Se llama Llama

Ever heard of the Motorcycle Diaries? The film about two young idealistic men who travel across South America on a motorcycle? Well, inspired by their journey, I'd like you to meet my new pet: Señor Llamabeans. I got him in Ecuador in exchange for my mp3 player. He'll be accompanying me on my quest, and hopefully be my ticket to movie stardom.

Would you buy a Computer here?

Store seen in Cuenca, Ecuador

Catch of the Amazon

The few times that I fished as a child, I never caught anything. I went home dejected and empty-handed as my friends boasted about catches of trout and bass. Coincidentally, fishing has never been my favorite pastime. Well, a few days ago I caught a red piranha. My fish could eat yours alive! I now consider myself a true fisherman...but....I think I'll retire while I'm ahead.

A Quito, Por Favor

Cotopaxi Volcano is fifty miles from Quito, and one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. On Friday, I joined a group who ventured up to the glacier that caps the behometh. The 45 minute climb to our refuge was one of the most difficult hikes I've ever undertaken. Starting at over 15,000 feet, we stepped out of our bus and were immediately broadsided by a freezing gale-force wind. I could barely see 20 feet ahead of me as a thick fog enveloped the surroundings. Every step upward was made with great effort, and the thin air had my heart racing in desperation for oxygen. Needless to say, just reaching the refuge was an incredible relief and felt like a real accomplishment!