We awoke rather late after a rainfilled night, and were treated to hard boiled eggs and crispy fried bananas. We said our goodbyes then headed for a walk along the Puyo River.

Tad relaxed and read while the gals and I walked the 45 minute hike. We was some awesome ant paths with ants carrying pieces of leaves to their homestead. There were literally thousands, and we saw several of these demonstrations on our journeys througout the day.

As we were heading back into civilization, we came across a bunch of kids jumping off the bridge into the Puyo River. Tad joined in and double jumped with one of the kids. Wow, he´s daring!

Next was a bus and walk to Tio Ricardo´s place. There we were given fresh plantain bananas and the sugar cane shoot. We all had our try at preparing the sugar cane by using a machetti to scrape off the protective layer. The cane looked like bamboo. It was good and juicy. Mmmm! Then out came some rice and chicken and fried potatos. During our visit, Mari got into a mode of ¨Let´s mix up Frank and teach him incorrect Spanish words¨. It was fun once I caught on. People are very hospitable here.

After a short visit and exchanges of encouragement, thanks and good luck, we headed for Hosteria Acha Caspi. This place is amazing. All built of rocks and wood from cabo de hacha. The five buildings are supported by concrete and the cabo de hacha wood which has a very decorative cross section. The trunk of the tree is sliced in consistant thickness then used either as decorative material or structural support. The special attribute of this tree is that the cross section of the trunk is not simply round or oval. It is very irregular. Picture the inside seed of a walnut, then slice it. Or maybe the brain of a human. I hope you get the picture. Even some stairs were built from these shapes. It is amazing. Also the stairs of rocks that lead into the pond demonstrated painstakingly patient workmanship. We next headed to the center of Puyo to catch the bus back to Ambato. Unfortunately, dusk was upon us as the bus left the terminal and the entire ride was in the dark. I was sure that the ride would have offered beautiful sites otherwise. The ride did offer excitement of different sorts however. At one point our bus and several other vehicles coming the opposite direction had to jostle for position as a number of the people in the bus (including Paty) screamed in fear. We made it through. A couple of days later, Tad and I walked on part of this road. There are 200-300 metre drops in many places - I now understand the reason for the screaming.

We were also stopped by the police and everyone had to leave the bus and reboard - again for safety purposes. Tad and I were a bit hesitant to leave our stuff on the bus, but fortunately nothing was taken.

When we got back to Paty´s place, we were surprised to see her mom home from the hospital. We had a great time recounting the events to her parents. I really found the acceptance of us pleasing. We were in their parent´s bedroom. Her mom was in bed and the two grandchildren were sleeping in the next bed. Her dad was sitting on the edge of the grandchildren´s bed and offered me the spot as he then climbed into his own bed as we continued swapping stories. I really enjoyed that scene.

We hit the sack soon.

- Watching a ball roll down a hill can be as exciting as the world´s most famous events if your attitude allows it.
- Frank Pollari

Tad living on the edge at jungle reserve on Rio Puyo	Patty giving caña (sugar cane) peeling demonstration
One of the Acha Caspi buildings

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