idonotwantapickle.com / People ask why "Follow the White Rabbit". Whether you take it literally or metaphorically. Following the white rabbit means, to follow an unlikely clue, an innocuous unbelievable sign, to find oneself in the midst of more or less normal to extraordinary, marvelous, amazing circumstances that challenge one's fundamental beliefs, expands one's horizons and or perception of realities, transforms one's perspective and change one's life.
We had a wet landing on “Rabida Island” and a hike around a point. At the beginning of the trail as we rounded a corner a young Hawk was just sitting there. He was like 6ft. away from us as we passed and never moved. Later as we were on the other side of the point he landed in a tree right next to us. He was so curious. I was really amazed how close he was with not a care in the world. Beautiful! Later we snorkeled off the beach before heading back to the boat.
Woke up early as we arrived at “Chinese Hat”. Gee I wonder why they call it that. Two fishermen were anchored sleeping in their boat. When they got up to leave our boat crew gave them a couple of plates of food. They looked happy for getting a hot breakfast.
We had a wet landing and a hike along the shoreline. Our first encounter with sea lions in the wild. They just hung around not caring that we were there. Later in the morning we went snorkeling off the pangas. ( zodiacs ) We had short wet suits which helped because the water is a little chilly. One passenger Nora from Norway didn’t need a wet suit as the water was warm to her.
Day 1. I met the boat in Puerto Ayora. Flew into the airport took a bus to the water taxi then another bus into town. Finding the boat was a little adventure but a lady on the pier was a great help. It didn’t help that I was an hour late getting there.
By the afternoon 14 guests had checked onto the boat. We went ashore past the fish market to the Darwin center where they breed tortoises. After that back to the boat and the beginning of our cruise.
The Pallo Hidalgo family Edwin and Elena made me feel very welcome in their home in Tumbaco. Daniela, David, and Mateo, their children just added to the good times. I stayed in many places in Ecuador but this was by far my favorite. I learned so much from them about Ecuador. It was a great experience. Mi queridos amigos gracias por todas las sonrisas y un calico especial a la abuela!
Going to the mercado, walking to the neighborhood store, or sitting around the dinner table talking made me smile. Hearing about local customs, celebrations, work and school. I was invited to a family Baptista which was a lot of fun. They are opening their home as a B&B named Casa Kirei. Which I’m sure will be a success. In the town of Tumbaco, in the Churoloma area, in the neighborhood of Caizan.  Jonathan told me when he dropped me off to just remember “cuatro esquinas” the four corners and I could find my way from there. He was right all the locals know the place. Most taxi drivers would never find it unless local to the area. The streets are unmarked. Beautiful area! Wonderful people!
P.S. When asked for a dance it lasts for a half hour. By the end of one dance I needed oxygen and a towel.
They showed up right when we starting to snorkel.
One of my favorites. Fishing village at the end of the road. Maybe 200 friendly people. Road stops at the football field then park in the street and walk. Produce man had the motorcycle loaded down. Beautiful place.
Woke up this morning under 3 Quilted blankets. Sun is just coming up and the wind is howling. Layering the cloths for sure today. View from bed. I hope this place has hot water.
Left the coast this morning. Not sure how many beaches we checked out. Mauricio has been to at least 6 new places that he never heard of. Some very cool spots. I visited 4 different provinces for a total of 6 so far. Took a boat 20 miles off the coast to Isla de la Plata. The island is a national park. Hiked the trails the went snorkeling with manta rays, sea turtles, and all kinds of tropical fish. Saw lots of humpback whales all day.
This morning planning the trip back to Quito I picked a different route than was planned. Even Mauricio laughed half way through and said it was a great route. I saw some beautiful places early on that I want to get more information on but the places this afternoon were freaking amazing. Drove through the clouds into the sunshine simply breathtaking. Had a late lunch of grilled trout and potato soup in a small village at around 10,000ft. I booked a place to stay at the end of the road in a place called Chugchilan. It’s a touch chilly. The indigenous people have been wonderful and are more bundled up than me. I could spend a month just here fishing and hiking even though breathing is a chore. This is the Ecuador I really wanted to see.
Heading to Tambuco tomorrow to stay at Elena’s family B&B. It’s like a half hour or so out of Quito. I’m meeting Jonathan in the afternoon and he said he would drop me off. He said the road is not even marked and a driver would never find it. I think he’s joking but you never know. If so my kind of place.
So I haven’t been where I can upload any pictures and have no idea when I will be around a good Wi-Fi area. Maybe in Tambuco but I am not expecting it, if so I’ll do an update while I still remember where I was. Leaving for the Galapagos on Monday so after tomorrow I will be pretty much off the grid for almost two weeks. Yahoo!
Ya’all take care now ya hear!
Very small village. Spent the night here at Hosteria Guachapeli. Highly recommend this place. Sebastian the host is great. Great location and short walk to the beach. Had the beach pretty much to myself yesterday and this morning. Great breakfast included with stay. Love this place and will stay here whenever in the area.
