Road trip with Henry and Sharlene. 5 hours outside Quito deep in the Andes at the Black Sheep Inn. Wonderful eco-lodge, with amazing meals, cozy rooms and amazing views!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Quilotoa Lake
One of the most beautiful sites in the world. A 3km wide lake inside a collapsed volcanic crater at 3600 mtrs above sea-level. Still active and bubbling. We hiked down an hour past sheep and goat, rode out to the center of the lake, all to ourselves, and rode back up on horse.
Andean People - Quilotoa
Traveling deep into the Andean mountain region, we came across many colorful Kichwa speaking Indian people. It was amazing to interact and talk with the locals, even driving one of the couples back to their local village.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Plane Crash
The fog is so intense here. Surely a factor in a plane crash, 500 meters from my house. My heart goes out to the victims. This is the 5th plane crash in the neighborhood since the 90's!!
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/03/19/world/main4878091.shtml
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Lazy Sunday Drive
My mind a blur from the usual Sunday morning hang-over, I decided to take-off for a drive with no particular destination in mind. I just wanted to get a taste of the indigenous cultures and get off the beaten path.
First stop was San Pablo de Lago. Rather than view the lake from a distance, I entered "downtown" through a muddy unpaved road. Locals were struggling to keep their homes from flooding. I strolled around in the rain in downtown San Pablo del Lago (1st photo above) feeling clearly out of place, but enjoying it.
Next stop was Otavalo where I had been before but only to the markets. The town was charming. Check-out the head shot of the Incan General Rumiñahui juxtaposed against the backdrop of a church. I am intrigued by the culture of Otavalenos. The women proudly wear traditional clothes layered with gold jewelry. Apparently, this is the closest to the original Incan fashion - based on my quick research.
Last stop, La Cascada de Pechuga - gorgeous waterfall and some Incan ruins. (Thanks to Satya for the tip)
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Marlboro Beach House
We opened up a beautiful Marlboro Beach House all throughout March, near Salinas. On opening day, we had 640 guests who were lounging by the pool during the day and dancing to music by night.
I got so sunburned that my face was peeling all week!
Party NIghts Salinas
Few snaps from after-beach party in Salinas with co-workers (and Marlboro Hostess). I temporarily started growing a beard since my last vacation.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
