Fotos (por fin)

THESE are the boys (Dani, Alex, Israel, Daniel, Eric, & Jonathan) that chased the ugly, ugly man who took the camera after pushing us down a hill (camera seen pictured here).

(computer is too slow and i am unwilling to wait... will update this later)

(Not so) friendly mugging

I mean, who intends to come to South America without a friendly mugging?

Lauren and I took six very awesome, Ecuadorian boys to the park yesterday. It as above the Basilica with a fantastic view of the city and some serious fun toys/rides. The gringas decided to bring their cameras, the views, the chicos... how could we not? (stupid gringas, stupid idea).

As we were rounding the boys to go back to Aldec, a very, very ugly man came up from behind us... pushed us down the hill, while simultaneously knocking the camera out of Lauren´s hands. I grappled with him... elbowing, throwing a shot to the face all while rolling down a steep hill.

He got away. But not before the six boys we were with (Daniel, Eric, Israel, Dani, Alex, & Jonathan) followed him through the historic district for about ten blocks. Throwing punches at the cabrón.

In the end, we lost. I hate losing. And what do I wake up with this morning? A torn Georgetown shirt, a scraped arm and right hand that really hurts.

When I get back to the States I´m taking some defense courses. If the mother fucker hadn´t come from behind, I could´ve given him more a run for his money.

Alas, Lauren´s camera is gone... and now we´re both just pissed off at Quito. This will pass. I hope.

The police force in Quito is shit. We went and explained everything to them. Their office is literally right next to the park where it happened. No worries, why would be there be police around when there are about one-hundred school children playing at the park? Where would be the logic in that?

The worst part, about 45 people saw it happen. And no one did a goddamn thing.

I mean, what can we expect?

We are gringas, afterall...

entonces...

Here I am in Quito, struggling to use a spanish keyboard... yet again. I can´t write much because La Casa Aldec begins soon. Quick description, La Casa de Aldec is for kids between the ages of 5-16 who either live in orphanages or the old town center of Quito. Most go to school in either the morning or afternoon. We are there all day to help the kids with homework, computer games, the English language, and making sure they eat ALL their food. Many of the children don´t get other meals throughout the day and are lucky if they have a roof over their head. We are there to help when their parents are working, etc.

As I write to you from a very clean internet cafe, I am being serenaded by the proprietor in the form of ´Hurts so Good´ by John Mellencamp.

Now, I must go to school. A new friend named Lauren from Vancouver and I are planning a trip to Otavalo this weekend. It´s the biggest outdoor market in all of South America... and is only a few hours bus ride from Quito. After that, I will begin to post pictures of this beautiful, unique place.

Bicos,

m

On a jet plane...

Is 'jet plane' one or two words?

This is when I need my intelligent friends/interns at Paste Magazine by my side to let me know of this type of information.  In fact, I am nervous that those talented people are reading this right now.  Let's be honest, I was a marketing intern for a reason.

I am leaving for Quito, Ecuador tomorrow.  This blog is to document those few months down there.  I do hope all of you enjoy.

I am currently watching the Colbert Report, taking in all that is possible of the English language.  Here is your moment of Zen tonight.  I drove the back roads of upstate South Carolina listening to the wonderful Tift Merritt's "Another Country" last night.

How fitting...