ohh! we're half way there, woahh! livin' on a prayer

The title speaks for itself. (Thank you Bon Jovi for taking my exact thoughts and making such a good song!) It's true. Our time here in Ecuador is halfway over (or I prefer to think: halfway to go... glass half full, eh?). In no time at all, we'll be back in the Land of the Free, the Home of the Brave where heat and humidity reside, there's more corn than rice, and the YMCA is right down the road. We've done so much, seen so many things, and learned so much (or supposed to have learned so much) that it's definitely a bittersweet feeling. However, although the clock is ticking, we still have TWO weeks to make the most of this trip!

Spanish class is getting progressively harder. And it makes things even more difficult when you lean more towards the 'becoming one with the culture' side over the 'let's study Spanish' side... yet, not worth changing! Only 5 more 'learning' days/20 hours/1200 minutes to go- not that I'm wishing away those moments or anything.

Enough reading for now. Let's mix this blog up. Game time! The name of the game? Match the Description with the Picture. Original, I know. (And, if you need help with the directions then you're not allowed to play.)

1. it's a man! no, it's a woman! no, it's an... IT?! not quite sure what was going on, but (s)he came out on stage during some performance we attended. bizarre. (in yellow)
2. looks like alex found his match
3. 3 ecuadorians + 2 gringos = a fun, LTC approved night at a restaurant grand opening
4. God's natural water slide (kyle, a guy in the other group, got pics of canyoneering!)
5. too many ruins, too much touring
6. a feast for the eyes... and stomach. gracais, Corpos Christi Festival!
7. hmm. wonder what's behind door #1?
8. dubbed 'the girliest pose ever' by fitz and cowboy alex (at Frutilados... a favorite ice cream place)

Ecuador's 411-

• Song of the Week: La Nina Bonita (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3X9y1Xy8mk)
• RFOTD: Stop signs are optional
• 3 Rules the Indigenous Live By: Don't lie, Don't steal, Don't be lazy
• Strange Phenomenon: While running on a trail, Kayla and I had to dodge a cow

And introducing: Latin Lover Lingo

If you and your special someone are having communication struggles, maybe expressing your love in a different way (a.k.a. a different language) will help rekindle your old flame! Thus...

• LLL: Te quieres (translation: I want you); Estas rico (translation: You're delicious)

Hope you all are doing well! Thanks for taking the time to read such nonsense!