First Spanish Word: Vaca = Cow

The sun is beginning to set on my first day in Quito, Ecuador. My flights went smoothly and my host family has been nothing other than welcoming. Prior to coming to Quito, I was informed that my host family have three, very friendly dogs. However, when I was buzzed into the yard last night, FIVE came running! The most senior is named Snoopy and just rang in his 17th birthday. Martha (the mother of the house) has to trim his bangs every week because he is quite a ragamuffin. Ramona the miniature schnauzer gave birth two years ago to seven puppies ... Donde and Donte still live with the family. Last but not least, little Bodello is 2 months old and runs the house. Weighing in at about 2 lbs, he sports a typical schnauzer haircut (his breed is unknown) and expresses himself in yips, yaps and little nibbles.

Martha is the mother of the house and speaks essentially no English. We have been communicating with lots of erratic hand gestures, smiles, laughs and broken French. She loves cows. Cows are everywhere in the house! Magnets on the fridge, statues on bookshelves, pictures on walls. Therefore, vaca (cow) has been my official first word. Vaca!

Today I burned a lot of kilometers in my birkenstocks and saw a lot of the city. Juan (Martha´s son) gave me a great pep talk prior to embarking. Tip one: don´t let anybody who sprays ketchup on you help you clean yourself up. It´s a trick. I´ve steered clear of all condiments today and am happy to say I have gone one day without being robbed!

I explored the new town, where my school is located, crossed a large park with a weekend market and meandered through the old, historical townsite. Lots to see. Lots to smell. And great things to taste. I have already had so many fresh fruits and juices ... it´s amazing!

All in all my first sleep and first day have been great. Martha says I can speak English for one more day ... I hope I am a fast learner!

Ciao!