Cununyacu

Just found out that we don't live in Tumbaco, but in Cununyacu which is the name of the hot springs across the street, down beside the river. Not a town...just the name of the area...Tumbaco is 3km away. Quito is about a 1/2 hour by bus and Maria will go up there tomorrow for the 1st time to pick up a race package for a 10km race Saturday: Ruta de las Iglesias....route of the churches...thru the historic centre. I've been relegated to babysitting duty, esp since the race starts at 7pm. Have a look at the photos www.rutadelasiglesias.com and click on 'entrar'

I have an extra 10 days off, as the Ecuadorian gov't has stated all schools must start Sept 7...no exceptions. The school had to change its calander for the year and shortened our xmas and November holidays. So just hanging in the hammock...watching Ramon run around the yard and chase chickens; watching Carla who is beginning to crawl...while admiring the glistening glaciers of Cayambe, 25 km to the north, thru which the equator passes thru its highest elevation on the planet.

The volcano in the photo is Cotopaxi....by biking 8km behind the small, extinct volcano Ilalo that we live beside, I'm rewarded with this view.

The excellent black and whites of Ramon were taken by Nicki, the year 4 teacher.

We have orchids in our yard...some that grow up trees, like the purple one. Peaches look ready too! Pics of the kitchen as requested...and others of the garden outside.

Ramon playing with his 3 year old cousin Sarita. Carla learning to swim. Some Ecuadorian traditional dancing and lastly, Ramon found a 3 inch long bug that looks like a leaf...on the front porch!