Greenery

We have seen such power, such political conviction, and natural vistas that have reminded us to be still and breathe with life around us. We were in Riobamba for their Independence celebration and awoke to a parade throughout the city streets. We ate so much street food here! Our favorite was Chileneos. We were hooked like little kids! Riobamba was way cool because we stayed with Wlady. Wlady is not a guide...he is in the field of ecotourism. It is very different and the love and commitment to sustainabilty shown sincerely in his eyes. His family was so generous. Wlady cooked us the most delicious Ecuadorian stew for dinner and told us of an Andean forest nearby. We went the next day and were in such awe of the greenery and of course...Tungarahuah (one of the most active volcanoes in SA). From Riobamba we headed NE about 2 hours to Banos. Banos is famous for its thermal baths and its location and a portal to El Oriente. I had one of the best days of my life here. We rented quads and explored the town, hiked up hundred of crazy steep steps to a monument overlooking the town, visited the coolest ecozoologico EVER, got facials. These facials were amazing! We got our feet massaged, our heads massaged...it was beautiful. The nexy day we hired a truck to carry our backpacks and rented bikes. We rode EL Routa De las Cascadas. It was around 60 kms and took us approximately 5 hours. What a way to enter the jungle eh. We were met by Marco at the terminal and he took care of us for the next 3 days. The highlight of our time in the jungle was the ayahuasca ceremony. And swimming in the river was pretty radical too. In the jungle I realized many things. I truly believe that there exists a ailment for every illness. It is so important to remain in touch with nature...

As of now, we are back in Quito! We love Quito mucho. And tomorrow, we will head North to Rhiannon...a sustainable village in the highlands where I will be working for about 2 weeks and Linda will be leaving me on the 1st! It has been real my homie.

I have a question for ya´ll. Tell me...is your LOVE enough? OR , can you LOVE some more!? Paz y amor, siempre. Ciaociao.

tranquilo. explore. coexist.

Isabela. Oh you of such diversity, such beauty. I reach your shores only to be endlessly welcomed. It is with every step, that I sink deeper in this fantacy that is your truth. I love your sounds, your spirits, your soul. Your people. So genuine, so giving, so joyous. The energy of the earth and of the sun and of the wind and of the wave. Isabela...me encanta.

We flew into Baltra from Guayaquil, took a speed boat to Puerto Ayora, and took another 3 hour boat ride to Isabela. Que viaje! Once we arrived at Nickolas house (another Peace Corp homie), we were welcomed by Reuben. Let me tell you, there is no one like this man! No one. His family is of the first settlers on Isabela. He brought us a Papaya, and that was the first thing that we ate of Galapagos. All of the neighbors are so relaxed, so curious, and very kind. The people of Ecuador go out of their way so naturally, desiring to help. Truly chill. One day we left in the morning while the neighbors were all shucking corn. A few hours later we returned to them collecting its kernels, right before sunrise they were grinding the kernels to a paste with a hand mill, and a few hourse later they brought us over something similar to tomales. These people take time, as it flows.

The next morning we rented bikes...the perfect way to explore an island! We discovered a turtle breeding center, a cemetary sitting just off the oceans shore, miles of virgin beach, a flamingo... The sun here is blazing, relentless, magnificent. Muy muy fuerte, mas que todos partes en el mundo. Salute! This night we played in la cucina and chilled with the locals.

The closest I have come to the realness of life was swimming with sea lions in open water. SO PLAYFUL. What a pleasure. I had a macho super curious with me as you will see in the video... We got an octopus from the ocean and later made ceviche con patacones. Ricorico! Right before sunset we visited the wall of tears, the oldest native tree of Isabela, and a mangrove of sweet water...made pure by the uv of the sun. Magic abounds.
Finally I must say that the Galapagos sky at night is brilliant...and I was so happy to catch a shooting star! Gracias a la universo!

Yesterday morning we left for Santa Cruz...at 6am...and watched the sky go wild as the sun rose. Te amo Isabela...y gracias por todos Nicholas! The island of Santa Cruz is much more inhabited and touristy than Isabela. We wanted to stay out of the sun because its force had become overwhelming, but after it chilled out somewhat we rented bikes and explored. We visited the Darwin Center and Tortuga Bay.

Today I am back in Guayaquil and we plan to leave for Riobamba tomorrow afternoon. Riobamba is recognized as the Sultan of the Andes and tomorrow there will be a celebration of their Independance. We hope to partake! LOVELOVELOVELOVELOVE. Peace ya`ll.