Riobamba Retreat Attempt, Take 1

As a group we take 4 weekend retreats throughout our year here to spend some, more, time together away from the stresses of work and the city. This past weekend we headed to the city of Riobamba (about 4 hours south of Conocoto) that is famous for its amazing views of the gorgeous and huge volcano Chimborazo, as well as an icredible train ride through the Devil's Nose and surrounding mountainous landscape. We had high hopes and great plans but most of them were drowned due to rain, clouds, and the fact that the train was sold out for the following 3 weeks. So, instead the girls took shelter in coffee and ice cream shops and enjoyed some quality chit-chat in the comforts of our beds while the boys took in a leisurely 3+ hour nap and reading. So what were we to do now? Well luckily Ecuador is the land of volcanoes and one happened to be currently erupting just outside of Riobamba.

Tungurahua has been erupting since early January, though thankfully without any severe damage done, as the tourist hotspot city of Baños lays at it's base. We took advantage of our suddenly free Sunday to take a bus up to the volcano to get some amazing views of the action. Though I have climbed to the summit of an active volcano and seen the lava in the past, I have never seen an erupting volcano that up close and personal. It was an incredible sight (when the clouds decided to part). Ash was floating through the air and an occasional 'boom' rocked the sky and our ear drums. So even though our original planned weekend didn't turn out, we still were able to take in some of what makes Ecuador truly an awesome country.

Haley, me and Jackie taking in the views

along the way to Tungurahua!

The cows delayed our progress a bit....

The smoking Tungurahua!!

A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

The group! With Tungurahua hiding

somewhere atrás...

This weekend is Carnaval and we all have already been subject to various water balloons and foam spray attacks by local and passing children. Wish us luck in survival this weekend as we head into the main celebratory days of Carnaval!!

amor + peace

Krysta