More Computer, a Little Quito

Here's the short story on the computer--I got a call from the post office on Wednesday telling me I needed to give them a copy of my passport.  I was impressed that I understood that much with all of it in Spanish. I was in Quito yesterday so I couldn't go to the PO here.  I went today.  Nope, it's not here.  She called Quito--it's there! (I don't know where the PO is in Quito but I might have been able to go there yesterday--who knows?)  She had me give her the tracking number and said she would have it sent up here and I would give her the copy of the passport.  It will possibly be here Monday.  I am NOT a happy camper. I am taking deep breaths and reminding myself that I'm the one who doesn't speak their language and this is Ecuador where things don't necessarily happen as we from the US expect.  I'm actually doing pretty well, all things considered.  Hopefully you will hear more Tuesday.

As for being in Quito yesterday, I can hardly wait to send you photos!  It was an amazing trip.  I didn't go on my own, it was a day tour with a woman here who is very knowledgeable about where the good stuff is down there. We went to a mercado (indoor/outdoor market) that had all kinds of fruit, vegetables, and meat we can't get here, along with other fun stuff like dried herbs, baskets, etc.

Then
we went to a huge mall, the name of which escapes me, that has a MegaMaxi which is a lot more upscale and a lot smaller than a Super Target or something like that in the States.  Those of you who know me from my times in Minnesota will know how important this next part is to me.  It's my comfort food from when I was a little kid.  I got a can of Campbell's Tomato Soup ($2) and a small package of Velveeta Cheese (I know, I know, it's horrible stuff).  I can get squishy white bread here so I can make a grilled cheese sandwich with the cheese and, well, the soup is self explanatory.  The cheese will last for many sandwiches and once or twice a year is just fine for the soup (provided they ever have it again--it's hit an miss on US foods).

I have tons of photos for both places so it will probably take two, maybe even three blog posts for you to get all the good ones but it will be so much fun for me to do them.  With luck I'll have the computer set up Tuesday or Wednesday and then, watch out!  I'll have lots of stuff to catch you up on.  I've still been taking pictures and as I get them processed on the computer, I'll write posts.

See you soon.