I went to Abu Tahai for sunset. So beautiful. The cemetery is near the archaeological site.
View of Hanga Roa.
I rented a bike one day and rode across the center of the island. Harder than I thought and very sunny. But I made it to Anakena Beach, had a swim and some pineapple juice and made the trip back. One way is 1.5 hours stopping for pictures.
Vinapu
There are only so many female maoi statues. This is a drawing of what a complete one would look like.The column in front is the female statue minus the head. The head however has not been recovered.The pukao or top knot which is the hair (man bun) and are made of red scoria a lighter weight volcanic rock.Many platforms were reused especially when resources were scarce. The stones were reused for houses and underneath the platforms was a place for burials or houses.This is an older style maoi.
.irador Rana Kau
This crater is a collapsed volcano and some produce found here grows on some of the slopes of the crater. The petroglyph on this rock is that of the birdman.
Orongo
This is on the other side of the volcano Crater. There is remains of Rapa Nui houses from the 1700’s and reconstructed houses to show what they would have looked like. Here the birdman competition would happen. A representative(s) from each klan would go to the island on a log like surfing to retrieve the egg of the sooty tern.
Island they surfed toLooking back across the craterThe ruins of a Rapa Nui bouseReproduction of the Rapa Nui house
Ahu Huri A Urenga
Puma Pau
Interesting tree. Not a pine but leaves that are stiff and a bit sharp.
Ahu Akiv
Maoi generally face inland. This looks like it is facing towards the water, but there would have been a village in front of it. The maoi always face towards the people as they represent mana and enlightenment.
So what if there was an alternative explanation to the Rapa Nui culture disappearing?
A theory is the inhabitants of Rapa Nui could have attempted to move to another island They were skilled Polynesian navigators capable of long ocean voyages. Why it is not likely: 1. Rapa Nui is one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world.
2. By the time of their decline, deforestation meant that they lacked materials for constructing large seafaring canoes.
3. They also had less capacity for organizing expeditions.
Daytime view of the cemetery.
It has been an amazing 5 days here. Relaxing and so peaceful. Not overly touristic but just enough.
Rapa Nui is a Polynesian island where a unique and sophisticated culture developed. The moai, carved from basalt, were created to honor ancestors and chiefs, representing spiritual and political power called mana. By the 17th century, the culture suffered from overpopulation and resource depletion (mainly trees) which led to conflicts and decline. Europeans from Chile began to arrive in 1722. The brought leprosy and took many natives including tribal leaders in their slave raids. Many of the past stories were lost with them.
It is worth the time to take a full day tour and learn the history.
Anakena Beach
Hanga Tetenga
You can see this one is still connected to the bedrock and will be later cut away then the maoi will be moved.Once carving is complete and separated from the bedrock, they were moved through the valleys and then lowered into a pit until they could be transported elsewhere.The maoi were carved for people who were important. Slaves did not do the carving, they were paid craftsmen The oldest maoi on the island
These relics showed maoi that were knocked over most likely by warring klans. The red scoria rock was used for the topknots (hair).
Ahu Tongariki
These maoi were toppled by a tsunami. A Japanese crane company owner donated a crane and a lot of money to restore the maoi.
Ahu Akahanga
Reproduction Rapa Nui house.Warriors slept near the entrance and older and children were at the ends.To store water for crops, stones were used to trap moisture
Moai cultural dance at Te Moana
We had dinner at a restaurant that also has a cultural show. The dancers and singers were very talented and told the story of a king who dies, a moai statue is made and he receives eternal power.
Oswaldo Guayasamín was a renowned Ecuadorian painter and sculptor. His work focused on themes of social justice, human suffering, and oppression. His art was heavily influenced by the struggles of marginalized communities in Latin America, but also included global injustices from Asia. Guayasamín’s works are characterized by intense emotion, bold colors, and expressive forms, often depicting anguish and resilience and focusing on facial expressions and hands.
On his property is his house which is filled with pre-colombian artifacts and paintings from other artists around the world. He also created La Capilla del Hombre (The Chapel of Man) which is a museum dedicated to his art and a tribute to the human spirit. Both buildings stand on his property which was donated to Ecuador.
Various emotions of war. Notice the coffin shape creating a background.His unfinished ceiling in the chapel. He died before its completion.Flame dedicated to the human spirit.I watched a video of the artist creating this painting and he is truly an artist. He did not work with brushes, rather a palette knife instead.
I went to Cuenca for another trip. Such a beautiful city here in Ecuador. Quiet and safe. Washing around there are many beautiful buildings and views.
