Basílica del Voto Nacional

It was really weird not having wifi for the past day and a half but I'm back online now!

I went to el Centro Historico with two other friends. The area we went to is very old town and looks like you have been transported to a European city. The white house [they have one for their president too] is there along with cobblestone streets and a huge cathedral [Basilica del Voto Nacional]. I took so many pictures so I'll put a few on here and the rest on my facebook. El Centro Historico is the highest crime area due to the abundance of dumb tourists so we were even more aware of our surroundings as usual. Let me just say, I love Ecuadorian tourist areas! The cathedral had no guards inside so you could explore where ever. We walked on [pretty flimsy] rafters and climbed on the top of the building [it's okay other people did it too haha] then we climbed really steep steps and got a great view of the city. We were also allowed underneath the cathedral IN THE TOMBS. There was basically no lighting so we used my camera flash to light up a long hallway. We were all too creeped out to walk far through the hallway so we went back up stairs. It was really eery being down there and when I looked at one pic that I took in sheer darkness I swear you can see two figures. I'll post it and you can decide for yourself.

There is a big hill in the area called El Panecillo; It has a huge Virgin Mary statue at the top. I took some pictures of it too but we didn't have enough time to go there today. We're going to try for next weekend. You have to take a taxi up the hill because it's surrounded by a bad part of town and you will 100% get robbed if you try to walk to it.

It is still really weird to have a maid. Hey- I'm not saying I don't enjoy the breakfast that is already prepared for me when I wake up, that my laundry is done for me, bed is made for me [even though I make it as best as I can] and so much more. BUT I feel weird that there is a class system here and that she has to call me senorita Caroline. She's older than me and has kids that are older than me so it's strange that she is still considered inferior by Ecuadorian standards. I like that the family is very nice to her but I would never be comfortable hiring a maid no matter how much money I make in the future. I still have the mentality to respect my elders [kudos to my parents] so I try to be as kind as possible to Adrianna. She is going to teach me how to cook an Ecuadorian meal tomorrow! I'll let you all know how it goes and hopefully be able to duplicate it when I return.

My triathlon class on Thurs was very fun! Why, you ask?... because our teacher had an appointment and wasn't there. Therefore we had a fun pool day and lounged around. I don't think it'll be as much fun in the future so I  took in every fun second. Also, I'm getting a nice little tan and I plan on coming home the darkest in the family [you can't win this time Bret] :)

I am getting used to the noise around and it is kinda comforting when I go to sleep. Now I understand Melissa about the needing noise to sleep thing. I just don't like when I hear stray dogs fighting, they sound so nasty.

The bus has been really packed lately which sucks! The funny thing is that on the way home in the afternoon people get on and try to sell stuff. One day a guy was selling lotion, another guy [very cute, I might add] was selling cd's and another guy was rapping for money. It's somewhat entertaining but I'm always aware just in case they're in to some shady business!

Biggest news of all! I FOUND WHERE THE TRIX WENT. Remember when we were kids and Trix cereal was in the shape of fruit? Then they ripped away our childhood and made the cereal into stupid color balls? Yeah, I'm still a little raw about it. All of the real Trix went to Ecuador! I found it. I am planning on how to bring boxes home with me; I am contemplating leaving clothes... yes, I want it THAT badly.

I am on my way out so I'll post pics later!