I’m happy to say that Ellen felt much better today. We packed up, had breakfast, and headed over to the van company across the street. We decided to go with the van, even though it was $3.50 more per person. It was just across the street. On the van, an Ecuadorean told us that the bus terminal is a bit sketchy.
We sat in the middle row. To my right was a gentleman named Fernando, who was returning from Argentina where he was working on his PhD in economics and mathematics. He was quite helpful, and we had a good conversation. His primary study is in Cuenca, where he attends a private university. It costs $100 per semester. The public schools are free, but you need to qualify to attend.
Fernando is married with a three year-old daughter. He plans to teach. The president of Ecuador has set a new standard that all teachers must have PhDs. Even the existing teachers need to go back to school if they don’t have the degree.
After about an hour, we had our first glimpse of the Andes. We crossed these initial foothills into another plain. Bananas and sugar cane seemed to be the primary crops. When we came to the next set of mountains, we went up for the next several hours. We went through several layers of clouds. The driver passed whenever he could, but we both felt he was a good safe driver. Unfortunately, the temperature indicator started pegging high. We stopped several times, and he started going very slowly, about 20-30 mph.
Eventually we reached the Las Cajas National Park, with a summit over 10,000 feet. It is stunningly beautiful. I didn’t take pictures, but included a few stock photos below to give an indication.
Having passed the summit, our driver took off, probably to make up for lost time. We made it to Cuenca about 30 minutes later. We didn’t really go down that far as Cuenca is at 8,400 feet of elevation.
To give an indication of how friendly the Ecuadorians can be, Fernando offered to find our host family and he, his wife, and daughter drove us. Turns out his wife’s best friend is from Minnesota – Christine Olson. She married a Cuencan.
I am so enjoying your posts, Steve!!! It’s interesting that in South America, the public universities are more prestigious and hard to get into. Probably because they are free. Nick’s girlfriend studied abroad in Cuenca and loved it. She interned with a stained glass maker! I’m looking forward to hearing more. All’s well in Minnesota…you aren’t missing a thing.
Christine Olson!!!
I really enjoyed reading this entry and I’ll share your adventures with Buzz and Leonora who are popping over for a bite to eat tonight! Hope you are settling in well with your host family.
I LOVE getting your emails and photos !!! Your life is so interesting !
Feliz Navidad !!!
xoSissy