Why am I intentionally going out at night to look at spiders? Today’s excursion went to the house of an indigenous Quichua family. There are 11 children in the house. It’s in a mostly razed area of jungle by the river, surrounded by plantains a and yucca plants which they use for food as well as some coffee and cacao… Read more »
By noon on the second day I haven’t yet done a walk in the jungle because I’ve had 7 hours of classes. The lodge is a surprisingly nice place to study, especially in the morning. However, I am starting to think that combining studies with the jungle trip was not the best use of my time and money here.
I almost didn’t make it to the jungle today. The logistics guy bought a bus ticket for the wrong day. The teacher and I did eventually get on a bus last night and, after little sleep and much waiting, got on a boat to the jungle lodge. It is a pretty place, well hidden away on a branch of the… Read more »
Finally got some good hiking in. The plan for today was to go up the gondola called the TeleferiQo up the mountain overlooking the west side of Quito and to hike further up from there to the top of the 4700m volcano named Rucu Pichincha. This would put me almost 2km above where I have been within a few hours,… Read more »
As I was waiting at the bus station, a woman put down some baskets and bags next to me. A minute later I heard noises. When I looked down I found I was standing next to a big bag full of live chickens. I took the bus to Otavalo, which is a town famous for its artisinal craft market. They… Read more »
This evening we went to a brewery located near the hostel where some of the other students are staying. The brews were a bit strange – there was something like a ginger honey saison that was not quite to my liking, but the amber was alright. The bar is inside what appears to be a church – there are crosses… Read more »
Tonight we went to a nice rooftop restaurant to see L. off back to the USA. Quite expensive for Old Town Quito, but a great view, good food, an elevator operator, a harp, and fireworks! Costs Here lies a delicious porkchop. Cost today: $75.75 Cumulative cost: $1032.98
Today I went on a school trip to finally visit the Virgin of Quito, the giant winged aluminum lady beckoning from the hilltop on the south side of the city. The “Panecillo” (“little bread loaf”) hill offers a great view of the city, including the south side heretofore hidden by the same hill. Unfortunately today it was a little too… Read more »
Today we went to lunch at an American owned restaurant. I had a burger with chips and it was the first spicy food I’ve had in a while, though I think they overdid it a bit with the salt and pepper. We sat outside, but there is also a cozy spot with couches hidden away on the third floor –… Read more »
Welcome to my web log on my thoughts and travels. First and foremost this site will be a place for me to write down and share my travel experiences. Second, it is a place for me to share my thoughts on other topics I may be thinking about – life, politics, philosophy, money, technology, and other hobbies. Third, it is… Read more »