Guano

My disinterest in research sometimes back fires. I travelled to Riobamba, a must-see beautiful place. Well, it's a large town and did indeed have some nice parts. There is colonial architecture across the country which gives otherwise run down places an air of grandeur. There are a lot of public parks and statues and cleaner than some countries I have been to. The towns are generally on grid systems so quite easy to navigate once you recognise the street names. Upon arrival, I discover the reason tourists come here. It is the gateway to several mountain and volcano hikes, of the 2-3 day variety. After my experience in Cotapaxi (difficulty breathing due to altitude) and my general casual attitude to hiking, this is not for me. No worries, the hostel is interesting, art deco meets museum meets art gallery.

I also managed to find a bank that doesn't charge $5 to withdraw cash. Whilst in the bank, using my phone maps to work out directions, the armed guard let me know that phone use is forbidden in banks.

I forgot to mention that when I was in Quito there was a 5.5 earthquake but to be honest, I didn't feel it.

Also, something nice to mention, is that every where people are wearing their traditional clothes. In the big towns and cities, it's more the older people but in smaller towns it's everywhere. I don't really have photos because I believe it's rude to take photos of people going about their daily business. Black hats, black block heel shoes, knee high socks, velvet knee length skirts with highly decorated 15 cm hems, embroidered white blouses, alpaca ponchos... For the ladies. And in general, the people are much shorter than westerners by at least a foot or more.

The next day, I left.... Back on the public bus....hearing chirping/whining from a box. I asked the lady what was in the box. It sounded like a puppy.....but no, it was 3 day old chicks. They were so cute.Read more