We woke up Monday (2/15/16) to a magnificent view of the mountains and gardens planted by Charito's parents many years ago.  Today was the day of the Yachak / Shaman, a teacher/priest, who was coming to share information about the original people of the land.  We call them indigenous people; however, they prefer Nations, Nationalities and Original People.   They comprise 40% of the population and have recently become very politically active in claiming their role in the land.  He was here to teach us about the Quitchua people and began with a religious ceremony. 

The Original People lead very spiritual lives and do not believe in death. Rather they believe we come from the spirit world and return to the spirit world and return in many forms in an endless cycle of life.

Quito means sun/fire and the opening ceremony dealt with the four element air/fire/water/earth.  We were asked to go into the garden and find a plant that appealed to us and bring a small handful of earth into the house to help build an altar.   On the way back, Martha, fell and injured her arm, so at the end of the ceremony,  we  watched the Yachak adjust, somewhat successfully, her arm so she could raise it and the pain lessened.  She continues to be very positive and the injury continues to heal. 

We gained great respect for the peoples' love of the mountains and how they interconnect with all people and all things.   Once again, we were reminded that we are all responsible for each other, the environment and the earth and how interdependent we are on each other.  Our morning session ended with sharing chicha, a fermented beverage that is used in spiritual ceremonies.  Photo of Rose tasting the drink is below.

Mid-day we broke for lunch at Cafe de la Vaca, which is renown for its incredible Ecuadorean food.  (Note the Photo of Charito and the Yachak in the back of a taxi/pickup truck on our way to lunch.)  A few photos of food below.  We refueled at lunch and headed up the mountain for another session with the Yachak in two taxis's.  At this point our Restorative Journey turn into adventure tourism.  We  left the main roads behind the moment we disembarked in Machachi and were often traveling roads used only by the mountains' inhabitants and agricultural workers. 

Photos below barely tell the tale of the mountain ride. The road was barely two ruts, spaced just about right for pickups and so we continued up the mountain looking for the perfect spot to meditate and listen to the Yachak.  Suddenly the road was blocked by a huge potato harvest truck facing down the mountain. We were in a standoff.  It wasn't moving, so neither could we.  Fortunately a member of the harvesting crew offered to show us a path our trucks could use to get past the other one.  So we backed down the mountain, with him in the back guiding.  (Ruth, Mary Lu, Rose Mary and I double checked our seat belts.  Martha was in the other truck with Charito and the Yachak.)  We found the path, circumvented the potato truck and continued up the hill until a favorable spot was found.   It was freezing!    (Note:  Ecuador weather is very changeable.  Cold at night, warming up a bit in the day, and cooling down in the afternoon or at any time depending on location. Thankfully we brought winter jackets and flannel pajamas.) 

We didn't stay long on the mountain. Maybe 15 minutes -- and started back down.  In total the round trip was 2 hours......of laughter; incredible views; lots of bouncing around and wondering if our travel insurance would cover mishaps.)

Safely back in the cottage (that has two bathrooms, three bedrooms, a living/dining room, sitting room, and kitchen.)  I seized the moment and took a photo of laundry, hung in the back yard.  It belongs to the family of four (mother, father, 8 year old son and 14 year old daughter) who live in the two room house in the picture.  They contain bedroom, living area, bathroom and  kitchen.   A sharp contrast in lifestyles.

Our day concluded with more time spent with the Yachak and hearing stories and traditions of the Quinchua people.  They have no Adam and Eve story but rather one of a grandfather farmer, who leaves his house every day to farm.  One day he returns and the fire is lit and the table is set and dinner is ready, but no one there.  This happens repeatedly until one day he pretends to go to the fields and hides and sees a small bird lands on the roof; enters the house; and the same scenario takes place. Eventually the grandfather realizes the bird turns into a woman who does all the work then flies away.  However, he can never trap her. One day he sneaks up on her and throws his red poncho over her head and she is trapped....the rest is history.