We left our hotel at 6:30 am this morning after a wonderful buffet breakfast. We were headed to the airport to fly back to Quito (a 30 minute flight -- as opposed to the 10 or so hour drive back up the mountain.) As it turns out, our last screening had to be cancelled because of a communication gap we don't fully understand. Of course we were a little disappointed, but I think it was a blessing, given that we're so tired and we haven't had much leisure time for renewal and rest.
We had already planned to visit the Termas de Papallacta (Papallacta Thermals)located in the quiet little town of Papallacta about 40 miles east of Quito, Ecuador's capital. So as a result of the cancelled screening, we got to stay a little longer at the hot springs and not be rushed.
The thermal baths are right on the banks of the Papallacta River in a unique natural environment accommodating nine hot thermal pools and three cold water pools. The hydrothermal value of Termas de Papallacta's Hot Springs is thanks to Papallacta's location between two volcanoes, Volcano Cayambe and Volcano Antisana.
Though the ambient temperature was cold at the springs, it felt wonderful once we got into the pools. The water was very hot and the temperature varied according to which pool you were in. It was raining a heavy mist the entire time we were there with heavy cloud covering, so photographs were a challenge -- the lens kept getting water droplets on it. Some of us sat and soaked in the healing warmth of the waters; others, including Dr. Moss, jumped from pool to pool so they could say they tried them all.
We ate lunch at the restaurant directly adjacent to the pools, then drove back to Quito to find our lodgings. We're spending our final night in Ecuador at a large hostel -- 2 people to a room with an en suite bathroom. There is hot running water and I have great expectations for a hot shower tomorrow morning.
For dinner tonight, we scooted downtown to the Terraza del Tartaro rooftop restaurant for a lovely meal. They had a warm fire glowing in the fireplace and blessed me with delicious iced tea, served with fresh limes. This was definitely a night to remember.
After breakfast tomorrow, we're planning to drive over to the Middle of the World Monument for shopping. We'll go to a restaurant for lunch and dinner and squeeze in a debriefing meeting with Mike, our Extreme Response host. At around 8:30 pm, we'll board the bus one last time for a short ride to the airport, then take a late flight to the states tomorrow night.
I have such mixed emotions...
Riding back into Quito earlier today, I realized Ecuador is growing on me. I've warmed up to the style of the houses and the city and no longer think they're as shabby as I once did. After getting to know some of the Ecuadorian people, I'm able to see the way of life here for what it is and am not so eager to compare it to what we know in the states.
and I wonder...
Did I meet the goal?
Did I impact community health in Ecuador in some small way?
Did I make a difference?
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