Just a sample from the full photo album at: http://picasaweb.google.com/rebeckyroseBack at the university, for a full week of classes. Last weekend up in the mountains (I mean, I already live some 10,000 feet up, but this was even higher), was a truly enjoyable experience.
As with most future plans in Ecuador, no one in our group really knew what to expect. We had been given a brief e-mail instructing us to bring warm clothes, sunscreen, and hiking boots. That was in fact the best advice we could have hoped for, because it was incredibly cold at times, yet the sun, being closer to us than any other humans on the planet, was incredibly strong. And hiking we did, up and down the páramo.
The páramo is an ecosystem that lies up in the Andes. Water is collected in massive quantities, and apparantly the Amazon is nourished by this collection, as it flows downward. Because of this, farming, development, etc that takes place way up high could drastically effect the Amazon if taken too far. Thick, tall grasses abound up there, and volcanic rock is strewn everywhere from the 15 volcanos in the surrounding areas. Not as eerie as the desert, but not an entirely welcoming place either. Beautiful though, especially when the clouds clear and the massive mountain peaks can be seen on all sides.
Much bushwhacking was done Sunday, yes literally, because there were no trails to speak of and our guide, the owner of the Hacienda, was one of those slightly wacky guys with a lot of zest for life and taking us into thick underbrush with no real plan ("How about a little adventure?" he would say, and off we went).
In addition to the fun, yet tiring, hike Sunday, we had the pleasure of eating delicious food, with cheese at every meal, as it was a cheese making place. The family who ran the Hacienda was very interested in the "mestizo" theme, incorporating traditional Spanish and Incan dishes together, as well as cultural traditions from both sides. I enjoyed this multi-cultural celebration, in fact the name of the Hacienda, "El Sinche" is a Kichwa word meaning "strong, valorous, brave."
And then there was horseback riding! I must say, it was the first legitimate horseriding I believe I've ever done (pony rides 15+ years ago in Oklahoma hardly count). And, I loved it. I rode three different horses in our couple of hours there, which was great because I was able to feel out how each horse acts completely different, not to mention being quite different sizes. We stayed in an enclosed area, so there was no galloping through the countryside, but many of us have plans to return to this Hacienda and maybe I will have my chance yet.
Basically I was pleased with this trip because although the Hacienda is just getting its start at a place for tourists to stay and enjoy their time (apparantly we were the first group for an overnight) their mentality of sustainable tourism, organic farming and cheese making, and general love of life goes hand in hand with how i think the world should be. I know these movements are beginning to take shape in the states, but it is even more uplifting for me to see it enacted in other countries.
A long post indeed, I chuckle because I told so many people before I left that my blog would be "picture heavy" Well, photography is not my forté, so a little mix will have to do. More from the equator soon!
1 comment:
My own experience tells me that if the physical environment is beautiful then taking 'good' photographs is not very difficult :). But photographic skill of course can elevate a picture. I enjoyed all of yours. You are blessed to be in a place where nature and culture conspire to produce breathtaking vistas and jovial colors.
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