I also wanted to find Christmas decorations.
This time in Cuenca I visited a few museums. One was devoted to fiber arts here in South America. Beautiful works made of fibers.
We took a half day tour to some of the areas in Cajas national park.
The highest chocolate shoppe.
On the way back to Cuenca we asked the driver to put on the party lights (we were in a bus that also is used as a party bus). Of course we had a dance party on the bus. Pretty fun.
I also visited the municipal museum of Cuenca.
Other views of Cuenca.
A little Christmas market.I found a shop that made homemade hot chocolate. I watched Home Alone in Spanish while I drank the chocolate
The Pumapungo museum is an area with Incan ruins, artifacts, and a refuge for birds.
Loja is in southern Ecuador. Here it is known for its cultural heritage and beautiful landscapes. It is said if you want to know the true Ecuador, you should spend time here.
It is known as the “Music and Cultural Capital of Ecuador.” It is a must see place for seeing the real Ecuador. There are only a few expats here and knowing Spanish is highly recommended. It is one of Ecuador’s oldest cities (1548) and has a well-preserved colonial district with cobblestone streets, traditional architecture, and community plazas.
Loja is surrounded by the Andes, something we experienced flying in. The plane entered a narrow valley to be able to turn into an adjacent one to reach the landing strip. If I didn’t know better, I would think we were experiencing an emergency landing. The pilots here are very experienced.
A flashmob thriller dance in the airport.Our Airbnb is above here in El panacillo.View when walking early morning This old deteriorating car was interesting Two entwined birds sculptureLoja city letters near the gate to the cityThe gate to the city The gate from the other side The thinker… Ecuadorian styleView from the gate into the cityView from the top tower of the gateOutside the tower we saw the city tour bus. We were able to get on the tour and see buildings we would want to go back toAn obelisk in a round about Simón Bolívar parkFor día de los muertos, they sell colada morada and guagua de pan. It is a sweet fruit and corn flour drink. The bread is filled with a lightly sweet filling. I did go back to get a bread later. This photo taken from the top of the city tour bus.Catholic cathedral. Today was día de los muertos and the service is in honor of family members.Independence square also known as San Sebastián square.Plaza de San Francisco Inside the music museum.Calle de los Lourdes.View from the top of El panecillo looking towards the historical district.
One morning I climbed to the top of one mirador to see views of the city.
We also walked to Parque Jiripa where there are many activities for families. After peddling the swan boat we walked around a bit.
Then we went in search for food at the Cueva de cangrejos (Crab cave). Delicious!
On the way to Vilcabamba was the parque podocarpus.
Parque Podocarpus
Parque Nacional Podocarpus, often referred to as the “Botanical Garden of America,” runs across the provinces of Loja and Zamora-Chinchipe. It is best k own for its incredible biodiversity, the park covers an impressive 1,500 square kilometers and varies in altitude from 900 to 3,600 meters (3,000 to 11,800 feet). This allows many diverse ecosystems to exist: lowland tropical forests to high-altitude páramos. The views here are amazing.
The park’s name comes from the Podocarpus tree, which is a type of conifer found in the cloud forests.
There are around 4,000 species of plants, many of which are rare or endemic. These include orchids, ferns, and giant bromeliads.
Unfortunately, we didn’t much wildlife, but somewhere there are spectacled bear, mountain tapir, and giant armadillo. We did see one bird, an Andean guan.
A snack along the way
We stopped along the way to try some bread called bizcochuelo. It is much like a slightly sweet and a little drier spring cake. Paired with some sugar cane juice with naranjilla added to cut the sweetness.
Malacatos
We stopped to look at the church here and wander around to stretch our legs. I saw some coca cola flavored Oreos and had to try them! Yes, they had a hint of coca cola flavor and we’re quite tasty
Vilcabamba
This small town has a reputation for longevity among its residents. The name “Vilcabamba” comes from the indigenous Quechua language, meaning “Sacred Valley.” Now many expats and retirees live here and it draws international visitors who are interested in wellness, alternative medicine, and spirituality.
Yes, the water was very cold but maybe this imparts longevity too?Sopa verde. Very fresh with peas.Pescado. Excellent fish!We were serenaded by a street musician.
We had time afterwards to peruse the shops and street vendors. Before we knew it, it was time to return to Loja
It has been an interesting start of the year here in Ecuador. We have just now finished the first quarter of the year. Here is a recap.
