Monday, July 26, 2010

Hi there!!

Sorry that this has been so long coming - we´ve been pretty isolated again with not a lot internet access! To pick up where we left off - an all day mission from Banos took us to Cuenca. We really had no idea what to expect from the colonial city but it was a natural stop between Banos and our next destination Vilcabamba. Cuenca was SUCH a pleasant surprise. I think we were all wary of going back to a big city after being so isolated for so long but Cuenca was beautiful. So many old colonial buildings and plazas! The night we got there we met a really nice couple from Ireland and together with them and a couple other people from the hostel went out for a Mexican meal. The following day we headed out in search of breakfast and ended up taking a tour of the city as NOTHING was open! After a delicous brunch we stepped out side and it was raining! Our first really crummy weather of the trip and the executive decision was made to go to the movies. So we went and so the Back Up plan with JLo and it was a great afternoon! That night we went to an amazing restaurant called Cafe Eucalyptus and ran into TWO different couples that we had met earlier on our vacation. Small world!

The next morning it was off to Vilcabamba - I don´t think we really gave Cuenca enough time to appreciate it but we all left feeling like it was a great little city and one that we could spend a while in!

NOW! Vilcabamba is basically my idea of paradise. Hot weather, a pool, a private room and mountains (the other girls would surely add cheap massages to the mix as well!). The hostel we stayed at was run by a German couple so the restaurant specialized in German food! Such a nice change from Mexican and South American cuisine and they still had enough gluten free choices for Les! The hostel was a bit outside of the town and we kept meaning to go into town for dinner but for 5 nights in a row we ate at the German restaurant ahaha - it was just that good.

We spent most of our time in Vilcabamba relaxing and hiking which is a great combo. We hiked up the major mountain in the area called Mandango which is a very cool walk along a very narrow ridge line. Leslie and Allison took advantage of the amazing spa at the hostel where hour long full body massages were 15 bucks! All in all a VERY restful and relaxing place and one I would recommend to ANYONE! We were sad to go as this would be our last stop in Ecuador but Peru was calling! More on that to come!

4 comments:

  1. Sounds amazing! I hope Peru can exceed or at least equal the awesomeness that you guys have experienced in Ecuador! I'll be seeing you guys in just about a week! Can't wait!

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  2. Wow! Sounds like so much FUN!
    You are so lucky that you've been travelling for 3 weeks and this was your first day of lousy weather. Great reason to hunker down for some quality rom-com culture. It honestly rained the whole time we were in Japan - so you are doing well!!

    Keep the stories coming!!
    xxooxox

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  3. HELLO from PONDEROSA!!
    This is Emily, Meredith, Joan, Joan, Randy, Mo, Christiane, Angela, Carol, Keith, Vanda, and Peter! Sounds like you guys are having an amazing time. Stop drinking the water!!! We have a bucket full of Cipro, and we all feel GREAT! G&T's are keeping us all healthy! We miss you guys, but since you're having such a wonderful, we don't feel that bad! Weather's been HOT, you have to swim every 15 minutes!

    keep the info train rollin!
    -ponderosa peeps

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  4. AWW! Hey guys!

    Sounds like fun - we would be jealous but are also living the good life so we can´t say much! Thanks for the PP update! Say hi to everyone!

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