Just wanted to write a quick post to let everyone know that I am home and that this will be my last update on the Ecuador blog. I still can't believe how quickly time flew by. I finished my semester on May 15th and celebrated the end of my program with fellow classmates and professors that same evening. Bright and early on the 16th I ventured out of Ecuador for the last time. Two wonderful college friends (one who also has a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship and the other studying on a Fulbright scholarship) currently reside in Bogota and I figured there was no better time to visit Colombia. Luckily, the visit also coincided with visits from
two other friends from the States making us quite the motley crew.Bogota is an amazing city. Although quite large compared to Quito, I loved the diversity of the different neighborhoods and of course, it is always great to visit a new place with friends who already know the way around. We spent the majority of our week exploring the city of Bogota but also enjoyed a quick trip to Villa de Leyva, a beautiful colonial town where we ventured on a night time horseback ride, hiked to waterfalls, and enjoyed the sleepy nature of the town.
I arrived back to Quito the morning of May 25th for a whirlwind two days filled with packing and goodbyes before heading to the Quito airport for the last time the morning of May 27th. I have been home now for just about a week and I know I am still experiencing reverse culture shock. Leaving is always bittersweet, sad to leave but at the same time, happy to be back home. I have decided to return back to Iowa, at least for the next few years, as I am starting medical school in the fall. Thanks for reading my blog throughout the year and I hope to hear from everyone soon! Hasta pronto!
