After all the trekking over the past couple of days, we decided to take it easier and just visit some sites near "downtown" Mindo.

We got up a little later and ate our breakfast down in the lobby to avoid the nuisance of little black bees. They love the fruit and anything else on the table when we eat on the terrace in the room. There were still some of the little b*****s trying to OD on fruit juice, but not nearly as bad.

After breakfast, one of the owners gave us a ride into town and dropped us off near an orchid exhibit. This place has over 250 kinds of orchds gathered from the surrounding cloud forest. Apparently there are over 3,000 varieties in Ecuador. After paying an entry fee (nothing is free here), a young woman escorted us around, giving names of each we examined. Most were small so she used a magnifying glass to help us see them. They are all quite unique, as far as flowers go. After about 20 mintues of exploring, she told us there was a hummingbird feeder around back and that we were welcome to view them. There were several hummingbirds flockng around a feeder. We looked for a little while, but soon left as we knew our next stop was a hummingbird viewing site.

We made our way out of the orchid place and walked a short distance to the hummingbird place. It didn't look like anyone was there, so Lisa rang the bell. A woman appeared who spoke only Spanish, and she somehow informed us the entry fee was $8 (again, nothing is free). She led us around back where we immediately saw about half a dozen feeders and dozens of hummingbirds. There were perhaps 5 different varieties all vying to get to the feeders. It was amazing seeing so many at once. All of the wings buzzing sounded like a large fan was running in the background. We viewed them for several minutes knowing that we may not see another viewing like this, or at least not anytime soon. Near the end of our time, we noticed one bird perched atop of a feeder. Anytime another bird tried to feed, it would escort them away, as though it owned the feeder. It only fed once or twice, spending most of the time in a defensive position. I guess they are very territorial, or at least this one was.

After that, we headed back toward the center of town and then up a block to the Quetzal Chocolate Factory. We entered the place and were warmly greeted. We then paid the fee ($20) for the chocolate tour. We and a family of four (two adults and two rambunctious boys) were seated at a table where the tour guide told us of chocolate: how it is grown and processed into edible chocolate. He gave us some samples as he explained the process that included a fresh cocoa bean. It was kind of sweet and slimy. The chocolate part is within the bean itself, and he warned us not to bite into it due to the bitterness. After the explanation at the table, we went into a nearby field where cocoa and other plants were growing. He then showed us how they ferment and dry the beans. Last were the parts where they grind the bean and separate the shell, and the the further grinding of the beans into raw cocoa. From there, sugar is added as well as possible flavors (nuts, ginger, chili, etc.) and turned into bars, powder and syrup. We then went back to the table for further sampling of several types of finished chocolate. It was all quite good. After a purchase at the gift shop, we headed out for our lunch time treat: wood-fired pizza!

The restaurant was mostly empty, except for a couple others. We were waited on promptly and after a short wait, it was pizza time. It has a nice, crisp, thin crust, with cheese, ham, and artichoke hearts. Very tasty and not too filling. We were surprised to have such a good pie in a cloud forest in Ecuador.

We then went (back) out into the rain and looked for an open taxi. We soon found one, only to discover that it was locked and the driver was nowhere to be found. We waited what was perhaps 10 minutes with no way to call for a ride. Then, out of nowhere, a taxi appeared and swept us away back to our temporary sanctuary. We finalized our arrangements for dinner, breakfast , and our ride out of here to the next place. Let me tell you, it isn't cheap to get around in private around here. Sure, buses are super cheap, but they are crowded and sometimes not that safe. So, out came the credit card for a private ride ($150). They have you over a barrel, and I think they know it.

So here we are, having spent a few days in Mindo. It has a lot to offer besides the frequent afternoon rain and some nasty insects. It is rich with nature...hostile nature. I can't imagine trying to settle this place in the early days. Then again, there is no shortage of water here.