...And Behind Door Number Three

...Is the new apartment!  Yes, I choose #3, but not just because it won out on votes.  It really was the best deal for me.  I go on Saturday to do the 'inventory,' which is this arcane system that is used in Latin America when you take possession real property. They do a detailed walk-thru and write down every little thing. I plan to take pictures, too, so I can post them on this blog.

The young lady who bought, furnished, and just moved in to this apartment not even three months ago is leaving to study International Marketing in Hong Kong for two years. She leaves on August 9th, so she will be there packing up and getting things ready for me, then Jackson and I move in when I return to Ecuador on August 23rd. Amazing views. Brand new everything. Best area of town. All pots, pans, dishes, glasses, etc.  ...She just walks out the door and locks it. Oh, yeah. I do have to buy sheets and pillows. She and I both thought it would be weird for me to sleep on hers. 

About the art work up top. That is by acclaimed Ecuadorian artist Luis Lara. I have started checking out work by Latin American artists while I'm down here and I like Luis Lara's stuff! Ecuador is quite an artsy place. I mentioned Loja in an earlier post, but there are many renowned Latin American artists living in Quito, too. I guess they find the city is pretty and inspiring. 

Tomorrow I have a full day of planning meetings and budgetary matters to deal with at the U.S. Embassy. As I mentioned in an earlier blog, it is a great space, so I like to go there. Tomorrow I get to check out the food in the cafeteria! I have to get a PowerPoint presentation ready, so I'll curtail my blogging for now.

Thanks to all those of you who have inquired about how I'm doing. The move has been difficult, but not because of the job or the city or the people I've met here. All of those things are going very well. I won't bore you with further details now, except to say that I do appreciate the many of you who have sent well wishes, comforting words, etc. to ease me through this transition. I appreciate it.