Hello Culture Shock, it's me, Charis.

I am having an incredibly amazing time!
I arrived in Quito Thursday night, and Javier (my brother-in-law) was there to pick me up. We hopped in a taxi, and my super star status, or "Gringa" (American idiot) status began. Apparently, the second a cab driver sees a white girl the fare doubles. Javier only spent $2.50 for a cab from his aunt's house to the airport, and when we went to go to his aunt's the cabbie said "$6.00" Javier argued with him and they settled on $4....still screwy.
From there, I felt like a fugitive in the night, Javier's aunt owns a store and filled a bag full of snacks and drinks for the 18hour bus drive and then scurried us off in to another cab. Then we got on the bus, where I continued to get odd stares and people actually come on the bus and try to sell you crap. Of course, white girl here, was a target. Anyways....we arrived last night at around 7:00. The bus ride was like a cross between The Sound of Music and The Jungle Book...I half expected Julie Andrews to be dancing around on the mountain tops, or Baloo the bear to come out of a tree singing the Bear Necessities of life. It was a beautiful (bumpy) LONG ride.
When we arrived, Javier's family greeted me so nicely. Fresh roses in the living room, a dinner they thought I would like (Ash's favorite), and cervesa. It is extremely difficult to express myself for all the great things they are doing for me because I don't speak the language.
Ashley (my sister) has become our translator, but messes up sometimes, telling me stuff in spanish and Javier's family english. It is funny.
Javier's brother, Henry brought 4 of his friends over last night for some cervesa. I thought it was just a normal Friday night gathering, but later, Ashley told me they came to see "The Gringa." I feel like a famous person or a rare breed of something.
His friend Fernando asked me out on a date, or later asked if I could help him with his english. *Good line*
Okay, I am totally babbliing, but so much has happened in 3 days.
My nephew, Aiden is amazing. We had a nice heart to heart earlier. Okay, I am being called for dinner.
Adios