As soon as we landed, we jumped right into action. On the first night, by the time we got to the hotel it was 10pm but never too late to try some cooked guinea pig. Our group sat on a roof top of a building and eat our meal at long table family style and was accompanied by some Bad Bunny music in the background. It was then back to Hotel San Francisco to watch the city lights from atop the hotel’s lodge.

The following morning started at 7am to ensure that we had enough time in the day to cover everything. Starting with La Plaza De Francisco where we witnessed a Catholic mass in progress. The views were absolutely breath taking and the art on the walls were so unique.

Shortly after was we went through the museum attached to the monastery and learned the history of Catholicism coming to Ecuador. Also, we learned the history behind the monastery along with those who built the monastery and the local lore around it. Something very interesting was the architecture of the building. Because of the shape of the roofs and columns, we were able to whisper into the conner of the wall and the person in the other conner of the wall could hear from about 20 feet away as their voices traveled up over the walls. This was used for confessions, so the priest and the other person didn’t have to see each other.

Then we had a quick chocolate tasting and learned a more in depth history of the chocolate making process. Then we wondering the street of Quito, barraging with the street vendors. Bargaining for knock off Ray Bands is more of a thrill than I thought. With my new glasses we went to a restaurant where I tried beef tongue which was surprisingly good. Right after we went into the catacombs underneath the monastery and saw some very explicit clay art. Once we got back into the main plaza we flagged down a cab and went to the the El Panecillo. There I meet the coolest lama and saw views of the entire city and tried this ice cream like fruit paste that was amazing. Then ended our day with a trip to the top of the La Basillica for more great views.

The next day I saw the most beautiful roses ever at Jet Fresh rose company. The estate was covered with cats, dogs, lamas and other animals. Then followed the life of rose from root to shipping box. Before we got on the bus we had an fantastic spread of local Ecuadorian fruits and foods. We were also given a custom made Pitt labeled yellow rose and a shirt from Jet Fresh.

Next was visiting a chocolate factory Willy Wonka style. There we learned the process of chocolate production from a factory stand point. There was also a chocolate fountain where you got to put your head under and drink as much chocolate as much as you wanted. We also made our own chocolate candies and got to take home as much as we could wrap.

Next morning I got up at 5:30 to watch the sun rise over Quito. This day was also the my day to use the Snapchat sunglasses which captured a lot of funny moments. After a hour and half drive up 13,000 feet we went on a hike and ate some berries that grow at that altitude. Then back on to the bus to head to the hot springs. I relaxed and enjoyed the view of the mountains piercing the clouds. It was raining when we were there but I think it was for the best. It was relaxing having cool rain on your face when in a steaming hot spring.

The next visit was a humming bird sanctuary. Then shortly after I became sick with a stomach bug and had a very unhappy rest of the day. I just spent the rest of the day resting. Now I feeling better and I am ready for my adventure into the jungle tomorrow.