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Road trip to Baños de Agua Santa

This weekend of the celebration of the battle of Pichincha that happened on May 24, 1822. It is the Latin American War of Independence. This battle, led by Antonio José de Sucre, allowed the South American rebels to defeat the Spanish royalists. They were able to take control of Quito the following day. The battle occurred on one of the slopes of the Pichincha volcano.

For the 3 day weekend, Susan and I drove to Baños which is about 3 hours south of Quito. On the way is a city called Ambato. We stopped to stretch our legs and look at the city from a high point. We visited the Parque Provincial de la Familia. It is a beautiful park with community sports areas, a farm, lagoons, and spaces to relax.

From there we headed to the Airbnb and found that the owner knew a guide for the waterfalls. We were also able to practice our Spanish. Ed

Agotan Waterfall

This waterfall (cascadas) is formed from the Pastaza river.

Rio Blanca Mega Adventure Park

Of course there are commercial enterprises including zip lining even in the superman position. They also have a glass suspension bridge to walk to the other side over the Pastaza river below. Since I have done this in China, I wanted to do it again here. They have a few glass panels that stimulate cracking of the glass with the actual sound effects. Much different from China where the sound came from above.

Cascada Manto de la Novia

The mantle of the bride waterfall is named for the whiteness of the water which resembles a wedding veil and dress. It flows into the Pastaza river. At this waterfall we took the Tarabita ride over the river and by the falls.

Cascada el Pailón del Diablo

This waterfall is named for the stair of the rocks under the waterfall. If you look closely, the rocks look like the devil’s face. There are two sides to see. One side has a small amount of hiking with a rickety wood bridge.

The other side of the devil’s waterfall is much more scenic and a longer walk. Getting to the waterfall is a long slope downwards with some steps as well and then a climb along the side of the waterfall. You can also duck into the caves and emerge right beside the waterfall.

Much of this longer walk is through the first which is a beautiful walk. This squirrel seemed unperturbed.

There are two sections of caves to get through. This is the entrance to the second cave. My knees did not like having to squat down so far to get through but the views were obviously worth it in the end.

Dinner at Mozafiato was very good. Pricey but a really nice meal with a corner on the third floor overlooking the nightlife below.

I love watching the dogs that have free roam of the rooftops. This one was watching dogs on the street.

View of the mountain from the restaurant.

Celebrations

I am grateful for celebrations that bring people together.

Salsa night with Melanie, center, and Natalia from Brazil.

Who could not celebrate the first time ever Reese’s is sold in Ecuador?

A group of us also gets together regularly at Susan’s house fire figure and wine.

Teacher prom is put on by my school. What fun. Dinner, drinks, she’s so much dancing. We danced for over three hours. It was exciting being at a dance where almost everyone dances and no one stops.

Not a celebration, but a friend and I going tutoring in Tumbaco.

And of course, the best celebrations are fire others and events in their life. Monica had her bridal shower and it was so much fun. Lots of games and merriment on a Friday night.

Just for fun, on many street corners people will offer entertainment for tips.

Mother’s day

For mother’s day, I ride my bike on the ciclo paseo. As I was ready to enter the Centro histórico, I heard the sound of Elvis music. An Ecuadorian Elvis street musician (in the past I have seen the Asian Elvis in Hong Kong).

It was a beautiful day.

Later I went with my friend Monica to the Botanical garden and the Vivarium (snakes and frogs). Through WhatsApp, I talked for a little bit with Becca and Ryan and Ryan

The botanical garden was peaceful.

And the orchid garden.

The vegetable garden

We visited the carnivorous plants section where they have many varieties of pitcher plants and Venus fly traps.

No pictures can be taken at the vivarium which is a pity as they had so many different frogs, boas, pit vipers, and especially an axolotl. Afterwards we walked to the Gusanita which is a kiddie train that circles the park on the roads. It was pretty fun and especially to have a friend to spend the day with.

Museums of art in Quito

Artist Camilo Egas is a painter of indigenous art. I visited the free museum in Centro Histórico. He painted many indigenous paintings as well as paintings from the depression era when he lived in New York.

