Hi there and greetings from Quito, Ecuador

Let me go back a bit… we said goodbye to our Olympia people - that was tough. For me, leaving the school year mid-year brought all sorts of emotions. I'll miss my students, my coworkers, my routine, and more. The therapist who is taking my position - her last name is Geary - they say to not question the miracles. I'll also miss the goats, our friends, our friend's babies and dogs (not the cats) and our community we formed in oly. I will say when a deadline is put on the “end” of time somewhere, each day feels a bit sweeter. On our last night we went to State and Central for dinner, our favorite spot and down the road from Sam's old apartment. The wait staff knows our routine by now (order a drink, talk for a while, then order food - what a concept I know, but they know our order and are just the kindest people) and I wrote a little thank you note on the receipt upon leaving. And then proceeded to burst into tears in the car.

We drove 20 hours to Arvada the next day, stopping in Boise to see our friend Lauren who had tacos waiting for us when we arrived (shout out Lauren!). The drive was long but just fine - we lucked out on the weather and the wind and the chaos that is driving a car packed to the absolute brim with both of our belongings. I'm talking the passenger seat slid all the way up full.

We had a wonderful time with our families and are so thankful for their support on this “excursion" as my dad lovingly and maybe not-so-lovingly calls it. I feel like we rode a high through Christmas (in Colorado) and New Years (in New York) and all of a sudden we were on a plane to Ecuador. It's so fun to see how much my nieces have grown. I got to “ski” with Molly in my brother's front yard and watch Clare take some of her first steps. We got to bike with Sam's dad on trails he picked out for us and hike with his mom, dad, and sister on Christmas Eve in 65 degree weather. We were treated to so many home cooked meals from my parents and spent quality time wth everyone we saw. Feeling thankful for the send off all the way from Olympia, to Denver, to NY.

A long travel day and a 45 minute taxi ride later, we arrived at our hostel at around 7am yesterday. We zombied out for a bit in common areas at the hostel while we waited for our room to be ready - pro tip - if you're arriving somewhere really early just book the night before as well so you can immediately lay down in a bed rather than staring at a wall for 6 hours, especially when the hostel is 16 US dollars per night.

After a much needed nap, I feel like it hit me…. the change. The overwhelm of being surrounded by a language we don't speak fluently (although we do try), different food, no routine, and no community. A fish out of water. Small fish big pond. I don't know any other aquatic metaphors but you get it. So, I cried. And journaled, and called two friends (hi Alyssa and Luiza, thank you). And cried to them. And threw myself a pity party. Rough life it is, to have the opportunity to quit my job and pick somewhere on a map to spend some time doing things I love. I think this is part of the unlearning I wanted. Being okay with simply being and not having my purpose be tied to my job which required all of my mental focus, so much that I didn't have any at the end of the work day or week for myself, family, or friends. And having Sam to do it all with… who is the most understanding, even-keeled, balanced, steady, insert all synonyms to describe an ideal travel and life partner. That's him. I'm so lucky. But I needed a moment (or a few moments) to catch my breath after the whirlwind the last few weeks have been. And I'm trying to be okay with that rather then be even harder on myself for it.

After a good nights sleep, a delicious breakfast, walking 5 miles around the city, and a glass of wine (vino tinto), this whole thing is starting to feel like my (our) idea again (sorry Sam this is about me right now). We have plans to go hiking tomorrow to acclimatize a bit before heading to Cotopaxi area. The mountains is where I feel my best so I'm looking forward to that, while also reminding myself where I am is just fine too. :)