Sunday morning we will begin our journey toward the Amazon Rain-forest of Ecuador. An organized journey, created by the Pachamama organization designed to introduce western cultures to the traditional amazonian cultures. A rare and once in a lifetime privilege for someone like me.
It was good for me to arrive a coupe of days early. A chance to catch up a little on some rest. Creating some distance from the hectic run until the wheels fall off the wagon pace that has been going on ever since Wondrous Creatures was published. The last two months were fun, seeing the book come to life and being used by students, teachers and parents was a real thrill.
The hotel arranged a pickup for me at the airport, a nice touch when you land at 11 pm.
Arriving early offered me the chance to look around some of Quito for a few days. The last time I was here was in 2004, and at the time I was very sick. It was nice to see Quito in a healthy state! It's a lot more fun to travel when you feel good.
The Ecuador government rolled out the red carpet to welcome me to South America!
Okay, maybe not, but it was fun to see.
Quito is a sprawling city of 2.5 million people that covers the floor of several valleys and hill tops.
I love the shining faces of South America.
Bright lights.
I haven't done independent travel since my 2007 journey and have felt a bit rusty. But that rust is quickly wearing off as I remembered how fun it is to engage with school kids. I still remember how to teach the Hokey Poky. My heart sang with joy as these kids giggled with delight. The teacher came up to me as I was leaving and said; "thank you for being so kind to the students."
Tomorrow we will begin the 10 day journey. Look for me in a couple of weeks, I am sure to have amazing stories and photos to share.
It feels so good to be back out in the world again!
Let the journey begin.
Cheers,
Dean
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