Out of the jungle and on our way... home!

Two firsts for the Ecuador module on this trip into the jungle: scaling canyons over flowing streams and under flying bats, and having our rafting cancelled because of an unusually high water level on the river. We handled the latter in true Amazonian fashion, doing "social work" to reduce conflict and friction by practicing the fine art of "huarty," i.e., radiating peace and harmony by relaxing in hamocks for the afternoon. The nature hike portion of the previous day walk was so informative, it seemed every five steps the guide showed us another plant which could cure some ill. Had an invigorating and relaxing soak in the high mountain hot springs of Papallacta on the way back to Quito. We had dinner that night in the Mariscal neighborhood, among the cafes still buzzing after Ecuador beat Peru in a WorldCup qualifier. As we strategized about packing and shared thoughts on how the module might be tweaked again for the next year we soaked up the Quito atmosphere one last time.

And now, the students will start to work on their papers, describing the ways various cultures have both appreciated and exploited the environments of Amazonia and the Andes historically and today. They'll also write about how ecotourism, in particular, can enhance one's sense of those environments, be it through hands-on physical adventures, like canyoning, zip-linning, glacier hiking; or intellectual ones, like being shown mountains that were snow-capped fifty years ago, then seeing glacier streams drain into the amazon basin, the "lungs of the world" and drawing their own conclusions.

It was a truly great trip, thanks in part to Ecuador itself, of course, but also to the enthusiasm, curiousity, and overall togetherness of students Matt Akins, Spencer Teekle, Donna Nelson, Jacob Dawson, Susan Edwards, Taylor Torrence, and our pals, Fabian, Victor, Pedro, Rafaela, and Gus. Thank you, everyone!

Down from the mountains, into the jungle!

We´re down from the mountains, complete with high altitude sunburns, and pride from our good work. We painted two great murals for the school of poor, malnourished kids in a little town where we stayed. Had an incredible experience on the glacier before that, hiking in another world. Tonight we´re in Banos, having a bit of fun before we dive into the amazon basin for the last phase of our trip.

We made it! Hiked to the foot of the volcano!

Internet time is expensive up here at 3,750 meters in altitude. Two days of hiking and camping over 18 miles, and we made it. Everyone´s healthy and happy. Headaches for everyone until we remember to just breathe deeply. The mountain looming over us right now is colosol and spectacular. The glacier is strikingly white against the blue sky. Clouds come and go though, and rain is on and off. We´ve had a mix of weather, but enough good to feel fortunate. Tomorrow we ride horses, mountain bikes, and explore this treeless, high altitude, volcano made landscape of boulders, lichen, wild horses and wolves. Saturday, we hike to the refuge at the glaciers edge, then don the equipment and practice glacier climbing with the world at our feet!

Two great walking days in Quito down -- next up, the hike to altitude!u

Looks like we´re in great shape for big challenge coming up.

Yesterday we walked around the gringo-tourist area before lunch, then did a serious circuit of the old colonial city. (How old? Just 480 years old is all!) Walked up and down the hills of the tiny streets, strolled the spawling plazas, even climbed cathedral towers.

Today we went to the equatorial line. The actual, magnetically confounding, gravity enhancing, water unswirling, line. Got to participate hands on in all the experiments that demonstrate the line, the difference in the two hemispheres, and the unique state of being inbetween them. A relatively new center and an alternative to the big monument. This was so fun and educative, I doubt I´ll ever go to the other again. We all enjoyed it.

We all also enjoyed our cable car ride up the mountain overlooking the city. Not single person fainted from the altitude, and we actually covered quite a bit of ground on a little hike along the ridge. Beautiful views, with a fairly clear day, and not a tree to block our view that high (13,500 feet).

As we drive to our various places, I talk to the students about this and that, tid bits of lecture highlighted by seeing it or hearing it. One example was the private, heavily armed guards that are common here, and elsewhere in countries with high degrees of social inequality, but weak states without the resources to pay for strong public law enforcement.

Anyway, tomorrow we go on our two day hike up into the national park. Day three will be free and relaxed, with an afternoon horseback riding trip. And day four will be our hike up the refuge and climbing on the glacier, complete with all the gear that makes us look like we´re climbing Everest. But we won´t be attempting any glamorous achievement, just trying to experience what it´s like to move around on a high altitude glacier; a world of ice and snow, where somewhere below you are palm trees, and where every move has to be slow and intentional to preserve your energy.

We miss you all, but we sure are having fun!

We´re here! Safe and sound!

We made it safe and sound to Quito, last night. Had some of the typical inconveniences that go with travel -- our last flight was delayed a half hour, movie system didn´t work on the flight, Janine and I lost a suitcase (though not a critical one, and we hope to get it at some point) -- but overall, everything went well, and we´re excited to be here!

Our hostel is rustic, but has conveniences, such as the internet, plenty of maps and books, a couple of t.v. rooms, etc.

Last night after getting settled, we went for a walk through the Mariscal area where the young gringos hang out to buy some bottled water. It was a Friday or Saturday night, though, so it was very peaceful.

Back at the hostel, climbing the stairs to the rooms we sure felt the altitude!

Today we´re going to the Banco Central museum, then to the old colonial part of the city.
Tomorrow, we´ll go to one of the top tourist spots, the ¨Mitad del Mundo¨(Middle of the World) to try standing on the equator. We´ll try to flush a toilet there and report back on what happens!
Wednesday, our camping expedition begins, as we hike into high altitude!

Saturday: off to Ecuador tomorrow!

Hello friends and family! This is just a blog to keep you posted of our activities, as well as for us to keep an online record of what we're doing. We won't have regular internet access, so our posts will be sporadic.

We'll be leaving early in tomorrow morning, and will arrive in Quito around 8:30 in the evening. Will have plenty of time in transit to continue our reading assignments, study our Spanish, and generally prepare to enter into a whole new world!