Baños

I had the opportunity to go the city of Baños this weekend with a rather large group of people from Quito. There were people from Arizona, Florida, Sweden, Boston and Canada! The bus ride was a little longer than I was expecting - more than 3 hours, and longer for the way back, but it was worth it! We had delicious food - enchiladas, lasagne, and a to-die-for tomato, cheese and avacado sandwich. We also experienced the thermal baths which were a nice change from the chilly air. I was able to go zip-lining from a mountain down into a valley! It was so much fun! We also took a ride on the chivas, or tour buses to see more waterfalls, do some hiking, ride in a cable car and get a closer look at the countryside. Well worth the $4.00! Our hostel was extremely nice and the people there were so kind and overwhelmingly warm to us. I think a friend of mine and I might go back another weekend because there were so many things to do and see. I want to do the white-water rafting, and possibly the swing bungee jumping! I never thought I would be able to do it, but this kind is a lot safer and easier on your body than the basic bungee jump. On top of that, you can do it together with a friend, and the price is a very reasonable $10.00. We´ll see, but it would definately be worth another weekend trip. I also had the opportunity to talk to two girls on the bus, and really get to know them, and have a heart-felt talk about everything from politics, to poverty to religion. It was a very refreshing and uplifting time. I hope to get to know some of the girls a little bit better in the next few weeks.

Also, silly sidenote, but Ecuador can´t get over Micheal Jackson. I thought that it was ironic that I had mentioned how enamoured they were with him right before he passed away. Maria´s friend that lives with us was in hysterics and came running into my room to tell me the news.

A couple of other silly things of note: The fruits are crazy here! Today I ate a fruit that looked like (to-me-only) very tiny babies in sacs... and then you crunched through them. A little bit of a freaky experience, but very good tasting babies, for sure!
I got to go out to coffee with a friend, and had a wonderful tasting iced chocolate something or other. They love coffee here, though for the most part the unflavored gross kinds. Still wanting Starbucks, though...
When you blow your nose here, it is varying colors of black and gray because of the pollution. Certainly scared me quite a bit before I realized that´s what it was.

Well, I think the internet shop closed 11 minutes ago, so I think I´ll let them go home. Email me and let me know what is happening in your life!