Halloween and Niki

I do not know when Halloween became such a big holiday in North America, but it seems like an actual proper celebration now, like people wishing each other to have a 'Happy Halloween'.  I remember it just being a day about dressing up and candy one night, and really for kids.  The last time I was in Canada I could not believe the decorations and the hype around it.  It is not celebrated in Ecuador but as I do work at an American school and there are a few Canadians too, it is definitely not going to be missed.  I am not sure how I feel about the new Halloween status, think it is a bit Hallmark, but as I do love fancy dress then guess not all bad.  
The theme of wine club last night was Halloween, not scary Halloween, just wear a costume Halloween. I boringly recycled my bumble bee costume from 'Bye Bye Basel', but it brought back some fabulous memories. 
To make the night even better, Niki (my Aunt in Barbados's cousins daughter, or something like that), joined me.  She is travelling South America is spending some time with us, she just got back from having a brilliant holiday in Galapagos and hopefully will join me at the beach.

 Sushi, Waldo and a flower

Garth our hostess.   A lovely night, she went over the top with food and drinks, but I am beginning to learn that this is the Ecuadorian way.  Now counting down to the beach!! Yippee!

Celebrating Success

The other day a teacher friend popped into my room, to tell me every day he walked by all he heard was laughter and people sounding like they were having fun.  He really thought it quite amazing, well rather odd that the students seemed to be enjoying class.  That seems so strange to me as the best part of my job is having fun with my students.  Most think I am slightly mad, but I think I can honestly say most enjoy being there.  Today I had a little mini party in each class to celebrate their brilliant success and achievements this first quarter.  I could not be more proud of how well they have done.

 Madonna functions project, one of quite a few.  Another generation I am helping introduce the fabulouslness that is Madge.

 Mathy Land Algebra game, it is actually pretty funny, and Mathematical.

We spent 15 minutes, having treats, playing games and I gave them a little short presentation, celebrating them.  It was just wonderful to see their excitement about the small event and to work even harder in the next quarter.  Definitely was one of those great teaching days.

Ciclio Via

Since I arrived I have wanted to do this, so very excited that yesterday I finally got to do it.  Every Sunday one of the main roads of Quito is closed for the day, for cyclists.  The road goes from one end of the city to the other.  I can honestly say that yesterday was the first day I have actually seen the city.  It was a wonderful three hour bike ride.  I am going to make this a monthly event.

The city is quite amazing, next time I will have to take many more pictures as it really is beautiful!

MS Happy Hour

Had a lot to live up too, high school one was pretty great last week. But Dan, of course, pulled it off. Another great celebration of another, what seems like right day work week.

Pretty much the best way to start the weekend. Now off to the schoolfamily run fun day.

Pumpkinpaloza

Between the Northern American thanksgiving there is an event celebrating the pumpkins (well at least that is what I have been told). In order to celebrate my neighbours hosted an everything pumpkin party. Who knew how many delicious dishes pumpkins could produce!

The rain managed to stay away and I think we did the pumpkins proud.

HS Happy Hour

One great advantage of being in the middle and high school is getting invited to both happy hours. In fact, it means that I have three in one month (hs, ms and full faculty) and I can only hope they are half as good as last nights was. Tacos (veggie ones too), vino and even a quiz, a great success!

 And I thought I was competitive, I really do not know what these two thought the prize was but they were over the moon excited.

My quiz team

Followed by a night out. These ladies loved me and Jessica once they found out Jimmy was neither of our boyfriends!

Thanksgiving Quito

I am ridiculously tired today, like eyes twitching, sick to my stomach tired. But it was worth it. After very little sleep Sunday night, I raced home Monday after school to prepare Canadian thanksgiving for the growing Canadian community here. It really was lovely, all the food that was brought was fantastic as was the company. Tonight Ecuador plays Bolivia in a World Cup qualifier, about a five minute walk away from me. The atmosphere will be amazing and usually I would be joining all to go watch, but really tonight there is not enough tea in China that could keep me from my bed and a movie.

Hand made turkey's, dessert you would die for, an all round brilliant night.
Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!