On leaving Ecuador

There are moments of true euphoria when you travel like this. When the realization crystallizes that you've planned things well and you're waiting for the bus to your next destination; mochilla's been successfully repacked and everything still goddamn fits; your cab ride went smoothly, and you even had a nice conversation with the driver in Spanish; then got to the terminal in time to buy your ticket, an apple and some gum; and now you're waiting.

The bus to Guayaquil leaves in just 20 minutes and I will have a window seat next to the bathroom in back just the way I like it (especially on long bus rides which is anything over 1 hour, alas). It's only about 4 hours to Guayaquil from Cuenca but I'm looking forward to my iPod and reviewing my Spanish verbs and maybe a nap. The air outside is perfect and it's official that Cuenca is better than Quito. Well, at least when it comes to the weather and relative lack of traffic pollution. (I've loved my three days here but I think my heart might belong to Quito).

It's on this perfect day in Cuenca, this euphoric high, that I leave Ecuador now for good. Wistful already and sorry not to have made it to Loja and Villacamba but proud of what I have managed in 7 weeks, way more than originally planned but worth every minute. People will ask as they often do which country I loved best, not knowing that when you travel well you are simply adding more countries to the list. I leave Ecuador now feeling how I loved it - as I loved Peru, Santiago (however brief), Patagonia, and very city visited in Argentina. As always, this feeling makes me want to stay wherever I am. Though I know what it really means is that now I'm ready to leave. 

Chao!