Academia Latinoamerica assigned me to a wonderful host family in Quito, which really helped my language skills. Katy Marchan, her husband Ricardo Guerrara, and their kids Enrique and Emi could not have been more welcoming. It was such a wonderful experience to get to know Quito locals, especially because I arrived on New Year's Eve; basically I had evening plans from the moment I landed.

After picking me up from the airport (a very comforting thing), we went back to the house to help prepare a special New Year's dinner of lamb chops and sausages, obviously a splurge. When I arrived, two other students were staying there as well, so it was quite a party.

Both 10-year-old Emi and 8-year-old Ricky were in costume and having a great time staying up late. In Ecuador, puppets filled with fireworks are burned on New Year's Eve. The puppets are usually made to resemble a disliked famous person, and then the fire is stomped out to represent stomping out bad feelings or bad spirits left over from the year. It was a unique experience and so much fun to be with a family.

Teresa on the swing

Katy and Ricardo really treated me like family. They are so generous and love having students in their home—by the end of the weekend we had 2 more and were having a great time. We went swimming in the suburbs, went out to dinner, and went to Emi's favorite park in their old neighborhood. We played on the swing and thanked "mom and dad" for the fun afternoon.

As an added treat, they took us up to see El Panecillo, a hill with a statue of the Virgin Mary and an excellent view of Quito. In all their previous time spent in Quito, Teresa and Ian had not yet visited, so we were all excited. Supposedly the road up can be dangerous so I really appreciated having the family drive us up. Less comforting was Katy gaily pointing out that all the thieves in Quito lived on the neigborhoods winding up toward the hill, and Ricardo stopping every few minutes to ask directions.

El Virgen		Ian and Ricky

As part of the homestay, the family provides breakfast and dinner every day. Katy and Ricardo happened to live right by the Academia so Summer and I were always running a bit late, believing we had more time than we did. Meals with the family were a great opportunity to practice our newly-learned Spanish skills, although Katy's English was excellent as well.

Katy worked for the Academia in the capacity of tourism advisor. I really lucked out with her as my host mom. She booked my hotels for my next 2 cities after Quito. She also helped me get a plane ticket back to Quito from the coast and confirmed it for me while I was gone. Really couldn't have had a better experience.

Learning to crochet a beaded necklace

The homestay is included with the price of lessons, with 2 meals, laundry twice per week and airport pick-up. If you want to stay extra days, it's $15 per day. I don't know if it's possible to request Katy's family but if so...I highly recommend them. If you are looking for a homestay in general, I recommend staying with a younger family like this one. A few of my fellow students stayed in families with sons their own ages (mid to late 20s) and were not nearly as comfortable as I was because of pressure from the men.

On my return to Quito from the coast, I chose to stay in the Academia's student housing, because it was only $6 and I didn't want to disturb the family with my early morning departure. But since I was just across the street, I wanted to say goodbye. Plus, I was completely alone in the student housing—there isn't even a receptionist—so I really preferred getting out for a while.

Katy and Ricardo welcomed me joyfully, and Ricardo looked so disappointed that I said I wasn't going to stay for dinner. I felt bad for not paying, although in retrospect, my first weekend there another girl had who was definitely staying with a different family joined us for the day of swimming through dinner...Katy and Ricardo were just very generous! I was talked into joining them and their two new students for dinner...as well as helping cook! It was like I'd come full circle.

Ricardo was very impressed with the improvements in my Spanish. Katy was so eager to discuss my trip we reverted back to English. I happily hung out with Katy until almost midnight, not wanting to tear myself away. I really became close to Katy and feel like she will always be my friend. It was an experience I will never forget.

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