Yesterday afternoon we visited the "Ciudad Mitad del Mundo" ....Middle of the World. Her we were able to put one foot in the Southern Hemisphere and one foot in the Northern Hemisphere. Actually the exact line of the equator shifts 5 KM but this was their best estimation for the monument. This morning we went to mass at "Iglesias de la Compania". It is said to be the most beautiful church in Ecuador and I would believe that to be true. There is gold leaf ev...

This morning the weather was clear and a good day to take the "Teleferico" to the top of the mountain. It is a tram that takes you to 13,000 feet. This was the highest elevation we have been at thus far this trip. It was a lift that takes us to the top for a spectacular view of Quito. It was an option to even hike further to the top but ....we passed on that. It was a fun day with Craig and Mariana. They hiked a bit further but we held out at the coffee shop...

Today we went back into Banos to check out the town a bit more. The weather was nice today so we decided to take a horseback ride up the mountain toward the volcano. It took us through the Ecuador countryside past farms until we began to climb, (glad we were on horseback). There had been a recent eruption of this volcano and we passed lava rock and volcanic ash and through a rocky river stream. We had a great view with cooperating weather. Appreciating the di...

We arrived in Banos ,Ecuador yesterday and got settled in at the Samari Resort and Spa. It is located just outside Banos in a beautiful setting and gardens. It had been the location of a Jesuit Monistary in the 1700's. Surrounded on three sides with mountains. Today we headed to the thermal hot springs in the morning and enjoyed the natural springs. In the afternoon we took a very fun waterfall tour into the canyon which is lush and green. The bus was open ...

Today Craig took us on a tour of the city. We visited the San Fransico Church and convent and then next to the Plaza of Independence. Every Monday the President makes an appearance on the balcony with a procession of decorated soldiers and horses. Quite a production and we had a great spot for viewing. We took time for coffee in the square which was a great spot with all it's history. We are certainly glad that we have Craig and Mariana with us to interpret b...