From seminars and waterfalls After our half-time was here passed in Ecuador and the return realized was scary, of course, also the universally highly anticipated mid-term camp.
We gathered with all the volunteers in the Christian Retreat House, not far from Lumbisi and talked for a few days away the already well-known themes from other seminars volunteering, intercultural learning and all the rest
Still managed Gina most out of these issues is still the last bit of interest, so that the time has passed quickly, as initially feared. Even some interesting
Icebreaker came before, which caused a supplement with evening "Black Stories" variety.
preconceived Following the seminar, Paul and I drive the short-term decision for "Banos de Agua Santa", one of the tourist places of pilgrimage of Ecuador, there was James, however, does not appeal after a machine misery for spending money, I went with a bunch of farm workers on the road.
Paul invited the rest of the volunteers from his farm in Tabacundo, so I enjoy the acquaintance of Shane, the mumbling Ireland and Elin, who came Standardschwedin. To this the famous Alex in tow, it was too early in the morning then later in the bus to Banos and relaxed 4 hours we arrived in "Gringobamba" at.
awaited us at the bus terminal where a bunch of Hostalschleppern their intentions to each other in low prices than offered to us then quartered in rooms with double beds. After the price for insisting on a bed per person by more than twofold increased, we were looking for on your own and were eventually good, cheap and find something with separate beds.
After a quick trip to the hot springs of El Salado ", but unfortunately were closed, we drank sugar cane juice (not as sweet as you might think) and made our view point "Mirador de la Virgen" (not as close as you might think), the farm weakened with the exception of Paul, however, and the beer in Banos preferred.
After 750 steps we climb to the top two were quite taken away, had to pitch to our notice that the transition to the Mirador itself had been demolished, could be overcome for the better but the jumping distance and enjoy the beautiful view of Banos.
evening we met a pack of British and Pete, an American who has lived for years in Ecuador and has a similar organic farm, as that up on the Paul. Without further ado, we invited Pete to help this weekend with the planting of coffee trees, which will probably also noticed.
with the British - the English accent is so delicious - then the evenings were spent celebrating in the disco, while the Saturday of the "Ruta de Cascadas dedicated. Ruta
This includes most waterfalls a short distance and out of the still located in the Sierra Banos down to Puyo, which is already in the East. We did, however, returns only one part of the route on bicycles, visited 6 different waterfalls, the last of which "Pailon del Diablo", the tourist is best prepared and was spectacular.
The "pan of the devil" was entitled to by various in those surrounding the waterfall cliff defeated visiting balconies, one of which was applied even directly behind Cascada. So even a bathroom was possible in the falling water masses, even if it was achieved only in the splash.
was Sunday morning, still visits the Basilica of Banos, which however was not particularly spectacular, aside from those issued gifts to the Virgin Mary. It was here from wedding dresses to stuffed animals, from uniforms to old gramophones just about every imaginable gifts.
Separately, we went for a cheap Ecuadorian default eating back home to Quito, where I again by screaming children, and - surprise - was welcomed rice and chicken ...
