Quito

By the time we arrived into Quito, Ecuador and met Luis (aka monkey), we felt like we were meeting a long lost friend. We had already swapped a bunch of emails with him updating our progress, co-ordinating some volunteer work and suggesting attractions to take in Quito and the surrounding area. We were made to feel right at home with him and his beautiful family, Gabriel, Martin and Margarita who are just as wild about cycling as Luis.

Our time in Quito was divided up by volunteer work, taking in some of the beautiful colonial buildings of the old town with fellow cyclist Byron (www.byrongoessouth.com), getting firmly acquainted with the bus system, Belinda getting over the flu, resting, watching soccer on t.v. in every shop, utilizing a fully equipped kitchen to prepare a few meals and a prison visit.

Roland was a bit undecided and uneasy with the idea of a prison visit in Quito, when our host Luis first suggested it. After reading several blogs on the internet, he found myself wondering whom the visit was meant to benefit. It came across as either an exhilarating experience like that of sky diving or bungy jumping, or as a compassionate gesture that might break from the routine of prison life. As you can imagine, this prison are not an inviting place and once inside your free to roam around with all the inmates. The only thing that disguishes you from the prisoners are a series of stamps issued at various security check points. Lugging around a few grocery bags of food and toiletry items Roland went about searching for a Canadian inmate. Without going into too much detail, a scared Roland was impressed at the courage and mental toughness it takes to survive in a place like this, particularly when your a foreigner. Everything and anything is possible if the price is right. Roland still has mixed feelings on the experience.

When it finally came time to leave Quito, we thoroughly enjoyed our ride out of the city with Luis and the Ciclopolis crew (a cycling organization that promotes cycling and organizes a weekly ride through the city with roads cordoned off from traffic) escorting us to the city limits and beyond.

The Quilotoa Loop

The Quilotoa Loop was a much welcomed detour off the Pan American Highway and although the road was not favourable at times it provided some of the most spectacular scenery of our entire trip. The mountain ranges, the Andean highland villages, the crater lake of Laguna Quilotoa, the llamas and particularly the very friendly and excited children made the tough climbs, the cold wet days and unpaved rocky roads worth it. By far one of the best experience in Ecuador, even if Roland got it wrong and spent our last 5 dollars on a pair of warm alpaca wool socks.
 


Comments

Jo

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 22:01:35

I can imagine that going into a prison wouldn't be a comfortable experience. Wierd the way you are just walk around the place.

 

Emma

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 02:47:14

Far out! Some exciting adventures for sure!! So cool living vicariously through you!!!! Love the ALL the photos and videos!! That Prison visit sounded interesting/character building?! Can't wait to hear stories in real life! Love you guys, Emma xxx

 

Emma Abrahams

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:59:09

Your kids are going to think they have the coolest parents in the world, when they see this website and understand what an incredible thing you've done.
Love you guys heaps.
Emma A

 

Charlene Komish

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 10:47:29

Wow, what an amazing journey you guys are having. What an adventure. I love your commentary and especially the videos of you guys. You both look great!

 

James

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 10:27:47

Great photos, as always. Good to see you continue to have a great time and are doing well!

James in SF

 



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