Collin and Canines: Taking in Quito as Tourists and Locals

While most of our time in Quito was spent loving on kids, we had some time to see the city. We went to "the center of the world" the equator monument, though all of my photos were taken on our teammates' cameras. We went to a market for souvenir shopping and to a supermarket to stock up on their wonderful jams, coffees, and yuca chips.

And one of the highlights for me, a gelato and coffee shop. We visited it shortly after the Equator where I had eaten lunch and an ice cream, but I found room for a double scoop of gelato and mocha coffee - yum! We walked through the city, noting the incredibly cheap roses (that's right, 25 roses for $1 USD)! And we stopped by a bakery for more delicious food.

At home in the evenings, we had home cooked meals, team meetings to reflect on the day and plan the next, and game time. We learned new games like Telephone Pictionary and Phase 10. And played old games like cards and Scrabble.

Here's Oswaldo and Denise's 3-year-old showing off her spelling ability with letters she arranged on her own.

Ganas was near a great overlook of Quito, so Lizzy and I took in the views

Our final night, we had a FEAST at Chio and Gustavo's home overlooking Quito. They were the family who hosted us in the rainforest. It was a wonderful evening - incredible scenery, delicious food - the largest shrimp I've ever seen following palmetto ceviche, sweet conversations and plenty of photos.

We ate in their backyard overlooking the city with wonderful company, our teammate and VO staff member, Casi.

Most of the ladies of the trip - myself, Lizzy, Cindy, Denise, Melissa holding Denise and Oswaldo's son Joshua & Casi (Amanda & Jeannine must have been off taking pictures).