The past two days in Mindo have been full of excitement. Split into two groups, we visited Angel Paz, a man we now call the 'bird whisperer'. We woke up at 4:30 a.m. to bird watch and hike. Angel spotted at least five species of birds for us, including the Toucan. After the hike, we were treated to amazing food - plantain balls, cheesy empanadas and a fruit juice cocktail. The vista from where we ate was incredible.
The other day we rode on a tram called the Tarabita over a valley. We then hiked down to a waterfall for swimming. Along the way we learned about plant species and uses. In the afternoon we went zip lining. Many of the students tried tricks and everyone made it through all 13 zip lines. What excitement! After lots of traditional Ecuadorian food-- rice and beans-- we are splurging for pizza tonight, followed by a chocolate demonstration!
Tomorrow we leave Mindo for Cotopaxi with a stop em route at Mitad del Mundo - a museum marking the line of the equator!
Until soon,
Elie, Jes, and Alex
