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 »
New week, new teacher. I asked Mario¹ to take me to the shops where stolen things are sold. He took me to the mall nearest the place where my camera was stolen. There were stories and stories of little shops with various electronics, mostly phones, in the windows. Some things were new, some looked questionable. I did not see my… Read more »
Today we went to the butterfly garden in Mindo. This was the cleanest, most touristy sight I’ve seen here yet, but also new and fun. There were variously camouflaged cocoons, and the opportunity to watch the butterfly being born. Some young ones were still hanging from their cocoons drying their wings. Many more were flying around the garden and feeding… Read more »
Today we took a truck ride and a hike through the mountain jungle to some waterfalls (“cascadas”) and pools. The hike was nice, with a little rope assisted scrambling. The waterfalls are unimpressive even compared to those in New Hampshire, but there is a nice area both locals and tourists use for swimming jumping into the water. We swam by… Read more »
Today I departed Quito for a weekend trip to Mindo, a small town in the cloud forest. It’s a cute little town of hotels and small houses, with the fronts of the buildings finished to look nice for the tourists. It’s nice to be out of the bustle of Quito. There are birds chirping away all day and possibly all… Read more »