In fact, we are very much alive and alert. So is the volcano we live next to, we have had the privilege to watch our neighborhood volcano Tungurahua spew molten volcanic rocks during select nights, and hear the mountains anxious growls during the day.
We are still enjoying the rambunctious company of our ninos, but last week decided to take a break from Colada and Tungurahua´s blinding ash, and head to the coast!
First we stopped off in Quito to join in the celebrated Quitumbe music festival where we saw the reggaeton legends Calle 13 and Bob Marley´s Wailers. We had beautiful weather and were spoiled by our Quito host. We got to explore more of the city and prepare for the 9 hour night-bus ride to tha coasta!
On Tuesday morning we arrived in Ecuador´s celebrated Tuna capital, Manta. When we stepped off the bus, we immediately sensed the coastal mood. We were no longer sucking thin 9,000-foot-altitude air, but instead were greeted with the oceans crisp smell on every inhale. The weather was and remained warm and relaxing for our entire journey. It felt like summer time. Plus we loved being able to swim in our Pacific Ocean without a full body wetsuit!
After spending a few days in the streets and beaches around Manta and eating up lots of seafood we (Courtney, Lisa(our Austrian) and I) started hitchhiking down the coast. Before reaching our destination Puerto Lopez, we were able to stop off at remote beaches and neighborhood ice cream shops in between rides. In Puerto Lopez we met up with David (our massage therapist/surfing fanatic host). He took us to his home, showed us the tent we would spend the next few nights in and introduced us to his Mama and two younger brothers. After unloading our stuff we were ready for the beach. Out of town we walked past ¨No Trespassing - Turtle Hatching Area¨ signs to get to the secret beach La Playita. We played in the water until a family-run fishing boat cruised by, picked us up and took us fishing til sunset.
The next few days we spent on the beaches surfing, playing soccer, collecting seashells, taking photos, dancing at neighborhood parties, and of course, swimming. We stayed salty and happy, only occasionally taking showers by pouring bowls of fresh water on ourselves.
On Saturday we set out for Montanita, Ecuador´s notorious party beach. We spent the night partying along the beach at cocktail stalls, in the streets, and in the bars. Shoes were optional. After recuperating on the beach we returned to P.L. the following day.
For our last day in Puerto Lopez we joined a boat full of tourists and drove over an hour to the Isla de la Plata island - aka ¨the poor man´s Galapagos¨. Our tour took us on a hike around the island, where we learned about the rare blue-footed, red-footed and masked boobies, frigates and fauna all of which we observed in their natural habitats. Afterward we fed turtles and snorkeled with schools of fish along a coral reef!
That night we radically changed our altitude once again. We returned to the Sierra, and back to our pueblito Salasaca. On Thursday morning we were welcomed back to school with enthusiastic hugs and endless questions from our kids.
School days have become more and more dedicated to the upcoming winter solstice/Christmas performance set for next Tuesday. We´re crossing our fingers, hoping for a smooth and theatrical execution in front of all the parents.
We will happily spend our Christmas here in Salasaca surrounded by our wonderful friends and loads of home-brewed sugar cane alcohol (canelazo), Yonif (our favorite card game) tournaments, and delicious meals around an open fire.
Happy Holidays everyone, we miss you all!
pictures here: !!! :)
http://picasaweb.google.com/courtneybratrude/Ecuador#
http://picasaweb.google.com/courtneybratrude/Ecudor02#
