The City of Clouds and Dancing with the Devil

March 14 – Word of the Day: Cascadas (waterfalls)

Despite thoroughly enjoying our trip to the Amazon, it was time to move on to Puyo (City of Clouds) and Banos for the day before stopping for the night in Patate up in the Andes mountains.  We did a hike to view a gorgeous cascada or waterfall called El Pailon del Diablo or “The Devil´s Cauldron.”

After the hike we were starving so we enjoyed the box lunch they provided but also stopped by a cute little stand where I had the most delicious banana and chocolate empanada for only $2.  I should have gotten a picture, but I was devouring it too quickly.

As we drove through the City of Clouds on our way to Banos, we stopped by to ride a cable car to view two more waterfalls called El Manto de la Novia which were supposed to be “bride and groom” waterfalls.

Later that afternoon, we arrived in Banos which is known for its hot springs/baths, shopping and other fun activities like excursions to see waterfalls.  We saw a demonstration on carving with vegetable ivory and walked around exploring the city for a while.  There were a ton of candy shops makeing dulce de la cana or sugar cane candy so of course we tried some.  It was very sweet but pretty flavorless so I think J and I were both a little disappointed.  We did see a lot of vendors selling a delicacy that neither of us was willing to try — cuy (aka guinea pig).

Early evening we traveled to Patate where we would be staying for the evening up in the Andes mountains at Hacienda Manteles.  When we arrived the owner was telling us how we were surrounded by volcanos and he joked that the switch to “turn it on for us” was broken.  To his surprise, about 30 minutes later, the volcano erupted before our eyes and we got some fabulous pictures.

We were very close to farms and the whole landscape was just breathtaking.  J made friends with all the animals including several dogs, goats, and calves.  One calf was tied up just outside our room and was enjoying a delicious dinner of fresh grass.

Cultural Enlightenment

March 11 – Word of the Day: Realidad (Reality)

The second day of our tour began with a visit to one of the local indigenous schools.  We met a fascinating man who began by tutoring students and now is the principal of a primary/middle school.  He took a dream of his and turned it into reality… very cool.  When we first arrived, the fourth graders put together a dance for us wearing their typical indigenous uniforms.

 

After the dance was complete, we got to observe a class (where they sang us a song and made little notes for us) and then observed a workshop where they learn skills like crocheting, jewelry making and trade work that can help them begin their own business someday.

J bought a bracelet and I bought a red knit hat that will match one of my winter scarves perfectly to support their hard work.  School there is taught in both in Quechua (the local indigenous language) and spanish.  It is the principal´s dream to create a high school that is also bilingual someday.  I´m still trying to mentally send positive energy that way to make it happen.

After visiting the school we visited a local musical instrument museaum where we learned all about the different instruments and the sounds they make.  Such precision and care goes into getting the instruments just right because if you mess up any of the craftsmenship, you could alter the sound of the music.

 

After the museum J and I visited a waterfall with the group.  There are so many waterfalls here in Ecuador and they are all breathtaking… the photos just don´t do them justice. 

After visiting the waterfall, we had the opportunity to head to an indigenous market in Otavalo.  We grabbed lunch in Cotacachi first since Otavalo sits in a valley in between several of the Andes mountains.  The market is extremely colorful and fun, as well as an excellent opportunity for bartering.  Bartering here is different than in Mexico — if you go too low too soon, you may risk offending the vendor and they might not want to sell you anything that they´ve created.

We picked up some souvenirs for friends and family here and really enjoyed meeting all of the indigenous people.  The Otavalo market has everything from jewelry to paintings to hand-woven rugs to blankets made of Alpaca.  Unlike Mexico, the people are not as pushy and generally everyone was soooo nice.

Later that evening we headed by bus with the group to Papallacta where we enjoyed the volcanic hot springs.  The resort sits in the town of Papallacta which is also located in a valley in the Andes mountains so when you look up you see mountains and you see the stars.  The best thing about the hot springs here is that there is a different mineral blend that does NOT involve sulfur so it doesn´t smell like rotten eggs and in fact smells very clean.

Both J´s and my favorite part of the day was sitting in the hot springs and relaxing.  Very zen.  Goodnight everyone!