After 3 weeks of city dwelling, Colin and I decided it was time to head to a place that we love...back to nature. Quito had been great. It was a perfect start to our overseas traveling. We'd had a great family, a good school, and a steady group of friends that had welcomed us and made us feel at home. Still, the rest of Ecuador was calling.
We bid farewell to the city and headed to the one place that had been recommended more than any other: Banos. Banos de Agua Santa, to be exact. It has been described to us as the capital of extreme sports in Ecuador. And sport there are aplenty. Cycling. Climbing. Rafting. Kayaking. Puenting, or bridge jumping. There are motorcycles, scooters, and dune buggies to rent. You can rappel down a waterfall or zip through the jungle head first on a wire.
 |
| Hiking with new friends in a downpour, jumping off a bridge, and enjoy some tea and good beer in Banos |
There are also some of the more genuinely friendly people we have met so far. Banos is a small town...and it has that small town feel. That same atmosphere that you might find in a Midwest town, or in our much loved, much missed Oakhurst. The people generally seem happy to have you there to see their town. They are proud of where they live...and rightfully so. The beauty that surrounds that little town (including the nearby active volcano, Tungurahua) is astounding. I wrote in a past post that I could live in Quito for a long time. That was before we went to Banos. Colin is ready to find a guiding job and put down roots! Sounds good to me. :)
 |
| Tungurahua. A beautiful volcano that one might be lucky enough to see some action from. No, I did not take this picture. |
Like most people, Colin and I enjoy making new friends. And what a difference there is in making them while traveling. In my experience thus far, I have realized that if you speak the same language as someone else in a country that your native tongue is not spoken, there is great potential for friendship. It's a nice perk to international travel.
 |
| A great night. The U.S, Canada, France, Norway, and Australia all represented. |
We have been back in Quito for a week. Colin had a couple of dentist appointments. He is so brave! Happily, all is well there.
And now we work! It feels so good to be doing something with a purpose beyond fun and travel. We are working with Summit Adventure, being guides for a group of college students from Pennsylvania. Service. Mountaineering. Challenges. Gaining experience and making friends. We will be climbing Ruccu Pichincha and Illinisa Sur. If you think of us, send up a prayer for safety, health and fun.
 | |
| Colin, myself and my our sweet friend, Paulina on our first time up Ruccu Pichincha. | |
|
|
|
|
 |
| Also, as it's my birthday, I have the right to brag..this is the great gift Colin got me. |
We miss our friends and family back at our many homes. Still, we are very glad to be here.
Hasta Luego.
