What to do after you've soared with Condors (Pelicans)

How do you top paragliding across the placid beaches of Ecuador? Well, really, you don't...but we did tick a couple more items of Megan's "Ecuador To-Do List" while she was here.

#1) Visit the equator. Good, now, where exactly is it? This looks impressive, must be the middle of the world:


There's an E, and an impressively think line, AND, what's that? A sign saying 0 lat/long???


Well, we made it, there's only one thing left to do:



Except, it's not the equator, not even close. The world famous Mitad Del Mundo is 240 metes off, but what the hell, it sure looks good!

#2) Visit Otavalo, the world's most impressive Andean arts bazaar.



Okay, but here's the thing. While it may be fun for tourists to haggle, as they've been told to do, over 25 cents, what I wonder, is, where are the people who make this stuff...and what's their cut? Because, come on, how come every single stall sells the exact same thing, no variations, no ingenuity, replica after replica. My theory? Because someone is getting paid less than the busboy at the Golden Corral Buffet to mass produce these crafts in a warehouse somewhere.


But, you gotta admit, those sure are some nice finger puppets.....

#3) Ramble around in the Andes. Easy enough, Megan and I just zipped up the Teliferi-Q, a ski lift mounted on the side of an active volcano, and there we were. Can't fake nature, well, except for the access to it:)


Cotapaxi was looking particularly nice across the valley....


And #4) Soak in a volcanic hot spring while gazing at the snowy Andes. Volcanic hot springs at Papallacata, check.



Views of snowy Andean peaks? Not a chance in the rainy season, but, damn those baths were good....




Finally, I just have to ask, does our new roommate Dave look like a tourist in this picture? Go ahead, he can take it....:)




Thanks for coming down Megan, it was great to see you!!!!!!!! Now, who's next? Jessica?