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.