What a bright spot. We approach Riobamba, the capital of the province of Chimborazo and wellbeing of our city in Ecuador. Riobamba has 100,000 inhabitants and is the agricultural economy of the region. What we were not permitted in the previous two visits, we should now enjoy from afar. A wonderful view of the Chimborazo which is 6.310 m, the highest mountain in Ecuador and due to the equatorial bulge of the earth farthest from the center of the earth remote location.
Originally It was once the altar but he is now much smaller with 5319 meters. A Legend has to why it is so: Tungurahua, Chimborazo's wife had an affair with altar. Chimborazo then struck with a hammer on the altar of what this could shrink to its current size. Still argue the couple and throwing each other with lightning. Mrs. Tungurahua is currently very angry and spitting smoke and ash. It punishes not only her husband but the whole region. For this altar now has nine points and competes in all its glory with its rivals.
In Riobamba we were friendly again by José Ignacio in the courtyard of the Hotel Whymper recorded.
But we still have an important date in our program. As you already know, we visited six months ago, our sponsored child Sandra Mercedes and promised to be back soon. At that time we could not take our German interpreter. This time we were better organized and have our visit in Germany pending. A whole suitcase full of presents for the children we had brought from home. Food, household goods, balls and a special gift for Sandra Mercedes we bought on the eve of our visit to Riobamba one. On Friday, 18:09:09 was the big day. We traveled with our interpreter Miriam and three employees of plan by Columbe. First up Guamote with the camper and then by car from plan to Columbe. Higher and higher screwed itself up the car on a dirt road to the mountain until we finally arrived at the estate of the family.
Oh what a difference to our first visit. At that time, Sandra Mercedes had been hiding for fear of us in the house. Today, they met us already gone and embraced us warmly. In general, the welcome was much relaxed in front of him as half a year ago.
to our surprise, however, were many more children there than we had expected. We learned that the teachers strike and now the nieces and nephews of the family, since they had no school, also were present. First had to serve as a candy bag.
minute we predisposed to. First were the three remaining children living at home their gifts, then we handed over the packets of food the mother. What we had planned for the school, we present distributed to the remaining children. The bright eyes are the best thanks.
When we were six months ago in Columb, we asked Sandra Mercedes what would be her biggest wish well. She replied that she dreams of a bicycle. Then emerged as the bike from the boot, she was suddenly silent.
Without a word she took the bike and ran up the hill. The smaller children ran with jubilation.
top they jumped on the bike and rode the little ones in tow back to us. They hugged us still without a word.
Here is the picture of the proud owner and the bike. The little brother is a bit possessive of his foot on the pedal.
Back at the house shows us Sandra Mercedes a block of images they painted in our absence. All recognized the room immediately to the persons they are in this picture and had it for a treat. Maybe yes once an artist from her.
then invited the father of us to dinner. Again we were lucky and it was soup, potatoes and chicken. Cuy (guinea pig) was not on the menu. Unfortunately, only found the staff plan, Miriam the interpreter (front left) Sandra Mercedes and we place at the table. The rest of the family had to eat standing up.
We got a bag each presented as a gift and a farewell photo gathered the whole family. The two very old ladies were the mothers of Holger the father and mother Maria Juana of the family. The two grandmothers are incredible 73 and 83 years old and do not even have a batch of gray hair.
Again and again we had to press hands in farewell. The little ones wanted us to not let go and cried, come back soon. Unfortunately, this is probably the last time we see our sponsored child. Another visit is at the end of our South America trip not more. But we are simply left open. You never know how life plays along a Sun One should never say never.
Back in Riobamba, we were very sad. But the memory of the many happy children has consoled us why his back just a letter and some pictures in Sandra Mercedes now is for us. But now we know each other and writing letters is facilitated considerably.
Now we are free of all appointments and we can devote our whole trip. We enjoy a few relaxing days in Riobamba. We would have to La BasÃlica the only round church of Ecuador Interior visited. But unfortunately it was closed.
but living downtown. Saturday is market day in Riobamba. In addition to the actual market venue with their stunning range of fruit and vegetables (again we have bought for weeks)
are blocked in the center of almost all roads with indigenous people who sell their agricultural products or to buy something do . Unfortunately, they do not want to be photographed and must Bernd secretly make pictures.
We also see many poor people like this beggar who does not even have shoes. Although it is very nice day, sunny and warm, but now is winter and the nights are bitterly cold. The fish vendor takes pity on her and gives the old woman a fish.
Here's a look at our road that ends at the bullring .
Here, almost no day goes by without a procession. Here the image of the Madre de Cisne is carried through the streets.
But not quite devout and thoughtful, but with colorfully dressed dancers, music and gun salutes.
DC creates a traffic jam, but that neither the faithful nor does the driver from the rest.
With the image of the painting of the city's history pass us by "our" city.
Also by Jose Ignacio (pictured here with the dogs who guarded us, and his brother in law) we must say goodbye now. He has done so much for us and we had a good friend. He would like to organize more trips into the countryside for us, but the Ecuadorian government does not give us more time and we need a few more days to get to the border. Before that is still Cuenca the plan and the city is well worth a visit. Of which more in the next blog.
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