Our bus stop was robbed early in the morning in the first week. American women are feisty: throwing hot tea in their face and running around. Pretty scary but we were glad they did not have a gun and didn’t stick around long. They didn’t get anything from us but did take a phone from another friend.
A historic drought has left power disruption here in Ecuador. All of their power is hydroelectric. There have been power cuts up to 14 hours a day and though it took a little time to adjust, one can make the most of time without power. I have been walking with a weighted backpack for an extra workout and to get used to walking with a full pack. Timing showers and laundry means being flexible and I am glad I have a gas stove. Making sure anything you want to do on the phone is downloaded and everything is charged. Recently I put up my Christmas tree with 4 strands of battery operated lights. It helps to illuminate and not use as many candles. I look for any excuse to put up the tree but it was a good choice!
Mindo
The annual bike ride to Mindo was in September. I didn’t ride, but instead went there to hang out with others. I stayed at the biohostal and could watch birds from the veranda.
One activity I have not done here is to hike the waterfalls
It was a beautiful 9 km hike!
On the way back out I met one of my colleagues Nadine. Many people from my school came to mindo that weekend.The megaswing that was quite a lot of fun.
Mindo night hike
This is another hike I wanted to do in Mindo. I did get to see a glass frog but no reptiles.
CentipedeGlass frog with the light above.Glass frog with the light below.This bird is called Rufus mutt mutt. It’s the only bird here that eats poisonous things.
I have been really lax in writing about things. It is like every start of a school year where there is a lot going on. I am looking forward to more relaxing times ahead.
I usually only come home once a year and then spend time traveling between family members. Here in PA there were some hikes, bike rides, and fun runs (walks for me).
Most of the time it is Sunni and I trying to stay out of trouble…
Stop at Brady’s bend after lunch with Mom
I spent one day with my friend Michele Belak which started with a morning race and ended with an evening race on the trails here in PA. In between we drove back and forth and stopped to see her horse. It was good to catch up with her. In the past, we used to meet at several races over the summer. It was great to catch up with her and hear about the people we worked with at Citizens Ambulance when we were in college.
One night Ryan and I rode bikes in an event called critical mass. Over 100 people participated in a 24 mile ride through the streets of Pittsburgh. The point is to take back the roads from cars and bring awareness that bikes have rights also. Here we are headed to the start of the ride.
Ryan and I also hiked some trails near Kittanning. They are small trails but very quiet and peaceful.
Afterwards we biked through the city of Pittsburgh from the north side to the south side along the trails and the rivers.
In front of the fountain at the point
Another road trip was to take my dad’s ashes to Buffalo and Erie. We visited the graves of my grandparents and stopped to see Duann, a friend from childhood.
Lake Erie
An event in Pittsburgh called picklesburgh also took place. Fun having some pickle egg rolls, pickle fudge, and other things.
And of course I played with everyone’s cats. This is the baby of Sunni’s and is a Maine coon.
Belize is a beautiful and amazing country with wonderfully kind people. I like to watch shows like House Hunters International for ideas of places to visit and possibly live in. It was a great addition at the end of visiting Guatemala as it is also rich in Mayan history.
Belize was once part of the extensive Maya civilization. The Maya built extensive cities that had developed advanced knowledge in mathematics, astronomy, and architecture.
The Spanish arrived in the 16th century, but they found it challenging to control the area due to the resistance from the Maya and the dense jungles.
The Spanish arrived in the 16th century but had difficulty maintaining control due to the Mayans and the dense jungle. In the 17th century, British pirates and loggers began settling in Belize. The wood of value was logwood and mahogany. Eventually the British had dominance.
Old colonial style house
In 1862, Belize became a British colony known as British Honduras. African slaves were brought in for logging.
In 1964 they earned the right of self-government. But they didn’t gain full independence until September 21, 1981. Belize has a democratic government and its economy is focused on tourism and agriculture.
It has a diverse culture with influences from its Maya heritage, British colonial past, and various ethnic groups (Creole, Mestizo…)
I took a food tour of Belize city. We are fish enchiladas and also taquitos.
Belizean treats which is a jam tart and a coconut tart.
I usually only try new flavors of ice cream. But these two are my favorite: soursop also known as uvilla and craboo which is known as guanábana.
We also stopped at a rum factory. The coconut rum was heavenly.
We toured around the various areas of the city. It really is an amazing city and possibly on the list for a retirement place.
Biggest importer in the country.Cemetery in the middle of the city that is bisected by a major roadway.I thought this sign was pretty interesting. There is a large dance studio in the area.
Now to prepare for the flights back to the US and to see family. I do miss them.
