Exploring Local Spots and An Adventure in Mindo

During the week, I get somewhat bored if I stay in my host home every night, and never get out to explore.  So, I take many opportunities to immerse myself in this culture by going out to restaurants, (whether they are my favorites, or new ones) stopping at La Baguetteria for “Pan de Yuca y Café,” playing soccer in the small park in my neighborhood or with locals, hanging out with friends I have made at Colegio Menor, or watching soccer and rooting for the Ecuadorian side.  I try to get out and enjoy this culture, this language, and this food whenever I can; it is always worth it.

I woke up just after daylight on Saturday to get dressed, eat breakfast, and head to the bus station.  Mindo, Ecuador was our destination, and it was a great weekend to go.  We arrived in this small town west of Quito, which is surrounded by cloud forest, in about three hours; we were held up a few times by the typical mudslides.  We checked in to our beautiful but inexpensive hostel, and went to lunch in the middle of the tiny, serene town.  After lunch we went straight to the cloud forest hike to the one-hundred and fifty foot “La Reina” waterfall.  It was gorgeous.  I enjoyed standing only feet away from the powerful giant of the thick woods—being sprayed with both water and mist.  After the hike, we went to the local “Frog Concert,” to hear the many frogs, and to search for many species of such animals and others, in the night.  We had a good time, as we got a chance to see hummingbirds, different species of frogs, toads, and spiders.  After eating a wonderful Ecuadorian dinner, we slept to prepare for Sunday’s activities. 

Sunday morning was also an early one, with my friend Craig and I doing a five to six mile run through the rocky roads of the bright green hills of Mindo.  After the run, we ate a great breakfast and went to the zip-lines.  We all did a total of ten zip-lines—each one stretched over deep valleys of thick forest, and overlooking beautiful landscape.  The canopy tour was extremely fun, and I tested my wits by shooting down the cable upside-down and backwards, as well as in “The Superman” position on the longest and highest cable, which does not need an explanation.  It was incredible.  Another great weekend in another fascinating place—in the same awe-inspiring country.