Slow day today.  Four hours of Spanish this afternoon.  Most of the the day spent studying and in class. We are planning some outings. There is a huge market here on Saturday.  It is within walking distance of our apartment.  We are going to check it out. We are hoping the weather improves for some out of town excursions.  We have yet to really touch all that Quenca has to offer.  I think we will start heading in that direction.  Becky's schedule will improve so we can,also do some longer outings.  We are shooting for three days of Spanish and four days to explore each week.

Spoke to some other  (retired US) students at our school today. One of their group was hit by a taxi.  Sounded like her fault (you have to be extremely careful crossing intersections here). Ambulance to hospital, X-rays, meds, treatment, doctors, crutches - $400.00.  In the US this would be $4,000.00 plus. We can attest to that, with recent experience.  We find other examples of this extreme.  If you buy Ecudoriano products as opposed to US, the cost differential is staggering. The quality for the most part is just as good.  Our country really needs to take stock of itself.  These emerging countries (no longer third world) are in the process of leveling the playing field.  Ecuador has a long way to go but it is definitely on the course to improve.

I think they should have a motto here of 'walk don't gawk'. The sidewalks range from good to awful. Even on the good sidewalks there are holes, drop-offs driveways, etc. There is so much to see , it is hard to concentrate on the walk. I am amazed I haven't broken my neck yet. There was an article in the local paper about this. Maybe, the government will do something.  Sounds like they have money issues, too. That being said, the local high heeled shoe guy is happy. I think the Ecudoriano women wear  high heels about 80% of the time. With these sidewalks, they must break a pair every other day.

Fotos:  Our school - see those little windows at the top?  Morning view from our apartment (actual dairy farm in the mid-ground).