So I'm into my second week now of trying to learn Spanish. Some days I do OK and others just want to make me scream. Think I'm getting it when all of a sudden I find out there is 2 words for saying you know something, depending on what you know....URGH or the verb 'to go' is IR but if I'm saying 'I go...' I have to say 'Yo voy'. It doesn't look or sound like IR but that is the way it is. LOL

So apart from spanish doing my head in I had a nice weekend. Saturday afternoon I went to the local pool with Mariana and Jean Pierre. It even had a sauna and steam room although the sauna wasn't as hot as I'm used to but it was a nice arvo. We did have to walk back in the rain though. I must admit I though it would be warmer in Quito then what it has been. Most mornings it is cool, warmer when the sun is out but most afternoons it clouds over and rains. Yesterday was bloody freezing. Even had my thermal top on.

On Sunday morning I went to mass with the family at Jean Pierre's school. Frank had to organise it this week. Apparently each week it's one of the fathers job to do this and it's the only time they actually go to mass. Needless to say I didn't understand a word. Mariana asked me if I did, I replied 'No, but I don't understand english mass either'. Gave them a laugh.

At midday we all set off to walk to Mariana's friends place for lunch. Needless to say again, I really didn't understand what was being said as they all speak so quickly but I managed. Her friend has 5 sons and I was asked if I was single.....We left about 6.30pm and it was raining again. One of the sons gave us a lift to the bus where we headed to the shopping centre. It is open to 8pm on a Sunday. Hit the Supermaxi for grocery shopping and then we lugged it back on the bus to home. I definitely won't take a car for granted again.

Yesterday afternoon I went into Quito after lunch. Visited a couple of the churches and 2 of their museums/convents. Much artwork. You get a private guide but they rush you thru unfortunately. It was nice just to wander around the city and enjoy.

I've had a couple of people ask me how this homestay/lessons work. I basically pay $210 a week which includes a private 4hr lesson 5 days a week, my own room and bathroom, 3 meals a day and laundry. It's a good deal. I'm obviously living with my spanish teacher and her family but there are other options aswell but this has been a great find.

So that's my news for now. I've added a couple of photos from yesterday and hopefully added successfully one of the videos I took of the baby turtles making their way to the ocean.

Hope all is well.

xox