A Beauty in the Foothills of the Andes
At more than 9,000 feet in elevation, Ecuador’s capital of Quito sits on top of the equator and the foothills of the Andes. Ecuador also translates from Equator in Spanish Tom and I arrived in Quito via Bogota after spending the previous two weeks in Columbia’s capital and other famous city Medellin.
The weather is exactly how I like it: cool, clouds hang over the mountains of the Andes. Having been in the country less than 24 hours, I already felt a different vibe and energy. There had been some frightening news coverage of drug gangs taking over the city. Hence the reason, I rearranged our trip to South America slightly to put a little distance between the tension and our visit to this much anticipated country.
I assumed many people come to this country and the city of Quito as a stop before heading to the Galápagos Islands. That will be on the list, but not now. I love mountains and there’s something about them that makes me feel connected to my spiritual self, maybe it was the altitude of almost 14,000 feet making me feel somewhat giddy. Today was made of those elements that make me feel joyful and happy to be alive. The Guagua Pichincha and Rucu Pichincha volcanos, one active, the other dormant, peek out from the low hanging clouds, giving us a view of their majesty and beauty.
Our guide Kathy, a Quito native, led us on a hike around one of Ecuador’s protected areas located on the east side of Pichincha Volcano to lookout called Cruz Loma. As we climbed higher, we reached a swing. I took my turn and looked out over the city, swinging higher and higher, the air fresh and everything in me in sync with the moment. It was splendid and an experience I will always remember.
