Thursday, Aug 18, 2016
Heidi and I headed to Quito this morning to meet our sons who are flying in after enjoying many Olympic venues, events, and other activities in Rio. Due to the unpredictability of flights in and out of the Cuenca airport because of the rain restriction, we hired a driver. It was a long drive but we saw some beautiful country between Cuenca and Quito.
We were above the clouds and riding close to the mountain tops at about 10,000 feet. The first half of the drive had frequent intermittent winding roads and hairpin curves. The road is good so it doesn’t feel dangerous, just bring the Dramamine with you.
Above the Clouds
The people who live along the small towns along this route farm. It looks like an incredibly difficult endeavor as one looks at all the terraced mountain sides either growing, or ready to plant crops. I was amazed that the terracing often started at the very peak of the mountain and worked its way down the steep slopes.
Terraced Farming
Enterogermina
We had to make a stop in one of the towns along the winding road. Our driver’s wife (who came along for the ride) suggested Heidi try some Enterogermina from the pharmacy for her upset stomach and nausea. From what I could tell from the labeling it is a liquid probiotic…at least that is what I hope it is as I told my wife, “Sure, it’s safe. Drink it.” While in town we got to see some of the locals.
People in Andean Town
When the road was on flatter ground we noticed the crops seemed to change a little bit. More grains and large leafy greens. Our driver pointed out several crops of chia seeds. I love chia seeds in my smoothies so it caught my attention. The plant looks like wheat only larger, and the “fruit” at the end of the stalks is bushy and goes from golden, to dark red, to black in color. When the fruit is black the seeds are ready to be harvested.
Chia
We pulled into the airport just as our sons’ plane flew over us and landed. The timing was perfect. We met up inside and enjoyed a sandwich and a cappuccino before we all headed to our hotel. It’s been a day of driving for us and a day of flying for Chase and Easton; we are all tired after a long day, but looking forward to our days in Quito and our many adventures ahead.
Chau.
Recent Comments