New Dog and Stubborn Horse

So this weekend was pretty exciting. A group of 7 started out on Saturday morning finding a bus to Mindo in the Cloud Forest. After one fruitless bus station, we found a $2.50 bus to our destination. We had split up to take separate taxis, and after a while, my taxi group feared that the other group had given up on the journey. Fortunately, they entered our bus PLUS PUPPY. Yes, the cutest cocker spaniel with fleas that you have seen, a gift for Julie H’s friend in Ecuador. It seemed a bit in sorry shape, but after some food and rest it was lively, raring to go, and peeing all over the place.

After arrival in Mindo, we found a nice hotel for a spectacular 5$/night/person. There were stray dogs everywhere, and about half of them were pregnant. One followed us to the hotel, so the owner brought him in and asked if he was ours too. We thought about it.

We ate a linner at a small Mexican restaurant. After this, we went to this interesting “frog concert,” (me sporting the grigaesque huge raincoat) where we saw a multitude of hummingbirds (167 species in Ecuador compared to 5 in the US or something like that) various noisy frogs, glow in the dark microbacteria, a huge cucaracha, and various crazy plants. Exhausted, we turned in early after spending some time hanging out in the hammocks in the backyard of our hotel and eating Ecuadorian ice cream.

We woke up early the next morning, got our return bus tickets, ate breakfast, and arranged a horseback riding tour. Somehow I ended up the huge horse which I don’t think likes humans too much. He was feeling pretty slow and lagging behind. I finally got him to catch up to the others, but the tour guide immediately got the boy walking behind us to turn him around so he is in the back, because apparently that’s what he’s used to. After a while I was about a mile behind, but I enjoyed the view.

The bus ride home was a little crowded, but made it back to Hotel Walther, safe and sound. I should go beings as I have a mid-term coming up on Friday, but Saturday is a trip to Otovalo, which should be fantastic. Unfortunately, I don't think I brought my camera connector chord so I can't post pictures until i find another one or someone with a similar camera. I will post as soon as I do!

Buenos Noches