Stanley Plano, Cotapaxi, y Sorpresas

Irish you a Happy St. Patrick's Day!

This weekend has been a whirlwind. It all started with Flat Stanley. For those of you who don't know who that is, 1. feel sad that you missed out on a crucial part of childhood and 2. look it up. A boy named Eddi sent me his Flat Stanley to live in and experience the Dor for a few weeks, so Anneke, Stanley, and I headed back to Mitad del Mundo and took some pictures.

Later, we caught up with Jenny to watch the UNC game, but it wasn't showing. Disappointed, we didn't know what to do. So...I got a tattoo. Sorpresa! Sorry Holly and Jeff.

When I got home, Mama told me that it was my cousin's 1st birthday (that would be my 6th birthday celebration in the Dor) and we were going to my abuela's house for a little party. If you didn't believe me before, here's proof that Ecua babies are the cutest in the entire world. Donato's on the left (18 months) and Saulito is on the right (1 year!).

I hung out with my uncle and some of his friends later that night. Then, this morning I got up early and Anneke, Emeline, and I went biking down Cotapaxi, the world's tallest active volcano. (Yes, I said biking.) We started at the top wearing every piece of clothing we owned with sleet stinging our face as we rode down. But by the time we got to the bottom, it was beautiful, we got to see a non-cloudy view of the volcano, and it was warm enough to be in a T-shirt. #winning. The ride down was gorgeous, we had an awesome lunch, and we met some really cool people. There were 3 students from Europe in our group who are in the Dor doing a gap year and then a French guy who is looking into business opportunities here. And our guide spoke Spanglish the entire time, perhaps the only language I am fluent in right now, which was hilarious.

"What are men compared to rocks and mountains?" --Pride and Prejudice

But probably one of the absolute greatest parts of my weekend: UNC WON and d00k LOST!!!! (basically a double win for the heels! #goheelsgoamerica)

Oh yea, and I didn't actually get a tattoo. I went with Jenny to get hers. Yay for spontaneity! You are welcome Holly and Jeff.