La Luna and Fuya Fuya

We woke up to a beautiful morning to start our hike up Fuya Fuya. Although La Luna was a bit slow on the uptake for breakfast, we did get some food before heading to the base of our hike. I must mention that La Luna is a beautiful place to stay, the rooms were so cozy, food good and spectacular views. And I also think a night in a hostel/cottage/b&b for under 40 dollars which included our dinner, room and breakfast is pretty good.

We had such a lovely mini escape from the city. Although I think the dogs enjoyed it most, Lola slept till today.

Mountain Weekend

Finally Friday and me, Betsy and the dogs have run to the mountains. Staying in a place I have wanted to for ages, La Luna in Otavalo. Tomorrow we will be up early to hike a nearby mountain. I have only seen the place in the dark but so far it is pretty fabulous.

Having a little dinner now and then some wine, and then bed.

Back in Highschool

I like to pretend it is because they could not survive without me, that the highschool was falling a part, a mess but funny enough that was not the case. The highschool got over subscribed and as I am actually the only one who has taught Maths studies I got my grade 12's back. And although I want to help the school, taking them back gave me a little more work and I lost my grade 6's. The first week was tough, with a few teething issues, but with such a wonderful principal and supportive colleagues, I may just survive this year.

My middle school principal (the best administrator I have ever worked for), gave me these flowers to thank me for helping out. I was having a particularly hard day and this just made all the difference. Amazing what feeling valued does to oneself.

Mindo Memories

How time flies! In one way I cannot believe I have known Luis a year and in other ways I feel like I have known him forever. But officially it was a year ago in Mindo that we met, so we thought that there was no better place to celebrate the occasion than there.
It is no secret that Mindo is one of my favourite places in Ecuador (independent of Luis), and it has just gone from strength to strength. The town has had a face lift and looks great, there are also more and more restaurants catering to not only veggies but vegans as well. Additionally, they now have a pretty cool dance club, which was actually nice and we had a great time at.

 Celebration matching t-shirts!

 Waterfall hike :)

Another great weekend in Mindo, celebrating a big first year and a lifetime more to come.

Busy Times

It is funny how you can go from one week feeling totally bored to the next where I  feel there is not a second to spare. With getting back my high school grade 12 class (a whole other blog), to a bowling rematch, quiz and salsa. But busy is good so no complaints here, although I think I could do with a quiet night tonight.

Sadly no pictures of the bowling and salsa.  It was a great week and now I need a break!

Family Lunch

Another beautiful day, for what I hope was a yummy Sunday lunch for my soon to be new family.
I feel pressure whenever cooking, but this day I was especially nervous. Mostly because every meal I have had there has been delicious. Luckily my sous chef, Jamie Oliver was close by (iPad) to give me a helping hand.

Now on two months of no clouds in Quito.

Fish pie with pea mash.
Apparently Luis prefers the one I made with no peas. However, I think I am more of a pea girl.

Three Weeks in

Only a few weeks into work and think we forget how hard it can be at times.  Yesterday was the day that got me, some changes at work had me slightly stressed out.  However, I have amazing people that I work with and we do work in a pretty great country. I think the best way to relax after a tough week are Friday happy hours. Like last year, Kristi and Desiree kicked off the year, unlike last year I was not ill, so could enjoy it.

A pretty great, long over due, friday night xxx