In the upper floor of the museum is a room of early 20th century political cartoons that were published.

This is a picture of a mural that was commissioned for an expo and painted by the artist.

Afterwards, I saw this street parade honoring a ban teacher that has recently died. Students and older friends played in bands in the parade.

The Viva Michelangelo exhibit in Quito used artistic interpretations and some reproductions to bring Michelangelo’s work to the people here.

A reproduction of scenes from the Sistine chapel.

The head of David was used to create different themes using AI.

Basílica de Nossa Senhora do Rosario do Fatima

On the way from the Douro valley to Lisbon we stopped at this basilica. It is special also as today is Good Friday.

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima is an important Catholic pilgrimage site located in Fatima, Portugal. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, who, according to Catholic faith, appeared to three children in Fatima in 1917. The basilica is known for its impressive architecture and the significant role it plays in Marian devotion.

Leaving the Douro. Azulejo tile are everywhere.

Many of these little altars had scenes of the live of Jesus.

The front of the basilica from the north entrance.

From the north entrance you can walk on your knees towards an altar. Walking on one’s knees as an act of devotion is a common practice in many religious traditions, including Christianity. In the context of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima, people may walk on their knees as a form of penance or supplication, expressing humility and seeking spiritual grace. It is often done as a physical demonstration of devotion and a way to participate in the pilgrimage experience with sincerity and reverence. Many believers view such acts as a way to connect more deeply with their faith and to express their devotion to God and the Virgin Mary.

They walk on their knees towards the Chapel of the apparitions.

They end the walking on their knees here.

We lit candles to make wishes to Mary for the future.

A very reverent and sacred place here in Portugal. Today was Good Friday as well.

Afterwards we made it to Lisbon and our last place to stay. I enjoy Porto more, but looking forward to a tour in Lisbon on the last day.

Around Lisbon

We started the day a little late due to some heavy rains. As it was the only full day in Lisbon I had we decided that after the aquarium we would get an all day pass to the tram and funiculars.

We found the metro but had some difficulty getting 3 all day passes from the machine. Most likely our error as it seemed to be a common problem when we went to the counter.

Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara

We wanted to ride tram 28 but the wait would be two hours. Instead we boarded a city bus to meet another friend for a late lunch. Afterwards we took the closest funicular up to a viewpoint of the city.

Other pictures from some Lisbon were taken from tram 24 which had a stop 0.7 km from the VRBO we were staying at.

An early flight in the morning meant an early night. I wish I had more time in Portugal but it is back on my list of retirement options.

Lisbon Oceanarium

The Lisbon Oceanarium, is one of the largest indoor aquariums in Europe. It showcases a wide variety of marine life from different ecosystems around the world, including sharks, rays, and colorful tropical fish. What is really cool about the building is that you walk across a ganar and the aquarium is actually in the water and not on land.

Before the aquarium you pass by the science center.

Sea otter before swimming back under again.

Cuttlefish. I do feel bad eating his relative the night before.

Cuttlefish as an entree the night before.

Douro valley day 2… More wine and cathedrals

We had a great night at the house we were staying in. So beautiful here and listening to the birds in the morning…

If you come to the Douro valley, staying at Douroparadise owned by Pedro Ribeiro and using Daniel as a tour guide you cannot go wrong. Daniel owns Terra d’alma a personal tour company and he is also a budding Sommelier.

Quinta de Pacheco

We started off at a wine tasting at Quinta de Pacheco. It is a commercial operation which seemed a bit more impersonal. Not one of my favorite places so far but the landscape was beautiful.

You can actually stay in these wine barrel houses.

Sandeman is a well-known producer of wines in the world. It is know for its port wines, particularly its iconic Don (or Don Quixote) logo, which is recognized worldwide. The company was founded in 1790 and has a long history of producing high-quality port wines, including Tawny, Ruby, Vintage, and Late Bottled Vintage ports, among others. Sandeman also offers guided tours of its cellars in Porto, Portugal, providing visitors with an insight into the port wine-making process and the company’s rich heritage.

