Hello everyone! We started off our Sunday Fun Day with breakfast at Cafe del Tren before heading off to Pailon del Diablo, a beautiful waterfall a few hours from where we’re staying in Riobamba. On the way there, we had breathtaking views of the mountains and got very close to the clouds – we even drove through a couple of them!
When we got to Pailon del Diablo, we had a long downhill trek ahead of us, but we all managed and finally made it to the waterfall (and we definitely all got a good workout out of it). Everyone mustered up all of their courage and maneuvered through the caves that led to the top of the waterfall, which was well worth the climb. We all got very, very soaked by the waterfall, but luckily almost everyone brought a change of clothes!
After another strenuous hike back up the trail, some Glimpsers took a break to shop in the small marketplace at the top of the hill. We all eventually met up at a small cafe to have a delicious lunch of rice and chicken, but the real star of the meal was the empanadas from the cafe. Some favorite flavors included chicken and cheese, chocolate and blackberry, and chocolate and banana.
Everyone was tired out by the time we got back on the bus, but we still enjoyed the lovely views on the way back to Riobamba for dinner at Roma Santa. We prepared ourselves tonight for tomorrow’s activity of “Living Like a Local” by learning more about the lifestyle of rural Ecuadorians and we have started our 24 hours without electronics – we’ve already survived without our phones this long, so I think we’ll manage.
This is the part where I get to do a shout-out to my friends and family. (I feel a bit like one of those people on the news who jumps behind the newscaster and frantically waves while pulling funny faces and mouthing, “Hi Mom!!!”) So, first off: Hi Mom!!! Second, hello to all my friends and family – I miss you all so much and can’t wait to tell you all about what I’ve been up to in Ecuador! Happy belated birthday to my lovely sister Abby and happy early birthday to my first-cousin-once-removed (?) Ben!
Absolutely gorgeous pictures! What an adventure. “Peace” to you, Will!
Hey Kiwane!!! Wow, very nice pics and you guys had a very interesting day! I’m saving all of your pics so you can create a scrapbook!! Love you and miss you much!!!
Sounds like another fun and busy day! (Hi, Carrie! SO glad to hear you’re feeling better!)
What an incredible way to celebrate your birthday! These pictures and stories are amazing. I can’t wait to hear about your trip in person. Please note: I read this aloud to Ben and he was quite honored to have his second birthday recognized in this way.
Hi Taylor!
So glad you are having a great time. I love the blogs, the pictures are fantastic! We all miss you! Enjoy every moment!
Love you!
Hi Leah! We love reading about all of your adventures – these posts are such a great way to feel like we’re connected to you! Have fun, and we’ll see you next week! Lots of love, Mom
Woow ! Beautiful pictures!
Dad! You failed to mention Dad! I still love you and cannot wait til you get back to hear all the fantastic stories. Love, DAD
HI KIWANE LOVING THE PICTURES KEEP SMILING AND ENJOYING THE ADVENTURE DONT FORGET TO PRAY AND THANK GOD FOR ALL OF HIS BLESSING.
LOVE YOU GRANDMA AND GRANDPA
Hi Carrie! I love hearing about all your fantastic experiences…and the food sounds pretty outstanding, too! You were nice to remember Ben’s BIG TWO. We think about you every day and can’t wait to hear many more details when you get back. Soak it all in and ENJOY! Love, Wendy
Great pictures! Looks like a beautiful place!
Hi Sebastian OMG! amazing and I know you loved the waterfall and the mountains! I hope you stayed warm my love, this is quite the experience. Thanks to the blogger for the beautiful pics!