Riobamba and Cuenca

A few weeks ago we took a train trip through Riobamba. The train runs through the Andes on what has been commonly called the most treacherous route in the world especially down the Nariz de Diablo (Devil´s nose) which features steep drops and multiple switchbacks. The antique train runs weekly through the remaining tracks and is famous for it´s roof top ride (which we weren´t able to do on our trip). At one point the train was derailed but it seemed like a common issue since it was quickly fixed as we piled out to take pictures. Probably the most impressive part of the trip was the amazing views of Chimborazo, Ecuador´s highest peak at 20,946 and because it is on the Equator, the closest point on earth to the sun. Following the train ride it was on to the quaint colonial town, Cuenca. We timed our visit for the annual fiestas which meant mucho bebidas in celebration. The clear lack of safety rules and regulations was obvious by the giant homemade firework contraptions that were abundant at the festival. When we weren´t laughing at other people getting biffed by out-of-control fireworks, we were running from them ourselves. Enjoy the pictures and new videos on You Tube!




Chimborazo






The derailed train



Don´t look down.




Standing on top of the train in front of the Nariz de Diablo.





The cathedral in Cuenca.

Banos

For a place named Bathroom, Banos is a beautiful, clean and good smelling place. (However sewer rats were abundant...) Tucked away under the shadow of Tungurahua, a massive active volcano that last erupted in August 2006, Banos provides a surprisingly serene getaway. (There was even a warning of a potential eruption from the Embassy the weekend we visited) Banos is famous for its natural hot baths, hand pulled taffy made from fresh cut sugar cane, several beautiful waterfalls in the adjoining valley and of course cuy. We left on a Friday afternoon and took a bus 4 hours to this mini haven. First things first, Jenny had to taste the local delicacy. She was told that officially cuy is guinea pig but she felt slightly misled. As Jenny gripped the rat claw and took a bite she determined that it tasted like really greasy dark meat chicken.

Although it wasn't revolting, she decided to let Jay finish the rest which he did gladly. Saturday we rented bikes and rode through the gorgeous valley looking at all the waterfalls. To view some waterfalls we had to cross rickety foot bridges (some of which had limits on the number of people that could cross at once...yikes) and ride a very high ancient teleferico. We found a quaint hostel hidden almost exactly under one such waterfall. For $20 total we had a private cabin, hammocks to lounge in, an evening bonfire and a homemade meal with the owner.

Our hostel at the base of a waterfall.

We've posted three videos of our Banos trip at You Tube. Go to youtube.com and search for JRo, JBird or BanosEcuador and you will find three new videos called "Waterfall," "Banos Teleferico" and "Waterfall Up Close" Enjoy!!!

Happy Birthday Jay!!

Jay´s 29th birthday is on Wednesday (Nov. 7)!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABE! Tell me how it feels...I´ll meet you there in a few months.

Blog: Halloween Edition

Ecuador does not officially celebrate Halloween but Jenny had been looking forward to the holiday for months. When the day finally arrived, we prepared for school like any other day...we ate breakfast, packed our school bags and ran to catch the bus. While on the bus we passed a girl waiting at a bus stop wearing a fluffy pink skirt, sparkly wings and a tiara. We looked at each other and rolled our eyes. Jen asked, "What was she wearing?!?!" and Jay said, "I have no idea. Is she a stripper?!?" It wasn´t until we arrived at school and some of the kids were in costume that we remembered it was Halloween. Only a few months away from home and it´s so easy to forget! Then we heard on the news that President Correa outlawed Halloween celebrations. In defiance we bought a zapallo (large squash...no pumpkins in Ecuador) on the way home with the intention of carving it but we fell asleep early. The zapallo didn´t get carved until we returned from our trip Sunday morning.

In this picture, the model for the jack-o-lantern poses with his life-like replica.

Instead of Halloween, Ecuador celebrates a holiday called the Day of the Dead. Officially it is a time to honor those who have passed. They visit cemeteries, clean the gravesites, light candles and eat meals at the tomb. They also eat a special meal that includes Guaguas de Pan and Colado Morado. Guaguas de Pan are mini bread pastries shaped like babies, sometimes filled with sweet cream and decorated with frosting. Colado Morado is a warm cordial like drink made of several fruit juices and chunks that you drink with your baby bread. Jenny liked to pretend that her guagua was a voodoo bread representing her most spoiled and unruly student, Belen. She took a bite out of her head with great satisfaction.

"What´s wrong Belen? Not feeling well? Fancy that."

A vat of Colado Morado

In other news, we recently purchased a beautiful hammock for our newly inaugurated "hammock room."

Jay hogging the bowl of popcorn.

Jenny demonstrating the cocoon move.

Stay tuned for new videos and pictures of our recent trips to Banos and Riobamba!