La Virgen del Panecillo | Quito, Ecuador
Olympus Stylus Epic | Fuji Superia 400
During my first weekend in Quito, my host family had a full house. One girl had recently returned after 3 weeks traveling around the country, and was there to greet me on my arrival Friday night. Another student was around but didn't hang out with us. Early morning Sunday another student who had stayed with the family before returned from his travels for a one-day visit. We grabbed another former student and spent the day together with the family, going swimming and playing in the park.
On the way home we were lucky enough to stop by El Panecillo. Walking up to the top is not recommended because of frequent muggings. I had expected to take a taxi up once I got more settled into the city. Instead, Katy and Ricardo drove us up, stopping to cluelessly ask directions on the way while explaining how we were in the worst part of town. So comforting.
The view from the top was incredible...Quito is only 1 million strong but it sprawls like LA.
Puerto Lopez | Ecuador
Olympus OM-10 | Fuji Superia 400
Puerto Lopez is a small town (4-5 streets) on the coast of Ecuador, along the Ruta del Sol. I was staying in Ayampe, and even smaller town with just one street, about 30 minutes south. Puerto Lopez was the place I could come for more restaurant options, internet (price-hiked because of its scarcity on the coast) and tours to nearby islands. For its small size, it was a fairly bustling place.
I took a really pleasant day trip around Isla Salanga, including stops on various secluded beaches and tons of food along the way. At Puerto Lopez, rather than board from a dock, we simply waded into the water and squishily made our way onto the boat.
"Panama" hats | Cuenca, Ecuador
Olympus OM-10 | Fuji Superia 400
Panama hats, so called because of their use by workers on the Panama Canal, are one of Cuenca's most popular products. Made from fine toquilla, these hats are delicate yet sturdy, strong and pliable. At the indoor artisan market, hats were everywhere.
Happy New Year! | Quito, Ecuador
Olympus Stylus Epic | Fuji Superia 400
Puppets masked to resemble politicians are set on fire then stomped out to represent stomping out the bad spirits remaining from the old year.
I arrived in Quito on New Year's Eve, and was nervous about spending the holiday with strangers. Luckily my host family was incredibly warm and welcoming, and already had 2 friendly students staying with them. We cooked together, drank and danced with the children, and went outside to light fireworks. It was a perfectly sweet first night in Ecuador.
Laguna Quilatoa | Ecuador
Olympus OM-10 | Fuji Superia 200
I arrived unexpectedly at 5AM. Lonely Planet stated the bus ride from Chugchilan as 2 hours long but it was only an hour. I sat in the dark listening to dogs howling and waiting until I could see my hand in front of my face before I walked toward the crater. Once the sun rose I was of course happy to arrived so early...it was so beautiful and solitary.
Cotopaxi | Ecuador
Olympus Stylus Epic | Fuji Superia 200
Paramo, Andean grasslands.
Cotopaxi | Ecuador
Olympus Stylus Epic | Fuji Superia 200
Cotopaxi: another gorgeous day in Ecuador.
Cotopaxi | Ecuador
Olympus Stylus Epic | Fuji Superia 200
Hiking on the slanty slopes of Cotopaxi. Watching the pebbles fall off the path into the abyss below was frightening; even more frightening was my total lack of breath at this altitude.
Cotopaxi | Ecuador
Olympus Stylus Epic | Fuji Superia 200
Driving toward the mountain.
Llamas | Saquisili, Ecuador
Olympus OM-10 | Fuji Superia 400
Say cheese!
Sheep | Saquisili, Ecuador
Olympus OM-10 | Fuji Superia 400
Animals were busting out of every corner at the Saquisili animal market.
Llama herd | Ecuador
Olympus OM-10 | Fuji Superia 200
Riding the bus in Ecuador provided some of the most amazing cheap views of the country. Gazing out the window I saw a red-cloaked man guiding his llama herd up the side of the hill. I was obsessed with llamas during this trip.
January 2, 2006
Changsha schoolkids | Changsha, China
Olympus OM-10 | Fuji Superia 400
We visited an elementary school near the Hunan Normal University, where we were staying. The kids were cheek-pinchingly adorable, but the whole concept of setting a day aside to entertain us was sort of sad. Made me wonder how often they do this, and when they have time for classes.
Changsha schoolkids | Changsha, China
Olympus OM-10 | Kodak Gold 200
These kids were easy to please. White people funny!
Changsha schoolkids | Changsha, China
Olympus OM-10 | TMAX 400
At the entrance of the school. The children lined up to shake streamers vigorously at us while shouting "welcomeHELLO!" over and over. It was so cute it was kind of scary.
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