We also stopped at another church but as we approached the front door we realized that a funeral was taking place and did not go inside.

Santuario Nossa Senhora dos Remedi

The Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios is an important pilgrimage site in Portugal, located in Lamego. This sanctuary features an impressive Baroque staircase with 686 steps leading up to the church, offering beautiful views of the city and the surrounding landscape. Devotion to Nossa Senhora dos Remédios dates back to the 14th century, and the sanctuary is a significant destination for both believers and tourists visiting the region.

Tile work inside the cathedral can be seen all around the perimeter. The azulejo tile here in Portugal is beautiful.

Azulejo tiles are a type of ceramic tile that is commonly found in Portugal and Spain, particularly in decorative art and architecture. These tiles are known for their intricate designs and vibrant colors, often featuring geometric patterns, floral motifs, or historical scenes. Azulejos were introduced to Portugal by the Moors in the 15th century and have since become an integral part of Portuguese culture and architecture. They are commonly used to decorate walls, floors, and even ceilings in buildings such as churches, palaces, and public squares. The word “azulejo” itself comes from the Arabic word “al-zuleycha,” which means “polished stone.” Today, azulejo tiles are celebrated for their beauty and craftsmanship and are often considered a symbol of Portuguese and Spanish cultural identity.

The Santuario Nossa Senhora dos Remedios is perched on a hill above the town of Lamego. To reach the Church you climb up sets of zigzag stairs from the wide avenue at the edge of the town. The view is worth the climb. Due to the rain we were dropped off at the top and viewed the inside of the church first. I then started at the top of the stairs and went down instead.

At every level in the stairs there was tile work that is simply beautiful.

Down at the bottom in the square of the town.

Lamego Cathedral

Lamego Cathedral, also known as Sé de Lamego, is a beautiful cathedral located in the city of Lamego, Portugal. It’s known for its stunning Romanesque and Gothic architecture and is a significant landmark in the region. The cathedral dates back to the 12th century and is definitely worth a visit for anyone interested in history and architecture. It is the oldest cathedral in Portugal.

Views around the center of the town.

Pastelería da sé is a bread and pastry shop near the cathedral which is known for its pastries and bread with meat. I ordered some snacks and also the bread with salted cod.

Bread made with salted cod. They also have ones with ham and other meats.

Gueda winery is a small winery that goes back 30 generations. Currently a brother and sister run the winery and their passion or evident in how they manage and explain their process. A great end to the day. We had started the day with a commercial winery and ended the day with a small family winery.

The winery cat was so friendly. You know how much I love holding and petting animals.

One more night here in the Douro valley and then we are off to Lisbon for the last two nights.

Of course we had plenty of wine for the night.

Douro Valley

The rain finally stopped for a little bit to snap good pictures of where we are staying. It is really beautiful here.

The Douro Valley, located in northern Portugal, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, terraced vineyards, and rich history of winemaking, particularly for Port wine. The villages are amazing with many historic quintas (wine estates). The Douro River winds through the valley and even in the rain is beautiful.

Quinta de Popa

The first winery for the day was a short drive away.

After the winery we stopped at a little church that had the most beautiful view of the valley.

São Leonardo de Galafura is a viewpoint located in the Douro region of Portugal. It offers breathtaking views of the Douro River and the terraced vineyards typical of the area. This spot is renowned for its panoramic vistas, especially at sunset, and is frequently referenced in Portuguese literature, notably by Miguel Torga, a prominent Portuguese writer.

We stopped for a bite to eat and then on to the last winery at Quinta de Tato. Here I tried only port wines. They are amazing here.

Despite the threat of rain, which it definitely did, it was a beautiful day in the countryside with friends and wine.

Amarante and the Douro Valley

We headed to the Douro valley. The first stop was in a town called Amarante.

Amarante is a charming town in northern Portugal, known for its rich history, picturesque setting, and cultural heritage. It is on the banks of the Tâmega River and very picturesque. One of most iconic landmarks is the São Gonçalo Church, dedicated to the town’s patron saint, which overlooks the river and features a stunning baroque facade.