After coming back to work for a little bit, it was time to travel again! This time with Donald! We had a really great time. We got to see new parts of Ecuador and I got to show him some of my favorite places.

Our trip started in the Galapagos Islands. All the good things they say are true. We had the opportunity to visit Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands. Our first full day there we visited Volcan Sierra Negra. We hiked part of the way and then took horses for part of the trip (which was nice because it allowed you to just look around). The scenery was incredible. To both sides was beauty. The way back was dusty and rainy so we arrived back with quite the look but enjoyed it all nonetheless. That afternoon, we went snorkeling, getting near to some fish and sea lions.

The next day was full of animals and the obsessions quickly began. Galapagos animals are the coolest. We found ourselves thoroughly amused by the marine iguanas, blue footed boobies, white tipped sharks, penguin, and sea lions that we passed hanging out on old boats. We went snorkeling again and this time swam with giant sea turtles. We then got our first view of the giant land tortoises at a breeding center. There are 12 different species worldwide, 5 of which live on Isabela island. Seriously, they are so big!

We visited the historical site of the "Wall of Tears" where many prisoners died carrying huge stones to build this wall. We were then able to visit an overlook of the island. 97% of the Galapagos Islands are National Park while the other 3% are privately owned so there is so much open space and it's great. Across from our hotel was a flamingo lagoon. During some free time, we went to visit and found one flamingo hanging out solo. After a bit though, I think about 8 more flamingos came flying in. It was really neat to see.

At the Galapagos National Park, we were able to see the famous Lonesome George, the last turtle of his kind. We were also able to get up real close to the turtles and really take in their size. Then we were taken to a private ranch where there were dozens of turtles roaming free on the grounds. They were not as used to visitors so they would tuck themselves into their shells or sometimes hiss when we came around. Then off to a giant lava tunnel which basically looked manmade. It was neat to walk through and learn about some of the rock and history.

After a wonderful trip to the Galapagos, we made it to the mainland. We walked all around Old Town in Quito, mostly seeing the outside of buildings and churches. We were able to enter a few but it was actually a holiday in Quito so the majority were closed. The architecture is still great to see though.

The following morning we met up with an old friend and 4 others for our Cotopaxi climb. After lots of running around and a long morning, we arrived at the parking lot at 4500 meters. From there, it is 300 meters up to the refuge. Oh, and it's pretty much straight up and you are carrying a bookbag with some of your climbing gear, sleeping bag, clothes, water, and a heavy bag of food. Despite our thoughts that we would be fine with the altitude, we were proven wrong. We did our best to stay hydrated and weren't having much physical difficulties. During the climb to the refuge though, I had my moment of weakness. Then the rest of the way up, Don wasn't feeling too hot either. We made it to the refuge though. From there, we had practice. We felt good through this part where we learned to use our ice ax and how to climb and fall correctly and safely. After dinner, it was time for bed at about 7:30pm. Time to get up at midnight. Breakfast, gear up, and start the trek at 1am (this was the plan, though the group was a little delayed). So in the dark with a sky of stars above us, we made our way up. At one point, the group of 7 split up and Don and I had our own guide. We made it to the glacier at 5100 meters before feeling that our bodies were telling us it was time to come down. 2/7 from the group made it to the summit at 5897 meters. (We'll save that for another day.) We walked, and slid down the mountain while attached to each other and our guide by a rope. At the refuge, we headed straight for our sleeping bags to warm up, sleep, and catch our breath. Overall, a good learning experience and beautiful trip.

On to Banos...the city. Yes, the volcano was erupting but we talked to visitors and residents prior and it was safe. The first day, I thought I heard thunder and as we were renting bikes I asked the guy who was selling them if it was going to rain. No worries, just the volcano rumbling. We had a great 10 mile bike ride. We stopped at waterfalls and a cable car to get a closer view. The last stop was a giant waterfall hidden within a 15 minute hike that you could climb right underneath. It was incredible to see the power of the water so close.

That night, we went to see a view of the volcano because there were rumors of being able to see lava. We were at the top of a viewpoint for about an hour where we got to see a flamelike lava jump around Tungarahua. As we were descending the hill in our taxi, Don noticed the eruption. It was amazing to see the lava seep through the top quarter of the volcano. The colors were so bright and it was almost unreal. Don't worry, we were safe!

The next day we went canyoning. We had a lot of fun making our way down big waterfalls and sliding down others. It was a beautiful area, we had a fun guide, and it's just a fun activity!

Then it was time for Donald to meet Tena, my home. This was really important to me. We were fortunately able to make it back for my friend Alexandra's son's baptism. Nicole and her husband were the godparents and there was a very nice reception afterwards. Don was able to meet my co-workers Adriana, Cindy, Lea, and Jhonny (current PT student). The next day, we went to one of my favorite places that I have come to know near Tena. It is a lake/river with huge white rocks and clean water. We went with Adriana, Jenny, Alexandra, and family. We enjoyed walking around and swimming.

