Closing circles....

It's been a while since I wrote anything, but honestly, due to the routine of getting familiar, there wasn't much to tell. The time in the hospital was very interesting, I learned a lot about the local healthcare system and also learned many practical things.

On weekends, we were mostly out with the Valencia family, who treated me like a son.

I visited Otavalo on a weekend and did some shopping at the Mercodo de los Ponchos. Lots of people, lots of colors, lots of smells, and even an interview was demanded of me.

Furthermore, we went to the Laguna de Cuicocha on a weekend near the Mama Cotacachi volcano to circle the lagoon on foot. The hike was 14km long and the people I was traveling with didn't believe that it could be a little tiring. But I made sure there was enough food and drink for everyone.... sweaty and with the feeling of a beautiful hike, we returned to eat a good oven-cooked fish near Ibarra.

The following week, the family took me on a picnic in the mountains of Zuleta. Simply breathtaking. The Andes, silence, and a good beer can chicken that I prepared in the oven with the family in the morning. Cows in the pasture and many fields, as well as wild dogs, who joined in the meal. I was offered to buy a plot of land in the mountains. $3 per square meter...

For the farewell, I baked a cake for the hospital and the Valencia family. Carrot almond walnut with cream cheese topping. Everyone was very impressed.

All in all, I am leaving my family and colleagues from the hospital with a heavy heart. I will miss them very much. It was a very nice few weeks.

Yesterday, I made my way back to Quito to L Auberge Inn to spend my last days in Ecuador. I visited the Guayasamin Museum, a very famous Ecuadorian painter who turned his house into a museum. Impressive view and lots of Latin American culture combined in a house that resembled Scarface's house.

Tonight, I will continue to Cuenca, the last stop before heading to Peru for surfing.....