Relaxation and Local Travels with Friends

As I prepare to go on two large trips—one next weekend to Cuyabeno, in the diverse Amazon Jungle, and one to Galapagos, a series of beautiful islands brimming with life—I take part in smaller trips with great views and exciting activities.  I spent Thursday night at a restaurant called Cactus, with my friend and coworker, Craig.  Craig, also an American and a teacher at Colegio Menor, shares a great deal in common with me, and we have become fast friends.  This weekend began with a much-needed relaxing Friday night at a local pizzeria, “Capuleto,” in downtown Quito.  About five of us spent a few hours dining and talking about life and our experiences; the multiple hours of dining and relaxing with friends is an Ecuadorian tradition.  Not many things here are done with great haste, and I am beginning to really enjoy that about this unique culture. 

I was up early on Saturday morning to meet our group of travelers, and head off to hike in the burned-out volcano crater, Pululauhua.  After a somewhat strenuous but gorgeous hike, we walked back into town and ate lunch at a famous local grill.  For the first time in my life (and possibly the last) I tried Cuy—which is Spanish for grilled Guinea Pig!  I only ate a small amount of the Cuy, but I had a plate of pork, potatoes, and some other Ecuadorian staples.  From the restaurant, we walked a few-hundred yards to the museum on the Equator line, better known as La Mitad del Mundo (The Middle of the World).  This was the second time I got a chance to stand on the Equator, and it was a great deal of fun; I even balanced an egg on a nail while standing on the Equator, and received a certificate for it.  Lastly, we took a tour and learned about some of the old, indigenous tribes of Ecuador, and about some interesting history of this diverse country.  Sunday will be a day of relaxation, grading papers, (which I have put off doing) and hopefully playing some soccer.  What an experience!