the last hurrah!

Finally back home after 36 hours of traveling.  I have only a few days in Hinsdale before I go to Colorado, so I am busy busy busy!

A recap of the last week and a half in Ecuador...

December 23rd--My family FINALLY came to visit!  I waited at the airport with my host family for what seemed like a lifetime until they finally emerged.  When I collided with Martha in an embrace, I somehow managed to fall on the floor--entertaining everyone at the airport.  It was a great reunion.
December 24th--Mario drove the family to Otavalo for a day of shopping at the artesenal market.  We also visited the equator.
December 25th--We had lunch at the house with the entire family.  In true Tassie fashion, a ridiculous amount of photos were taken.  Here are a few:

Juanchito and I

María Elena, Orlando, and Me

Soilita and Juancho

my entire family

the moms

the brothers

the sisters

the dads

Martha and I, Quito behind us

December 26th--Family trip to the Galápagos!  It was basically a repeat trip for me, but I still had so much fun.  Hey, I'll take another trip there whenever I get a chance--it's the coolest place I've ever been.  Way more turtles this time too!  No need to share more photos...but here's the whole group!

December 31st--Back in Quito for NYE with my host family.  Cameron and Trena joined the party, which went from 9PM to 3AM New Year's Day.  Some photos:

Tassie and Trena

Pao and Dani

Valentina

Hermanito Mario

Pepe bailando con María Elena

Cameron bailando con Orlando

MaríaElena and Orlando

Orlando and Pati dancing

gringos cansados

hugging at midnight after the toasts

my mother was crying

Julio and Juancho, ready for fireworks

Pao

Pati

sleepy vale with diego

quemando el año viejo

video of fireworks...one of the most dangerous fireworks shows I have witnessed

the video is filmed right outside the house...and please excuse my potty mouth!

ja ja Juancho....SArita #2? 

diego and vale

At 2AM, we were quite worn out and it was time to say the goodbyes.  O my o my was it hard to say goodbye!  I've never been good at them, and it was even more difficult in a different language because I  am less able to adequately express what I was feeling.  So there was some crying--I hope they understood how much I'll miss them!  But I told them that they would surely see me again soon!

January 1st--Woke up at 6AM, left for airport at 7AM for 1030AM flight.  Flight delayed until 3PM.  Pepe interrogated in Miami.  Spent the night in Miami.
January 2nd--Woke up at 5AM.  Home at 2PM.  CHICAGO IS COLD!!

back home with sally!!