted by my host mom after midnight, when my plane was an hour late, and instantly making me feel at home.
*Walking into my mansion-like house: Seriously. It´s beautiful. I have my own room and bathroom. My bathroom is larger than my NYC bedroom. Not kidding. And the house has a gorgeous view of Quito.
*Seeing said gorgeous view from the roof on Thursday- breathtaking. Reading Eat, Pray, Love and seeing nothing but sky.
*Meeting my middle/high school friend Emma for dinner Thursday night with her entire family. Being outdrank by a 16-year-old...
*Going to Tuplie on Saturday, a town two hours outside of Quito where we took a tour and hiked.
*Seeing my university today with my host mom and going to the colonial part of the city with her, exploring the beautiful churches and plazas of Quito.

I am using the internet at a mall about 15 minutes from my house. This seems to be a pretty safe neighborhood, so I´m not too worried. That doesn´t mean I don´t have 30 USD hidden in my bra. The most harassment I´ve run into is a truck full of (guapo) men honking at me... not too bad.

By the way, Ecuador uses US currency- at least for now- so whenever I refer to money, it´s USD. Some things are ridiculously cheap. When I was walking around near my house on Thursday, I bought a bottle of lemonade, a roll and a mini bag of platanos chips for the grand total of $0.75. Not everything is like that, but I haven´t found anything too expensive.

The buses are insane here. They don´t really, you know, STOP when people get on- or off. And they go around turns so fast I was actually getting a workout when I was standing because you have to try to hard to keep yourself upright. It isn´t a great system, but I guess I´ll get used to it.

I have to go, but I miss you all... things are great here. I have orientation Tuesday and classes start on Wednesday... I am so excited! Please keep me updated on all your travels!

Love,
Kim (KFunk)