After roughing it in the southern Andes, we returned to "civilization" in the upscale city of Tumbaco, about 25 minutes south of Quito. We stayed in a delightful cottage on a country estate.
Luxury at last!
We hiked a scenic gorge along railroad tracks that were abandoned long ago. The trail wound from the riverbed through...
several tunnels considered engineering marvels for the times.
On to the town of Banos, the toffee capital of Ecuador. Every other store was engaged in the street-side production of this really sticky, sweet delight.
Every Ecuadorian town and village has its own special saint and Banos was no exception. Through the month of October the villagers set off fire crackers throughout the day, walked in parades in their Sunday best as pictured above, and held frequent services in the church that were broadcast on loudspeakers in the town square well into the night. One morning we noticed a line of cars parked opposite our hotel with doors, hoods and trunks open, for the local priest to splash holy water and say a special "car blessing".
The excellent volcanic soil produces wonderful fruit and veg....
huge green onions (spring onions) sold in bunches for 50 US cents.
Pork is a popular menu item - head 'n all.
One stop shopping - tours, river rafting, bicycle hire and laundry.
We gave up our lives to the gods and boarded this rickety cable car....
to cross the gorge to bring this photograph to you!
We also trekked down a very, very long, steep path at the bottom of the gorge to see this beautiful waterfall.
Happy 21st birthday, Lindy.Adios Ecuador and on to sunny South Africa.
Ben & Lindy
Thanks for the cable car shot. I appreciate you risking your life so I may enjoy a beautiful picture.
ReplyDeleteI've picked up just enough Spanish from Edith to know banos is bath or bathroom.