well, yesterday, i went to banos with my friend david...and we hiked to Bella Vista..and this was the view from the top...a view of Banos...it was fun and a little difficult! It was different being in another town and there are a lot of tourists in Banos too, which was a little different. Its weird being in a foreign country and not feeling foreign because there are so many tourists...i dont know if i like it...hmmm...

i had a very cultural experience in banos...at some "thermal pools." from a tourist perspective, they sound great, kind of like going to a place with a couple of different jacuzzis to choose from, right by the mountains and a small waterfall..beautiful...plus they only cost about one dollar! we walk in...and i was in culture shock...you see this "thermal pool" with about 50 people squeezed into it...no personal space whatsoever...and in my mind, no enjoyment or relaxation...it was honsetly one of the grosest feelings ive had in awhile...there were also about 20 kids in there...and you know they werent holding their bladders! needless to say, it was a good experience....we met some cool guys from the UK...and it was a good growing experience...

today was the first day of school orientation...basically, going over school stuff, get to know you games, and we also prayed in every room, which was really nice. i am real nervous and scared...but i know it will be ok...i had dinner with a family tonight who's son will be in my class..he will be great...and it was good to meet him before school and get to know another family..families are really supportive here....which will be nice!


heres another picture of banos, in town...it is really great to see God in different cities and different landscapes...its one of my favorite things to do! i really hope i can continue to travel around ecuador becuase one, i love to travel and do new things, and two..it will help pass the time...

i was able to talk to my mom and danielle and nicole tonight..which was great! i love my family and friends...it would be great if they were all here :) (ps. tickets are not that expensive and travel here is cheap :) and i know of about 2 excellent restaurants that even would be good in chicago :)