So today I went and talked to a 2nd grade teacher (Amanda) and asked her if she knew of any teachers who were doing something fun for carnival. She said her group had just made reservations for the jungle and didn’t know if there was room for one more but that I could contact her any time to hang out. Then she made me a list of some teachers she knew who were doing something over the long weekend. So after school I visited their classrooms and talked about their plans. Tamara, in 4th grade, is going to Baños with an older man from Canada. There are hot springs and hiking and biking and waterfalls. They would be leaving Saturday morning and return Tuesday afternoon. Jenny, in 5th grade, is going to the Quilotoa Loop with her friend Tammy. The Quilotoa Loop is a large crater with a lake in the middle. Everyone I’ve talked to has said it’s very beautiful. There is hiking and… I’m not sure what else. Beautiful views and fresh air, even though the oxygen will still be scarce… The girls also said they read that this is a less touristy place and there are more native Ecuadorians in the area. They would be leaving Saturday afternoon and return Monday evening.
So now I’m faced with a decision to make! I think I’m leaning towards the Quilotoa Loop because I met both girls and they seem very nice. Plus, you stay in a hostel, which would probably be less expensive than Baños. At some point I would definitely want to go to Baños but I think I would have better luck finding someone to do that with me. Steve Nelson said he would give me the pastor of the church’s email address so I could get in touch with their “20 somethings” group. Also, there is that girl I met on Sunday who I could possibly travel with and I can always ask around at school. So yes. That is the deal for now.
Here are some things I want to do while in Ecuador:
- Take a trip to Baños
- Visit the beach (lower on the list)
- Go to the jungle
- Buy things at the market in Otavalo
- Visit the Mitad del Mundo museum
- Go to a discoteca
- Take a ride on the teleférico (cable car)
That’s all I can think of for now! Aren’t you all happy this was a somewhat shorter post? ;)
con amor,
annmarie
I am sure what ever you choose you will have fun, but I would go to the area where there is a lake in the middle and some natural non tourist stuff. That is my 2 cents worth. Oh, and be safe. Take pictures.
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