Adios Banos!

The best part of Banos was yesterday. We went horseback riding around the ACTIVE volcano called Tungurahua and got to get a great history lesson about the town. I think the active volcano was safer than me actually riding a horse, but luckily I didn’t fall off. Pablo, our instructor and guide told us all about how there are fifteen people around the volcano that have walkie-talkies so they can notify one another about the volcano’s activity. In 2006 there was a huge explosion that killed five people, but because of the walkie-talkies, most people were safe and no one in the town was harmed.

Riding a horse was amazing, but the best part was being able to practice speaking Spanish with Pablo and learn about how the town really operates. Once we were done horseback riding we got to hangout with his nephews that were eight and eleven. It is amazing to me how well behaved the children are here. They live an extremely simple life, especially in the mountains. Because of this, they are able to sit on a six-hour bus without gameboys and iPods or even coloring books. They are so polite and sweet and timid. I took a picture of Pablo’s nephews with my Polaroid camera and getting to see them attentively watch the picture develop was just so eye opening. It was like I had given them one million dollars. I let them keep the picture and they were so sweet and grateful. I definitely already see a huge difference in the children here compared to the children born in the United States. It is amazing what environment and a wealthy nation can to do a child’s development and personality.

That night we went to the baths. "The baths" are hot baths that are heated by the volcano throughout the town, giving the town its name. The one we went to was at the bottom of a huge waterfall facing the town. It was pretty amazing; you could smell the naturalness of the water, no heaters, and no chemicals. Unfortunately, I think everyone in the town was there, so we didn’t stay too long. Plus, we had to prepare for our 10-hour bus ride to Montanita!

Sunday Evening
I think today was when my romance with Ecuador hit the real life phase of traveling around in a developing country. We got up at 5 am to get the 6 am bus, which would bring up back to Guayaquil. Then our plan was to take a transfer to another bus that would take us to Montanita. Well, first the bus was an hour and a half late and we were waiting on the side of the road for about two hours, plus the ride was equally as nauseating. On top of that, eating in Latin American as a non meat eater can be extremely difficult and frustrating. My stomach and I are hanging by a thread right now. However, overall we have had a pretty painless experience so far, I am just eager to get to Montanita, start classes and unpack my suitcase! I think this is called culture shock? Aye Dios!

Last Days in Banos