Feb 9

This past weekend everyone from my program and I went to Mindo, which is about an hour bus ride from Quito.  It was rainy and cool the first day, but not terrible.  We went to a butterfly garden, which was disappointing because the butterflies were napping due to the weather.  Later we went tubing, which was a lot more thrilling than I thought.  I pictured an artificial “lazy river” superimposed into the landscape.  Instead, it was white water rafting with half a dozen large black tubes tied together with two guides bouncing from tube to tube to keep us from going off course (or dying).  My adrenaline was flowing, so I didn’t mind the cold too much.  Afterward we relaxed, did homework, and explored the little town because we were all too wet and cold to enjoy the other activities planned for the rest of the day.

 

We stayed in a hostel/B&B, which was half-open air, and had some nice hammocks.  A lot of people complained about the state of the beds, but mine was fine.  It was clean (you couldn’t wear your shoes inside) but bare bones.  The power went out that night and we played “who can tell the most embarrassing story” by candlelight.  Just as I was getting into bed, the power went back on.

The next day we went up the mountain to go zip lining.  It felt like I was at Disney World because of the excitement and rush, with no lines, no crowds, no noise, but instead beautiful scenery and beautiful weather.  We couldn’t have asked for a better day to see the “cloud forest.”  Afterwards, we hiked to a cascada and swam a little.  It was pretty populated, but still nice.  I went down this slide into the river, and was struck at how strong the current was.  There was a rope to help you, but I had two guys guide me across.  The zip lining, where you’re a hundred meters above the ground suspended by a cable, felt much safer than fighting the current.

We took a truck back down the mountain afterwards, which was also a bit dangerous. Avoiding hanging branches, we rode on top of the truck, and at one point we were all scared we were going to tip over.  Fortunately we made it, and had some pizza afterwards.  Pizza in Ecuador is surprisingly good. 

I love doing exciting physical activities outdoors surrounded by tropical beauty.  Since my program planned it, I didn’t have to worry about anything, and we had an excellent guide that took our suggestions into account, and for being a middle-aged man, he did a good job of keeping us entertained.  The only annoying part is that since there were about 20 people, so getting anything done takes forever. 

I’ve figured out my plans for Semana Santa (which is my spring break), and my plans for when Jeremy comes when classes end.  For Semana Santa, I’ll be going to Machu Picchu with two girls from Penn State, and when classes end I’ll be going to the Galapagos with Jeremy.  I haven’t booked flights yet, and these dates are far off, but I’m already so excited. I feel fortunate I get to travel and that Jeremy will be with me in Ecuador for two weeks.  Most Ecuadorians never get to do in their lives what I’m doing in these few months.