12-08-2011
Drove a part of the Quilotoa loop. The Andes is beautiful, on the drive saw quite a few snow covered volcanoes. Also saw a man in orange Lycra on his balcony cycling on an exercise bike, watching the traffic go by.
The people here remind me of the mountain people in Darjeeling, they have similar features and dress in the same manner. We crossed quite a few non touristy, small villages, life seems so simple here. I was walking and thinking how untouched it was from the outside world till I came across a sign for the Internet cafe.
We were trying to take pictures along the way to capture the beauty but the amazing feeling of actually viewing it is something different. The Lake Quilotoa , a crater lake, is dazzling. Sadly we were too late for the hike today so will have to come back in the morning for it.
From the lake to the Chugchilan, the village we stayed at, was an hour's drive downhill on a dirt track . The Black Sheep Inn, one of the best Eco lodges in the world, made the trip worthwhile. Owned and run by two backpackers who visited the area in 1993 and never looked back. Very well done, the toilets look out into the wilderness , the yoga studio is mainly glass and opens out into a sun deck with beautiful views. The gymnasium is done up with weights made of recycled wood and stone. They even have a sauna and hot tub. The food here is only vegetarian, makes it great for me.
Have a lot planned for tomorrow.
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