Tren Ecuador leaves early a.m. on weekends.  On Valentines' Day it was packed with hundreds of  sweethearts of all ages.  Some of the tourists enjoyed the scenery, many of them had eyes only for each other and never noticed the trees or mountains. ( One has to wonder how many engagements took place that day.)   It is a tourist destination train  across Ecuador to the various volcanoes (some active, but not today).  We were on the train from Quito to Machachi with an historic steam engine built in Philadelphia during the last quarter of the 19th century.  It was a day trip , so the site of six Americans with LOTS of luggage was  an unusual site and a challenge for the train's crew -- what to do with all our stuff?! They were most kind and we were off on time.   

Trains have a universal appeal, dozens and dozens of people lined the streets, stopped work, leaned out of windows and waved as the train moved from the city to the country.(Note:  Graffiti artists are given grants by the government for their work.)   Security motorcycles stayed with the train at all times.   They were there both for security and to serve as Railroad crossing guards by proceeding the train to the next stop to signal the train was on its way!  Very comfortable seats, first class restroom, and club car with fantastic coffees, chips and snacks. 

A short stop afforded time for photos.  As I stood in front of the train for a photo for train-loving grandkids, the train lurched forward - see photo below!   At the half-way point, the historic engine was switched for a new electric one from Spain.   On arrival we were greeted with complimentary cups of a local herbal tea sweetened slightly with pure cane sugar.  From there, passengers walked in the forest, ate in the cafe, and/or visited the few artisans selling crafts.  The most charming artisan was a nine year old girl, who with her mother, made hundreds of small felt trains given as souvenirs to all travelers. 

An hour later, we climbed aboard for the last leg of our journey.  We pulled into Machachi Station to be greeted by two local dance teams telling their cultural history through dance, which included caballeros with lariats and young couples with the young women sewing home goods.  When our train car was called, off we went to lunch in La Granja la Estacion  the grand house of a farmette that was owned by Charito's  father and mother and is now owned and operated by her cousin. 

A second greeting, this time by a Mariachi Band!  Their music was energizing and everyone was ready to dance.  I missed much of the music, as Charito had volunteered me to be interviewed by a local student who had to complete an interview with someone using only English.  What a great kid!  His dream is to move to Miami and go to Pilots School.   Our paths crossed when Charito met his parents (Mom's name is also Charito)  while searching for someone to haul our luggage up the mountain to her house and they volunteered to do so.  So she volunteered me.....we got the light end of the bargain and Charito and I had great fun learning about the family. 

Next was a yummy and lunch served in beautiful surroundings.  After that a trip to the animal farm, with a photo stop in Charito's cousins' carriage and a visiting the animals, which included horses, cows, donkeys, ducks, geese, alpaca's, llama's, pot bellied pigs, chickens, goats and a peacock. 

We spent a relaxing time waiting for transportation to arrive to take us to Charito's home.  Taxis run on a different system in parts of Ecuador than in the States - so flexibility  and patience is required. However, six women (all friends) far away from home with no pressing responsibilities to take care of within the next week and a half are certainly capable of finding things to laugh and talk about. 

Finally, our taxi arrived  (photos of local taxi in a day or so) and we traveled up the mountain road less traveled to Charito's  wonderful cottage "Bella Vista" - our home for the three days.  

We were blessed with perfect weather for Saturday's planned trip to the top of Mt. Pichincha, 14, 000 feet about sea level and reached via cable car.  As well as a must visit tourist stop, it is a site sought out by bikers from around the world.  Check out the cable car, Titus, bicycle racks adorn every car and  a zig-zag path has been created for travel down the mountain.  The altitude was seriously affecting one of us on the ride up the mountain.  The value of Reiki was demonstrated, when Charito move next to her and used Reiki to calm her anxiety and give her a peaceful experience at the top of the mountain. 

The photos give a small idea of the beauty of  top of the mountain and include Mary Lu's having photography fun and Charito's giving thanks to the mountain for being there for us and moving the clouds away, to show the full beauty of the Mt. Pichincha.  Additionally, there is a photo of a very old and still used picnic area.  Great care has been taken to preserve the sanctity of the mountain. and preserve the environment.

