Parque Paraiso

Last night we spent time in the cafe of the hostel completing work and school.  We uploaded a curriculum for Coco called ABCmouse.com and she has been in love with it and absolutely enjoys learning. We then went and walked outside our new hostel home for the moment and found a little pizzeria, filled with candles and beautiful ambiance.  We had the BEST pizza we've ever tasted, they use oregano and "sazon" sprinkled on top, like we use parmesan on our pizzas in America, it was amazing!  

Coco is the life again of this hostel and is constantly greeting new arrivals.  As they walk thru the door with their packs she runs up and shows them her latest art work and welcomes them to her "home", lol.  She hasn't once said she misses Florida or wants to go home.  Instead she is constantly commenting about how much she loves it here.  Everyone at this hostel is also talking to her in Spanish so she continues to pick it up. 

She could seriously be in an advertisement for happy kid, happy hostel living!

Today we woke up to a BEAUTIFUL sunny day and had our coffee in the garden!! Still a bit chilly (hence the hat!! but sunny hence the sunglasses)  Again Coco was snapping pictures!

Today we woke up to a BEAUTIFUL sunny day and decided to spend some time at the “Parque Parasio”.  It was absolutely beautiful and we had so much fun strolling by the rivers and spending time “working out” on the outdoor equipment.

She loves the park!

Such a beautiful Park!! :) 

She could swing all day long

Beautiful ponds everywhere

Daddy LOVED the workout equipment!! 

So did Coco!! :)

On top of the world!

Beautiful Rivers flowing through town!!  These make up some of the headwaters of the mighty Amazon!

Chillin

The people here are so warm and friendly.  We had only one instance of someone not being friendly when they jumped in front of us and stole our taxi cab, which Coco had worked hard to hail by jumping up and down and waving her hands :)  She said she likes taxis better than our car...  Other than that people have been so kind.  

Coco became our photographer! 

Didn't realize she was still snapping away! 

"What is she doing?  Still taking pictures of us?"

We saw a braver Coco come out today... She wouldn't  have dared to climb mock rock wall, but today she was inspired to go all the way to the top!! 

Trying to perfect the monkey bars... Loved the little boy who just watched and... 

continued to watch her!! :)  

So did his Momma... She was all smiles... :)

We then strolled the streets and made our way to the legendary cathedral!! It was stunning... :) 

It looked like the cathedrals we saw in Europe!! Absolutely beautiful. 

Loving life

Strolled and bought three pounds of strawberries and cherries!! 

Wheelbarrows full of cherries on each street corner!! :) 

Bought fresh juices and sat in the square!! 

Mora, Pina, and Mango juice!! So healthy and yummy... 

Of course Coco stole the Mora!! :(

Look at these pastries!! Which we did not partake in, trying to be healthy... Though, this place is truly incredible...

Last part of our day was a bowl of cherries, chili con carne and a little reading of our Ecuador book that we found at Caroline's book store!! Which is an American owned English literature book store.  They offer daily Spanish classes and Coco and I are excited to start.

Today's quote comes from our Hostel:  "Never give up the road for the sidewalk, the road can take you farther!"

We are absolutely in awe of this journey and were pinching ourselves that we aren't on vacation that this is our life for the next 4 months.  :)  Its also taught us we don't need much to be happy.  We are enjoying each day together and exploring the culture, nature and this life!!