I
decided to stay in Ecuador over our holiday break and I got to visit
some amazing places. I stayed near the Cotopaxi National Park and hiked
Pasochoa and it was amazing! It was definitely challenging but so worth
it when I reached the summit at 4,200 meters. When the other volunteers
returned at the beginning of January, they too agreed that we need to do
more active (free!) activities on the weekends. Since we work on
Saturdays we're often tired and just want to relax come later Saturday,
Sunday and even Monday. Living and working abroad is an incredible
experience but is pretty exhausting at times.
Last Sunday we finally committed to hike! Ilaló is a steep mountain with large cross on top - Ilaló means
cross in Kichwa. It is a short bus ride away and is a (supposedly)
relatively short 3 hour hike. However, it is straight uphill the whole
time. No breaks, just straight up. Kate, Jessa, Allegra & Perry (the
house dog), and I set out for Ilaló a
little later than expected so by the time we got there it was very hot.
We started on a winding stone path and I immediately felt the altitude
and how out of shape I was. After 2 1/2 hours of huffing, puffing,
stopping and creatively walking uphill backwards to work different
muscles we reached the top! And the view was stunning. We rested at the
bottom of the iconic cross, munched on our peanut butter and jelly
sandwiches and took it all in as Perry harassed the grazing cows.
The
way down was a workout in a different way as in we all had to brace
ourselves from tumbling back down the mountain. In under an hour we were
in a taxi ready to head back home - and that's including having to
restrain Perry while guys on dirtbikes zoomed by. We all collapsed on
the dining room floor but with joy and the adrenaline that comes from
conquering an amazing hike. This kind of outing will for sure be a
regular one for the Manna chicos!
~ Amelia Hulbert ~
~ Amelia Hulbert ~