Laguna Quilatoa

So, I successfully flagged the correct bus from the highway and made it to the little city of Latacunga. My bag also successfully made the trip. YEAH! I was really proud of myself, as this was the first trip I really made TOTALLY on my own (there always seems to be some other traveller who I always meet up with!) But, as soon as I stepped off the bus, there they were. A swiss couple who had also just arrived. We found a hostel together. Add to this a guy from California who I met in the Internet cafe later that night, and you have my "Latacunga-Quilatoa crew!" The next morning we would all troop to Lake Quilatoa...

The absolutely gorgeous bus ride to the little indiginous town of Zumbahua en route to the crater lake Quilatoa.And then, another 20 minute ride in the back of a pick-up truck to the entrance to the Lake. That´s Brad from California on the left and Naomi and Pascal on the right.OK. we made it. But first, this soldier asks to take a picture with the "gringas!"There she is! LAguna Quilotoa. The huge crater lake formed by a volcanic eruption 200 years ago. MUY BONITA!Starting the climb down. MUCH easier than the verticle, hour and a half climb up. This sign cracked me up. The top line said "Easy access vegetation" in Spanish.

The second line was the english translation of this, " Easy aseches vegetation."

I am just confused on so many levels....Pondering the long way down...I made a little buddy at the bottom when I gave him my melon. Also, please notice the sunburn. This is with SPF 50 on. Sigh.

We had a nice wait for the bus back to Latacunga in Zumbahua, a little indigenous village. ..



OK, I feel so bad for the women of Ecaudor. The things they carry on their backs...it´s insane!! You never see a man carrying anything, but a little old lady will have a big sack of potatoes on her back. Typical.