First Day in Quito

I had a light breakfast and made arrangements for Jorge from the Ecuadorian Brass Band to pick me up for a day with him at his school.
I had the priviledge of meeting 5 of the top students who were preforming in a concert that night to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of a Lutheran Church here. They played a couple of songs to practice. They are awesome.

We went for lunch at a place they picked and all I can say is that I wouldn't eat there again. The food here in Quito so far has been very bland. No taste that tickles my taste buds.

After lunch we went to a class Jorge was teaching. The students were 5-12 years old. All of his students are from the streets. They have no money for lessons, so his foundation pays for instruments, lessons and clothes for when they have performances. This orchestra has toured all over the world including Boise, Idaho. We have people in Boisewho are supporters of the foundation.

I watched in awe as he worked with this children. It is quite apparent in watching the mistro teach why his students have gone on to be great musicians in their own right. Some have full scholorships at major musical institutions throughout the world.

After meeting Jorge, and finding out about the band, he asked him to have the bnd play for the Breaksfast Conference. Jorge and his wife will be my guests.

After the class I needed to go back to the casa and rest. The altitude is starting to take its toll on my body. My muscles are so tired I can hardly put one foot in front of the other. I am suppose to drink lots of water, which I hate but I have forced myself and have to eat. I have found that they eat lots of carbs. Rice and spaghetti, plain at one meal.

I am going to crash and see how I am in the morning.

Chao