Ya Mismo. Tranquilo. Chevere.

While in Ecuador, as every moment passes, my reference with time is changing. Because we are located directly on the Equator the sun rises at 6am and falls at 6pm...every day. It is great, you always know when to see sunset...and the sunsets here are beyond words.

We have been traveling a lot! Pieces of me I have left in such special places and these places remain in me as well. It is a fair exchange. MINDO. Let me tell you this. Finding PEACE in Mindo is just as possible as catching a killer shot of a rare bird. It is so lush here and there are more species of birds in Mindo than any place in the world. You gotta go here Dad, such magic. Whil in Mindo we met a friend named Alicia! Muy Chevere. She works with Peace Corps and is from WA state! I thought I could cry to leave Mindo, however the force that pulls from other parts has its hold on me.

If you ask someone when the next bus will arrive, in confidence I tell you, they will likely answer with ¨Ya Mismo¨. This phrase is truly mystical. It may mean 20 minutes, quite possibly tomorrow, and the truth is you need to just chill, yet remain always ready. Its a good balance once it grows on you. I find myself embracing this beautiful philosophy, as much as I realize that society can not run in such a free way, it needs order. Oh the many balances of life! Okay now for digression once more...

I love zip lining! What a crazy way to view the forest! So far the most fun I have had is ziplining hands down. The highest we experienced was approximately 150 meters. During the hike, un buen amigo Javier asked if we were tired from the hike. He showed us these pods growing off a tree and showed us how to eat them. ¨Joyaca¨...que rico! I loved this eating wilderness concept. And I was truly energized.

As of now, we are in Montanita and have recently made our way down the coast. This will be another place for which I may return one day! Ahora, I cannot believe what I have seen and lived here. Such spirit, such art, such talent. I will update more on the coast soon, and I love you all. Oh and one last thing...when you look at the ¨owl butterfly¨, notice its disguise. As it opens its wings, it presents itself as an owls eyes, and on the tip of its wings, you may think it a snake. Now there´s natural phenomenon! Ciaociao!