Greetings from Banos, Ecuador

[Ray52]

I´m in recovery mode this morning after trying to keep up with my 21 yo son hiking to 4800 meters on Cotopaxi on Sunday.....less then 24 hours after arriving from my home at 6 feet above sea level. Not a really smart decision for the old guy, but he´s hooked up with a group of British and Swiss young ladies whose travels are parallel to ours for the week and it will end far too soon for him. We´ve also spent a day mountain biking and hiking to several beautiful waterfalls.  This afternoon, horseback riding on the flanks of Volcan Tunghuarahua, tomorrow river rafting and hopefully sometime before our flight back to the States on Saturday, a chance to sample the local favorite, roast cuy. 

[SHANEA]

Howdy Ray52 - was thinking of you this morning as to how you weathered the storm - and you are probably going "what storm".  Fortunately, the tropical storm really only dumped some rain as I understand - although I got nada here.  Looking forward to seeing you at Martin Dies in a couple of weeks.

[homerboy2u]

Howdy Ray52...i too was thinking of you, while i was on vacation. I must say: We do need some fotos por favor from Banos E.

 Glad to pop back here again...now let me go check out Jeff's trip report. I hope to report back here again, and be surprised 

[Ray52]

Shane, Homero,

I appreciate the concern.  After Rita I'm always a little apprehensive when one of these storms is in the Gulf and it was a real bummer to learn that something had come up just after we left the country.  But as we all know now Eduouard really didn't cause much harm.  My grass grew a lot so I suspect there was a good shower, and my alarm clocks are flashing so power must have been lost for a little while, but other than that there are no signs of the storm in my neighborhood.  

Ecuador was a great time and I'll post some pictures somewhere Homero and will be sure to send you a link.  Last time we talked I believe you were looking for a kayak.  Did anything become of that?  Whether or not, why don't you consider joining us at Martin Dies in a couple of weeks?

[SHANEA]

why don't you consider joining us at Martin Dies in a couple of weeks?

 

[homerboy2u]

How is it going Ray?

  Yes, i just could not make the Martin Dies reunion, because i am scheduling another 4x4 trip over here, i just came back from vacation myself with my family and it is just pushing my good luck way too much. You understand me

 I look forward to checking your pics a.s.a.p.


Don't go away too long.

Homero

[TheWildWestGuy]

Howdy Ray, thanks for posting.  I am looking forward to seeing you again at the Martin Dies SP BBC campout on August 22-23rd.  Looks like it will be a great time and a lot of fun.  I have some really fun ideas of things to do and "chef" has agreed to cook everyone a great dinner on Saturday night.  Keep your fingers crossed for good weather!

What is "roast cuy"?  I can figure out the roast part but am having trouble with the "cuy" part.  Hopefully it's not a misspelling of "guy" as in "guy we caught in the pit trap yesterday".   
Your trip sounds great - where do I sign up for next year?
Hope to hear all about it at Martin Dies.... TWWG

[Ray52]

Hi WWG. Maybe "the Chef" can come up with a recipe for roast cuy. You may be more familiar with them from your childhood as guinea pigs. Here's some being prepared for Friday's almuerzo at the central market place in Banos.



It's a delicacy in the Ecuadorian Andes and at $14 US for the whole animal pretty pricey by their standards. Growing up near the Big Thicket I ate my share of squirrel and rabbit and I can imagine that these would be somewhat similar. A friend ordered one for dinner one night in Quito and said it was too much work separating the meat from the bones. When I found this vendor I had just eaten a large breakfast and was on my way to catch the bus back to Quito so any taste testing I do will have to wait for next year's trip. Unless of course, the Chef might be cooking something up at MDies.

[Al]

Ray, I would have trouble eating a Guinea pig.  Cute little buggers.

Al

[Ray52]

Al I believe BDann is promising fajitas.  So can we count on seeing you at Martin Dies?

[Al]

Ray, not this time but thank you for asking.  Hoping my vacation schedule will be more flexible in the future.

Al

[homerboy2u]

I will eat one, if Al eats one...simple!