Hot springs

Travelling towards Quito, Ecuador

We just spent 3 hours in the natural hot springs high up in the volcanic mountains about 90 minutes away from Quito... After such an active three weeks, but at the same time probably the most relaxing of my life, this was the icing on the cake.

Whilst relaxing in the baths, we had such interesting conversation again... From South American politics, to art as a means of engaging young people, from typical jokes and customs in our countries to stereotypes and social movements. I don't know, maybe its just because everything is so new but I feel with our friends here conversation never get boring or menial, my input levels of knowledge and understanding have grown intensly in the past 3 weeks, from just listening, and trying to understand what life can really be like outside of our capitalist cycle of life in a bubble. 9 to 5, 5 day weeks in call centres and Subway sandwiches being almost inevitable across the globe now, I'm so glad to have found somewhere still relatively untouched by this scarey phenomenon, yet fearful that its quickly becoming dominent here too.

Travelling back I am more relaxed than ever... Francisco is telling us about how a volcanoe,(Ililo) right next to his house is so active, it could blow anytime. There are scientists working there who could give them a weeks notice, but also it could go without warning and they would have 15 minutes to evacuate an entire city of 200,000 and another three cities and rural areas that would be at huge risk. There is no insurance or anything so they will lose everything, even potentially their lives. Yet its incredible that now as land prices drop so much one business man is building a huge commercial centre in the area with a multi screen cinema, knowing at any time it could be destroyed. Right now though, I am destroyed and finding it hard even to think... Of course in the most relaxing, natural and pleasant way... So I will stop typing for now....