I have been in Ecuador for an official month now. Ecuador is an incredibly vibrant country that is rich in culture, has warm people and views that just do not seem real.

I love Ecuador so much so far. I feel enriched and full of life here, not just because Ecuador is truly a magical country, not sure any other word could be used to describe it…but, because I am learning so much-in all aspects of my life and I am so grateful to be here.

I am very happy here-not only in Quito, but also at the Instituto Geofísico where I am interning. I feel like I am learning way more than I could of imagined…an SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) really is just too cool and looking at ash samples for hours-sure can hurt your eyes, but it is pretty amazing to be able to understand the earth that I see.

I even met a cousin of mine, Ovis, from Cuba who lives in Quito for the first time and it was a serendipitous-and beautiful moment that I am so grateful for.

I have been taken in by a yoga studio here in Quito-being able to reflect on myself and my goals. I have also made an adventure buddy, Jess who is from a town in Michigan…only 3 hours from my hometown! I am excited to see our friendship blossom.

I have done a weekend trip nearly every weekend because the buses from Quito will take you absolutely anywhere from $0.35USD for a trip two hours away to $8.00USD for a 13 hour bus ride…it is amazing! I do not plan on slowing down because I have so much more to learn about this enchanted country. This blog post will serve merely as a picture collage to share my adventures thus far!

Here are some photos to highlight what I have seen and done. Cuicocha’s stunning lagoon filled after a caldera formation, the Otavalo indigenous artesan markets, the Pucara Ruins, Hot Springs in Oyacachi, some bits of field work, lab work, the Pululuaha volcano, the Equator, Historic Center, Panecillio, the Tareferico, and I am sure much more that I am missing. Somehow how there is still so much more to be seen and I am excited to share my captured instances.

Sometimes I cannot help but wonder why I am able to experience all of these amazing moments. But, I know I am so grateful to be able to and I will keep bringing my best to the table, working hard and smart, enjoying what life has to offer, and never stop being curious about everything and everyone around me-because there is so much to learn and explore and I am so grateful that I am alive and able to do so!