never trust the rutter on any boat or even the young man steering it

This is the eye opener for me as to what we will expect for the next several weeks and months as we use our legs, feet and sense of direction more than anything. I knew coming into this trip that we will be experiencing things no normal person would imagine doing. The trials of elevation, hunger, identifying where is where and how to get there. Mind you this is only day 3 and we haven't touched even a fraction of what we'll experience. Today we met up with Noelani, Mary and Gabriel at the Parque la Carolina, one of many parks in Quito, where we immediately paddle-boated with senor gabriel, grabbed some delicious grub and watched kids take on half pipes and skate bowls which fill a large section of the park(similar to what you would see in venice beach). I enjoyed a sugary fruit cup at one of the numerous food stands as my first course of the day which involved different tropical fruit pieces adorned with a nice thick dark red syrup with strawberries that just looked deathly, finally dolloped with a healthy dose of stiff whip cream that tasted like passion fruit juice had been folded in. But ofcourse, right!? At first, i wasn't sure if it was worth the $1 dolar but looking at the work that went into it all, at that point i didn't mind how small a portion or everlasting i wished it to be. I simply just wanted more. I have had this strange idea albeit my stubborn way to live off fruits, vegetables and grains on this trip. Not right away and certainly not excluding an occasional protein. I'm really just excited about the different fruits here, most of which i noticed later today as we ventured into a mega-max(a nod to Targets, Walmarts in the states). These large stores are not something that Ecuadorians, no, even most South Americans have really been accustomed to or had the convenience of such as us in North America. Not that i am in favor of them back home, but i respect that they exist here.

Anywho, the fruits and vegetables all look delicious. Like coffee and most chocolate, alot of the good stuff is imported strangely enough from a neighboring country. All an inkling of what to expect as we get closer to farms and the amazon. The highlight of today could have only been our quick drive up the mountains to TeleferiQo: a gondola set up that brings you high above the city of Quito through the puffy clouds and luscious green-scapes that cover the elevation and distract you from even thinking about height. Baby cattle wander the surroundings, locals passing by via horse back and you just scowering the dirt paths like there is nothing that can stop you(except maybe a few ominous dark clouds hovering and teasing). We got some good shots going up as the clouds were heading further into the city which gave us the notion to bet on taking the trek up to TeleferiQo today rather than another day. Sadly, we knew our voyage back down would be not as scenic. Nevertheless, an amazing experience i'll never let go and to be with family it was all the more worthwhile. A cool touristy section in between the gondola ticket office was a mini carnival equipped with tons of rides and a large arcade center. Pretty snazzy set up in the high peaks of the capital city of Ecuador, i must say. A great marketing scheme and wise move for families travelling with their kids.

Overall, Quito is a nice stop for anyone travelling or place to get your bearings straight if you're flying in as we did. It's something i discovered on my trip through Ireland with my Nana back in spring of 2007. Our first four days in the country was spent in Dublin. Most everyone knows or has an idea that it's a large city, but when you're actually there for majority of your trip or for awhile anyway, it gets to be overwhelming. More so than the hiking or excursionismo called here, that is the main part of this entry. I am and i will further enjoy the cities because of what they represent, but i can't possibly voice it or type here how badly excited i am to be heading south and further towards the jungle areas.

I have personally made contact with our first farm, in southern Ecuador, 50 miles near the Peruvian border past the city of Vilcabamba(perhaps the largest city nearby). The journey from here is a haul, but it's exactly where we want to be heading. The person who owns the farm is american or atleast seems to be with a name like, "Nurse Mike". One of many farms i contacted before we left Ohio. We will probably end up there at the end of the month as we follow the country south hitting some other well-known towns and cities including Lutucanga, Banos, Puyo, Cuenca, etc. I would like Bri and i to volunteer two weeks time there as it appears we are allowed to be there for as short as a week if we want to. It would give us enough time to really set ourselves into the farming realm of things, where the focus of this trip has honestly been. The schematics of getting to Vilcabamba seem easy and comforting enough and from there the farm is only about an hour walk. More details will follow as i officially implement this plan into our calendars, so stay tuned...

Until then, this week's itinerary looks to be quite a brave and rewarding of an experience. Tomorrow, we leave early towards Mitad del Mundo or otherwise known as the middle of the world where it was discovered and proven that the equatorial line existed, just north of Quito. I know i am looking forward to the museums there that display scientific demonstrations of water and energy and whatever else may be lurking around the city. We will stay overnight there and proceed back to our comforting hostal Secret Garden, Tuesday, to have one of our last meals in the capital city with Noelani and Mary. Later in the week is where we will venture away towards Lutucanga, a city that is an open door to the infamous Quilotoa Loop, a lake that sits in a crater surrounded by small villages, an a host to one of the most talked about and intense hikes in Ecuador(Markus and our other well known close avid hikers: if this doesn't turn you on, i don't know what would). For us to experience the whole test, it would take us atleast three days to span the whole crater. The views from what i've read and seen are tempting and captivating. I look forward to the draw of this trip that will mark our first real endurance and stamina levels. Rest assured, we are well-equipped for the journey ahead. Until then, keep your eyes open and your plantains ripefully peeled.

Bon Voyage-Ameen

currently listening to: Zola Jeus-Vessels-Conatus
                                     Chelsea Wolfe-Unknown Rooms: a collection of acoustic songs
                                     Gabrielle Aplin-e.p.
                                     Give-boots of faith-flowerhead