Baños

On a last minute whim we decided to make a few last stops before leaving Ecuador, we ended up in Baños which is a small town nestled below a large volcano, that is still relatively active. It´s last major eruption was in `98 and the whole town had to be evacuated, but even while we were there there were minor eruptions and we could see big clouds of steam coming out when the clouds parted, which wasn`t often. Baños is known for its communal thermal baths and outdoor recreation and after our time in the hot sun on the humid coast, the cool mountain air was just what we needed. Our first day there we rented mountain bikes and did a tour of lots of local waterfalls. Everywhere we went there was some kind of zipline or canopy tour or what is called “puenting” which is kind of like bungee jumping, only without a dynamic –elastic rope, you just put on a harness and either jump or are pushed off a bridge. It looked like a recipe for whip lash to us and we steered clear of it. We did however indulge in another zipline, since we were able to get the young teenage boys who were operating it to let us go for half price.  The zipline crossed a large gorge and ended by flying over two twin waterfalls. They also hook you in on your back with your feet up and your arms out so you really feel like you are flying.  

Ari choosing which shower to take

The flying bug stuck with us and by the end of the day we were dreaming of bigger flights, and decided to look into paragliding.  Of course after we looked into it briefly we figured there was no way we could pass it up.... especially after someone in our hostal described the feeling as god`s hand lifting you up by your ass and allowing you to fly like a bird.

So this is it? As our guide untagles the tiny cords that will hold us aloft.

Ari ready to fly in her sweet new jumpsuit!

Tungurahua Volcano

GOODBYE ECUADOR!

      Peru is so close I swear I can feel it vibrating, calling us onward, towards our next adventure. Tonight we will board a bus that will carry us through the night and into Peru. The long bus rides are an interesting circus. Every bus company tries to get you to ride with them, and, we have discovered, will tell you most anything to get you onto their bus. "Oh," you ask, "there are buses that go to Vilcabamaba all through the night?" "Yes yes of course" comes the hasty reply "All through the night" And then you get there at 1am and find out the next bus doesn't leave until 5am, and you sigh and settle in for a long game of rummy. We try to go by the Rule of Three whenever possible, get three answers for any question, and be sure that at least one of them is a woman. 

      Every town we stop in brings a parade of peddlers onto the bus. They sell little platino chips, water, colas, handmade ice creams, and whatever little hot local delights they have - yucca breads, little plastic bags full of beans and salsa, pig skin chips, fruits, coconut milk, empanadas, chicken skewers, sweets, what have you - it is a great way to sample the local street food as you cross the countryside. Then the religious folks come on to lecture about not being a drunk and beating your wife or whatever and try and sell you Christian movies. Then the guy comes on with all the pirated CD's trying to sell you those. Then the children selling packets of gum. And on it goes...I get really good at gazing blankly out the window or pretending to be asleep when they come by.

      Ecuador has treated us well, and we have filled our heads with dreams of all the places that we must return to, but for now we shall bid a fond farewell to this sweet country, and look with bright eyes toward what lies ahead. 

Our absolute favorite snack! Grilled Platinos with cheese and chive mayo in the middle.

Cuy (guinea pig) dancing/roasting on the spit.... a delicacy in Ecuador