From there, we drove through new and old sections of Quito to the home / museum  / and Chapel of Man, which was built and donated to the people of Quito by internationally recognized artist, Oswaldo Guayasamin (1919 - 1999).  As an expressionist artist, he used his gift to force others to see the pain, grief and horrors that people can bring upon each other. As we left his house we read a quote of his which said (paraphrase) We are responsible for all the children of the world, as if they were all our own, if we do not accept that responsibility we will be a burnt ember hurtling through  space.  If you do not know his work, please take time to visit   www.guayasamin.org, for what may be an emotional artistic experience.   Guayasamin, was also a collector of ancient Columbian artifacts, which are included in his collections.  Unfortunately, no photos were permitted but I copied one from the internet and there is a photo of his pool and one of the artifacts in the photos below.

 Next came our Ecuadorean fast food at Ceveichat de la Ruminaui.  We discovered delicious seafood at a marvelous price.  We ordered take out, but before leaving received small bags of coconut candy from one of the staff.  Then on to Charito's mother's house for a brief dinner and to visit her mom.  Please note the Swan photo.  Charito's mother "painted" it using butterfly wings and grasshopper legs - while raising 12 children!. 

To round out the tourist part of our day, we moved from exquisite art and artifacts to the Artisans Market in  historic Quito.  A photo of us entering the market follows, as does one of a pianist puppet.  Unfortunately the great majority of the market is multiple stalls of mass manufactured items of alpaca, silver, and leather.  Fortunately, we discovered a talented artist, Alba de Columbia and her two children, selling handmade jewelry on the street outside the market.  Some of us did find a few other goodies, but we decided to wait to the next market - where maybe - just maybe - there might be more originality. 

The more originality came on a brief stop for tea at Charito's sister Rosie's home.  We were welcomed into an exquisite apartment filled with Rosie's paintings.  The most unique is included in the photos. The view from her apartment gave a glorious sunset golden view of Mt. Intisana.  Then home to an early good night and packing to leave at 6:15 a.m. for our Sunday train trip to Machaci

 

Downtown Quito at Night 2/12/16

 Our journey to Ecuador is a Restorative Journey to Ecuador.  Charito is a member of the Ecuadorean Peace and Justice Team, a Reiki practitioner, an expert in indigenous healing techniques, a peacemaker and teacher.  Additionally, she was born in Quito and knows the history and legends of Ecuador, which she has freely been sharing with all of us.  Our goal is to enjoy Ecuador, learn a lot, and return home restored, relaxed, refreshed, and more in tune with the world around us.

That has been happening in many ways, as we discover the people, places, and history of this area, The vibrant city of Quito is really one of many worlds, the indigenous people, the European influences, the historic city and the new city that has built up around all blend in a colorful creative collage.   Part of Quito's  recent evolution has been the restoration of a once deteriorating, unsafe neighborhood into a thriving downtown night spot, where thousands gather, small stores and restaurants thrive, and the ancient culture meets a present culture in ways that both are preserved and enjoyed.  This happened by the government giving micro-loans to hundreds of person who submitted a viable business plan for their economic endeavor.

 Photos are posted below of last's night in downtown Ecuador. First we visited the monument to the Winged Virgin of Quito, who stands high over the city as a beacon of welcome and protection to all.'Photo of Martha and Charito about to climb to the top of the statue.

Then we went for a light dinner before a trip to the downtown area and the Folklorico Dancers.

Pictures of Martha and Mary Lu at the restaurant are below along with one of  a camera, especially for Artemas to see. Sorry, Artemas, it wasn't for sale and wouldn't fit in my suitcase, so I couldn't bring it home for you.

The downtown area, was alive and thriving, and filed with unique sights and sounds.  The Folkloric Dancers were fabulous and had us ALL up and dancing with them.  Their dances told human sagas, one of the sorrows of a mother whose baby had died and whose alcoholic husband is incapable of connecting with her and the memory of her baby, whose spirit stills lives and to whom the mother sings.  Another of the trials and tribulations of women bearing the full responsibility for raising the children whose fathers are also alcoholics.  However, in spite if this, the women survive and find joy in dance and song and their companionship.  

