January 2013

Many things have happened in this world of mine in Ecuador.  Let's start out with January because sadly, I haven't updated since then.

January 1-5

        Babetti and I had the wonderful opportunity to go to Salinas: one of the most well-known beaches in all of Ecuador.

We traveled with three other exchange students and their host family (Alex, Jayne, and Otto).

Went surfing with the pros.

           

We flew from Quito to Guayaquil and from there, we took a bus out to Salinas.  It was a lovely time; we went sea kayaking and saw sea turtles; we did every water sport you could probably think of and of course, we ate fresh lobster right on the beach.  It was the life.  The coast is known for its seafood of any kind.  We're talking "cheviche" (a refreshing tomato soup with seafood), anything with shrimp, fresh fruit drinks, lobster; yes, it was wonderful.

          Overall though, I think the highlight for all us was going surfing.  This surfing company (consisting of about 5 guys who have been teaching surfing for over 25+ years) picked us up in their "scooby-doo" bus and we headed for the waves.  It took some time but most of us got up by the end of it.

Later January: Philipp's Oboe Concert 

         I had a wonderful time getting to know such a well-rounded and musically talented individual like Philipp.  It was the music truly that brought us together.  We both started taking music lesson at "La Casa de la Música" in late October and so every time after classes, Philipp and I would just have awesome jam sessions (the cello and the oboe; never done that before).
     
         Sadly, Philipp left in the end of January to head back to his home country, Germany. Before he left though, he presented his talents a bit in this last concert.  The majority of our exchange student friend group showed up to support him which was very cool to see.  15+ teenagers listening to classical music. Yes.

Philipp and I.

Our group: Silija (Finland), Linda (Finland), Kathleen (Norway), Colin (Penn., US), TJ (Canada), Wade (Ohio, US), Philipp (Germany), and Pia (Germany).

My wonderful cello teacher, Santiago, is playing viola in the middle.