Today was the first day for me in the market and in my Spanish class. I go to a meeting every morning to plan the day with the group, then back to the VCE office for a few hours before I start my lesson at 11:15. It's a one-on-one class with maybe a few English words spoken the whole time. I've learned all of this previously in high school and college, but if you don't use it... YOU LOSE IT! After my lesson, some of us go catch the bus to whatever market we are assigned that day. There are four total markets that we alternate based on the day of the week. When I arrived at the market today, my head was spinning just trying to take it all in. There were many stands with products for sale, many people walking around, an occasional dog would be laying in your way, but the hardest part for me in the city is breathing in all the pollution. There are an abundant amount of buses around town and walking near a street just makes your nose burn. Anyways, there were a few kids already there on the mats playing with puzzles, books, and blocks. I could see in their face that they knew I was fresh meat. Pretty much instantly, one little shy girl reached for my hand and wanted to play blocks. The rest of the time I couldn't go anywhere without her hand in mine. She was sweet and well-behaved and could probably sense the same qualities in me (I hope). It started to rain and hail while we were playing so we too shelter under a roof over a sidewalk. It was very overwhelming for me, because I'm such an observer and I had to consciously think about how to interact with the kids. Just like any group of kids/people, there were all kinds of personalities. It was very cool to see my group interact with them and I hope to be at that level during my second week. I still find that I "just wanna go home" when I'm placed in uncomfortable situations, but I'll get used to it soon. Tonight, all our housemates plan to go to an American pub and eat dinner, which is very exciting. Ecuadorian food isn't my fave! Along with getting used to the work I will do, I also can't wait to travel more. I only have two more weekends to do things and I know we are going away for the weekend coming up.