Journals from Abroad
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Journal: Trevor Downey: Ecuador
July 31, 2007
 anaconda sunbathing on a branch |
My last weekend in Ecuador might have been one of my favorites. The group of IAESTE students and I took a bus 12 hours north of Quito deep into the Amazon jungle. We arrived early Friday morning, after my boss at Novatech had graciously given me a free day to make the most of my final moments abroad. After paying the entry fee for the national park that was the jungle, our guides loaded our bags onto the river boat and moved us to our home for the weekend. Just as I had hoped and imagined, our thatched house featured mosquito nets and string hammocks. Our porch overlooked a portion of the river with a rope swing to be used to cool off in the water.
We spent the evening recovering from the daylong hike through the jungle, swinging on vines and sampling some of the finest natural commodities the wild has to offer. The following day, we took a trip up the river to an expansive lake where we saw dolphins jump and swim through the crystal-clear water. The night brought an excursion back up the same river for some nighttime piranha fishing and alligator spotting. On the boat trip back to the landing, we spotted a real anaconda sunbathing on a branch over the river.
 Amazon jungle |
Overall, the trip was a great way to explore another aspect of Ecuador and say goodbye to my new friends and the country itself. I got back home to Quito in time to pack and say farewell to my host family before my flight.
It was definitely bittersweet to pass through customs and board the plane. I was ready to head back home to see the family and friends I had missed. I returned with a new appreciation for many of the luxuries I learned to take for granted, but also with a new sense of adventure and a desire to see more of the world. Ecuador was a great opportunity to cross borders and meet new cultures. I want to thank everyone who helped me enjoy my experience, and I encourage all to take advantage of any chance to travel abroad.
Thanks for reading.
