Where to begin? The group is in agreement that we have experienced more in these two weeks than seems possible. If this determines the rest of our weeks of adventure, we are in store for many life changing experiences and possibly the fullest three months any of us have ever lived.
In Quito we were able to ease into the new group dynamic staying in a comfortable hostel. A young woman working with the hostel gave us and other travelers a free tour of the city the first full day we were there. We were able to explore the capitol thoroughly, and appreciate some of its finest architecture (note the picture of the Bascilica)
Early on the 16th we got on a bus headed for the Ecuadorian coast. Arriving in Santo Domingo we were greeted with thick hot air, and two of the teachers who would be teaching us Spanish during the week at the banana farm. Juan Carlos and Lorena were full of smiles and welcoming words. I suspected – due to their similarly piercing blue-green eyes- that they were siblings, which was confirmed during our week stay. The farm (la finca) is massive, and separated into quarters between the family to keep all the land and keep producing bananas (as well as cacao and plantains). We learned a great deal about the dedicated farmers behind bananas and plantains that we see in the grocery store. It was an eye-opening experience and one I hope to have again in other areas as I am very interested in the food to plate phenomenon.
At two this morning we headed to Santo Domingo from the farm and then caught a 6 hour bus ride to Baños. I have never been in a city this low-key and peaceful, it'
s more of large sprawled out town, the buildings squat and palm trees grow along them, bursts of color come from flowers along the sidewalks. Surrounding the civilization are large steep mountains with waterfalls pouring down and transforming into mist in the wind. We have been here since 8 in the morning, a week will surely breeze by. Tomorrow we start Spanish classes, this time they will be one on one. The classes at the banana farm were-for the most part-a few students with one teacher.
I have attached a photo of the Basilica in Quito, and one of the banana farm which includes the beloved dalmation,Max. They are curtousy of Betsy since I dont currently have a way of uploading my photos. Many more to come!
