My name is Maria Isabel Navarro. I am a law student of ICESI University and I am 18 years old. I was born in Cali, Colombia. I love my city, its music, its people and places. I love traveling, dancing, meeting new cultures and share with the people I love. I'll tell you about an amazing ride I lived with my family.

I traveled to Ecuador for first time the last month with my family and I did a lot of things. My aunt bought the tickets shortly before the trip, so we made many stops!!! First, we traveled from Cali to Bogota. Then, from Bogota to Quito. Unfortunately, we missed the flight to the island Esmeraldas because my aunt did not see the mail about the advancement of the time of flight that the airline sent one month before the flight. Therefore we arrived with an hour late!!! To make matters worse, my luggage did not arrive at the airport in Quito. It was horrible feeling I had to see that everybody picked up their luggage and mine did not appear. Hence, we had to stay in a town called “Quinche” and I waited for the luggage that arrived at midnight. That was a large day…

In the village I met many things, such as the Ecuadoran culture, products and faith at the Virgin of quiche. I visited the cathedral which was built hundreds of years ago and is now a cultural legacy. Then, I bought a nice medal of the Virgin, to bring to Colombia her remembrance, because the people over there, say that she is very miraculous and faithful. Additionally, When we went from the airport to the village, the taxi driver told us: "In two days Pope Francis is going to visit Ecuador, so, the government have done so many renovations in the streets and roads and people are happy" Immediately, I was excited to hear that, because I´m Catholic and I love the Pope visit to Latin America... He is an example of life for me.

Continuing the journey, Ecuador is so cute!  I saw beautiful landscapes full of life and color, wide roads, friendly and funny people, cute and great buildings in the capital. There are many mountains with precious colors. The colors that were highlighted were Green -in all tonos- yellow and orange. 

The sunset was astounding and the climate was super and I smelled the sea breeze when I got to the Island. It is certainly a tropical paradise!!!! The landmarks I visited in Quito were the largest shopping center of the capital, the international airport “Mariscal Sucre”, the cathedral of Quinche, Cuenca, Pintag, Emeralds Island, Cotopaxi National Park, the volcano Cotopaxi and the volcano Pichincha.

I interacted with many people, especially with habitants of Quito. His speech is funny but they are friendly. I had no problems with them. I talked to people in the street and with hotel officials. I also had the opportunity to meet families who traveled from different parts of Ecuador to Esmeraldas. Ecuador is very cute, has wonderful scenery and very friendly people. Its climate is cool and pleasant in Quito and in villages where I was. 

I felt very well. It was a beautiful experience that I recommend to everyone. I felt like at home, I want to come back Ecuador because I know I still have much to learn. I recommend you go, do not know what you’re missing!!!