Volcanic Crater Lake

        Today was a quieter day, we did lots of more touristy things. We started out the day by going to Cuycocha Crater Lake, a volcanic crater lake. It was a fabulous day and the lake was absolutely beautiful. We took a boat out on to the water for a tour and to see the bubbles released by the volcano underneath.  We were able to either hike around or sit in the sun and enjoy the fabulous weather. After a delicious lunch, we headed back down to the town of Cotacachi, which is known for its leather goods. We of course did more shopping, as if we needed to.

                The final night was spent with our host families and at a campfire hosted by Omar and Juan Carlos. There was dancing and traditional music. It was a great way to end our time in Pijal. It was our last night with our host families, which was so incredibly sad. Most of us, where dreading leaving our families the next day and the inevitable tears that would be shed. Again, it was an impromptu gathering that was off schedule, and that’s what made it so great. It was the final gathering with the community we had spent so much time with; and it was again cohesive and natural. This closing night really made me appreciate how lucky I was to be able to spend more time in this community. The first time it was so short, compact and in some ways impersonal due to the shorter chunk of time. The people were just as welcoming the first time, but we never had the opportunity to get comfortable. This time we were able to get settled in and actually get to know the families and community we were living in. Even though my ability to speak Spanish was no better, my connections built with my host family were so strong. It in many ways, was like leaving a family. I know for a fact if I ever ended up back there, I would be welcomed in without any question.