Hola,

        So, I have been here for five days now and we have done a lot. On Friday, I had to undertake a full day of pictures and shoots and fittings after getting only 3 ‡ hours of sleep the night before as my flight was delayed and I arrived late in the night. Despite being a little sleepy and tired, I finished the day strongly and made some good impressions on the photographers and other members of the Miss Universe organization.

        On Saturday, we all met Scot, who is the choreographer. He held rehearsals for dance numbers for the Miss Universe show from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a break for lunch. I did my best and wound up in the top dance group called the Galapagos Dancers. There are about 15 of us in this group. After our second day of rehearsals on Monday, it was resolved that I will be at the front in the dance numbers, so that is something to remember and look for during the telecast on NBC on June 1^st.

        On Sunday, six of us were chosen to do introduction filming around the city of Quito and the other delegates went to a town called Cuenca for a parade and a "mini" fashion show. The introduction we filmed on Sunday is the one that the world will see at the beginning of the telecast. On Sunday night, we had fittings for a fashion extravaganza that will take place in Guayaquil this Saturday. We will be modeling designs from Ecuadorian designers. I will be modeling a gown and a swimsuit. The gown is gold/silver/peach/champagne-colored and the skirt is very long in the back. It is extremely sexy and elegant and I LOVE IT! The designers had been watching us previously and my designer chose me specifically to wear her gown. I was flattered. 

        Today, Tuesday, we are off shopping in the "Center of the World," and I am expecting cameras and people everywhere but I am looking forward to today's outing - my first real break from the hectic pace.

        Before I say goodbye, I wish to say thanks to Dr. Murat Baraket from New York City who sent Miss Belize flowers, wishing me luck yesterday. A big thank you Dr. Baraket!!!  

        I'll write again. Take care and I love you all.

    /s/ Leilah, Miss Belize