The dancers also have a very strong political voice and along with sharing songs and dances of the human condition, they urge the making of a better world.  The final single banner dance called on us all to work together to uproot corruption and work for justice. Perhaps a message for the world.  .

Ecuador 2/12/16

Am reactivating my travel blog for the first time since May 2012, which shows it's been way too long since my last travel escapade.  Am travelling this time to Ecuador with my sister and friends.  

Our journey started when Amy and Liam dropped Martha and me off  at BWI, to join Rose Ruth, and Mary Lu for our AA flights to Miami and Quito at 10 a,m.  After a delay in Miami, we landed in Quito at 11:30 p.m. (thank goodness Ecuador is in our time zone.)  Two hours later we made it through customs  and were greeted by Charito, our friend and tour guide and Venezio, the designated driver for the week. By 2:15 a.m. we fell into bed, in a very beautiful and comfy apartment.  The altitude has had an effect of some of us...but at least no one passed out in the customs line....and we are still up and breathing and climbing hills (SLOWLY)!!  If a doctor tells you altitude medicine is not necessary....err on the side of caution, three out of five of us needed it.

Ecuador is a very mountainous country...and the legendary streets of San Francisco pale in comparison to those of Quito.  One piece of advice.  If coming to Quito - Hire a driver - DO NOT rent a car. even the most adept drivers would be challenged but the narrow streets that began 800 years ago and continued for about 700 years with no urban planning.  The stone streets were cobbled together for pedestrians and animals and have now become one way streets for motor vehicles.

Photos below, not in order, include five of us at the Middle of the Earth yesterday, ancient pottery in the Culture Museum, the Basillica, to which every Ecuadorean gave $1 to dedicate the city to the Sacred Heart of Jesus,  The gold cathedral, which is a Jesuit monument that started as a Barogue cathedral, but took 160 years to build, so has a variety of styles with no photos allowed. There are two gigantic murals of heaven and hell. If there is a hell and the painter had some portal into the other world to know what to paint,  the modern day Christian version of hell are a party compared to this depiction.

Our guide Charito tells us that years ago parents took their children to the cathedral to study the painting of hell, so they would know their destiny if they ate fish on Friday or disobeyed their parents and teachers!   No pictures allowed of the paintings or gold inside, but one photo of the door of the cathedral is below.

A highlight of the day was visiting the Presidential Palace, which is open to the public for the first time in the history of the country.   . A well loved president has made it accessible to all the people. The mosaic is part of a  series on the history of Ecuador and includes one of the gigantic women living in the Amazon at the time of its discovery. We were able to stand in the Presidential Cabinets meeting room and see the Presidential dining hall as final touches were set on the luncheon. Probably the closest we will ever get to a seat at a Presidential luncheon.  For a few moments, we thought we might see the President; however the rock star who was to perform was late....so we were off to our next stop.   We did get to stand on the Presidential balcony (see photo below)

There is a photo of Charito, our friend and guide, standing next to the Presidential  banner.  The mosaic is part of a series of mosaics with the history of Ecuador. This one honors the Amazon women, who where found along the Amazon river.

The pottery is from the Cultural Museum and is filled with artifacts of the ancients.  The pottery tells the story of the peoples lives in the here and now and other life.  They ancients believed that all parts of the earth are interconnected and what we do to one person or thing we do to every person or thing. They also believe that making a pot is, as is any act of creation - a prayer.

Have discovered that laundry lines are as common here as they were in Eastern Europe!  So, hopefully there will be at least on laundry line in each blog.

The Plaza de San Francisco is a result of a peasant having been tasked by the church to complete the plaza within a deadline. As he worked, he had no idea of how he would accomplish the task, The devil approached the man offering to complete the task.  If he did so, the man would relinquish his soul to the devil.  The agreement was made...and on the day of the deadline, as the sun set over the plaza...every stone was laid, except one!  The man kept his soul and the plaza remains for the people of Quito.