The rest of the week was spent with Don staying at my house reading/studying while I went to work. At night, we hit up some of the local cuisine. I got to meet Gaby's baby girl (no name yet)! She is super cute and little and doesn't cry all that much (either that or it isn't loud enough to wake me from my exhaustion). On Thursday, Donald came to work to see what an OT in Tena actually does.

Friday, we were back in Quito. We had big plans to hit up the museums and churches that had been closed for the holiday. Unfortunately, Quito did not have the same plans for us. We did visit the Banco Central museum in the Culture House. It was very nice. The rest of the day was filled with more closed museums, however, and tons of rain. We were soaked, even after we caved in and got an umbrella. The taxis were not picking people up either (which I still can't figure out) and we ended up walking back to New Town. Keep in mind, despite the location on the equator, it can get pretty cold in Quito.

On Saturday, we made our way to Otavalo. In the morning, we enjoyed looking and purchasing some handicrafts and artwork. There is so much to see. Rain visited Otavalo though too so we eventually headed back to the hostal. After dinner, I came down with a bug and it was game over for me. The next day, we made it to Cotacachi to take a look at the leather there and the town. Don was very patient with me as I was still not feeling so hot. Later that afternoon, we made our way to a once again rainy Quito.

Unfortunately, the trip had to come to an end. Don headed back to the US and I returned to Tena. We had a great time together and were able to do a lot during his stay. I am glad he was able to see where I have been living and why I wanted to spend a year in Latin America. The people we met were friendly and helpful and the culture is a wonderful thing to take in. Thanks for visiting!!

Peru, Argentina, and Chile

Well, I have just gotten back from a whirlwind tour of some other South American countries. The trip was with my brother, Michael, and his wife, Erin. We had a really great time and were able to see and do a lot! They are really good travelers, getting up at whatever hour, making efforts to communicate in spanish where they could, and enjoying it all.

In Peru, we visited Lima and Cusco. We met up in the Lima airport and had one full day in the city. During that day, we took a city tour and walked around a bit to get a feel for the area. That night, we met up with old and new friends. My friend Dave Cicerchi, who has been living in a remote area of Peru for the last 3 years through the Peace Corps, happened to be in town and joined us. We also met Hugo and Jessica through some contacts of my dad and they took us to eat some rotisserie chicken and provided us with lots of suggestions as we continued our travels. We had a very nice visit.

In Cusco, we took ourselves around town, visiting the center and the Cathedral. The following day was the big day for Machu Picchu. We took a 4 hour train ride and then a 1/2 hour bus ride to arrive. When you climb up to look out over the ruins, it's incredible. They are immense, much larger than the ones in Ecuador. 80% of what is there is still the original. It was really something to see and it is difficult to do it justice with my words.






Then our travels took us to Buenos Aires, Argentina. This city carries more of a European influence which is noted by the physical features of the people and their dress. The accent was also different and could be a bit challenging for me to understand. It is a good thing we had a bit of time in Buenos Aires because there was a lot to do. We went on a nice city tour to introduce us to all the different neighborhoods. From there, we were able to decide which places we wanted to re-visit.

We went to Recoleta cemetary, where famous writers, presidents, and Eva Peron (Evita) were buried. The monuments/tombs were huge and elaborate. We went to a Tango show, called Madero Tango. There were many to choose from but this one included 5 main couples who danced; twisting and kicking in all directions with intervals of music between sets. Sometimes, FYI, you really can see people tango dancing in the streets.

The following day we went to Caminito, a neighborhood with a lot of character, color, and shops. When we weren't in those shops, we were meandering down Florida street where street vendors put out their work (it is a pedestrian only street). That evening we went to Cabana Las Lilas, a restaurant which was recommended to us by a number of sources. We all got a form of beef, as that is what Argentina is known for. I thought it was good but I don't eat much beef so I'm not a good one to compare it.

Our last day, we were lucky enough to be able to go to an Argentine soccer game. We sat way up in the visitor section because it is actually not safe to sit with the Boca fans. The fans literally chanted the entire game - and loudly! The game was impressive and Boca won 2-1 against Arsenal.







From there, we were off to Santiago, Chile. We gave ourselves a tour of the city here. We visited some of the big parks like Santa Lucia, went up the funicular in Cerro San Cristobal, visited the Cathedral and saw La Moneda (where the president lives).
The following day we went on a tour to Valparaiso and Vino del Mar. On the way, we stopped in a vineyard and got a tour which was pretty interesting. The rest of the day was spent visiting different viewpoints to overlook the city. Unfortunately, I feel that this area has a lot to offer and show but our tour didn't capture it.
We tried the Pisco Sours of Chile as well.


Overall, we had a wonderful trip. We were busy but it was a good kind of busy because we wanted to take everything in. We fought off/through some illnesses but everyone arrived back to their respective countries in one piece. We have lots of pictures too!