I woke up this morning to a bright beautiful day in a city called Baños, Ecuador which is located at the base of a Volcano. I looked out my window to see the streets crowded with people. This city is such a touristy city that it never shuts down. Everyday the shops are open with adventurous activities to do. I decided I was going to walk down to the hot spring baths which is located right next to the mountain next to a beautiful waterfall. There are 2 different levels with many different pools available. On the top deck, there are 3 pools, one freezing, a giant one warm with kids swimming in it, and the third is a giant hot tub. I sat in there for a while to help get rid of my cold. The last couple of days I havent been feeling the best and two nights ago woke up in the middle of the night at three different times to vomit. (Sorry, I thought that was the nicest way of putting it)
I woke up Christmas eve with a quezzy stomach and we had set plans to go canyoning, which is where you rock climb or repel down waterfalls. Me, not wanting to miss out, I loaded myself up on a few different remedies and was able to last through the day. It turned out to be an amazing time. There was a group of 8 of us, that i have been traveling with for a while and plan to spend christmas with. 4 from Ireland, 3 Australia, a guy from California, and myself. The canyoning was great, while going down the waterfalls, there were from 15 meters to 30 meters, and a few where you just sat on your bum and slide down. We were equipped with a bodysuit, helmet, knee pads, and a harnes that had a plastic bottom. Although, with our large group it took a while for everyone to get down each waterfall so there was a lot of waiting time. Thats when it got cold, and my cold started to get worse. After we got back I made it home, took a hot shower and went to bed for 2 hours. The rest of the day I took it easy, but still managed to make it to midnight mass with the Irish group. The small little church of this city was crowded with people. There was only standing space left. After about 5 minutes, I had to leave. Standing made my stomach upset. As I got home, across the street is another hostel where they have a fireplace/chimney set up, so I asked if i could sit by the fire. I found a book, and started to read for a bit. It was a nice way to end the evening before going to bed.
After the hot baths this morning, I came back to our hostel/hotel/apartment. We found a place that has 2 bedrooms enough for 5 people with an sitting area/bathroom/kitchen with a working stove. That was our requirment was to find a stove so we could cook our xmas dinner. I got my own room 2 floors down for only $5 a night. I went up to the apartment, to help start cooking and on came some xmas music, Bing Crosby, White Christmas. The irish lads had spent hours downloading xmas music so we could have a real christmas. Two of the Australians bought decorations and lights for around the window that faces out towards the green mountain and beautiful waterfall. I volunteered to make apple crisp for dessert and mash potatoes. I didnt have any measuring cups so i based everything off of a mug and a spoon, with extra dashes of cinnomin. It turned out delicious, if i do say so myself!!! We sat down at three missed-matched tables for 10 people, one of our guys was sick and we invited two girls from Holland to join us. The food turned out amazing and tasted just as good!
Being extra stuffed now with food, we still have Irish coffees, a spiderman piñata with 1.5 kilo of candy, and i guess the pub left on our agenda for this evening.
I have to say this is quite an amazing Christmas. After calling home last night to talk to the family, I miss you all dearly, im happy being here with a new sort of family. Im not missing the blizzard that you are all in, however, last night walking to the church there was a light soft sprinkle that kind of reminded me of a warm snow that melts as soon as it touches anything. So that made me happy. Everything was complete!
Merry Christmas all, love and miss you!
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