12.22-23.14:Back in Quito/Flying Home

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    We returned to Quito after two days at Cayambe and rested at the hotel.  Kimberly was a lifesaver, making sure that everything was taken care of as I slept and fought off a chest cold.  She explored Quito's neighborhoods including La Ronda, which we had neglected up until our last days in town. After a good night's sleep, we got up the next morning and had our last tamale breakfast at the hotel and proceeded to do some Christmas shopping. Kimberly's recon proved helpful and we were able to make good use of the day, taking in the sights one last time and successfully completing our holiday chores.  We treated ourselves to a Pisco Sour at one of Quito's most elegant hotel bars and waited for our taxi to take us to the airport.

    This morning I'm back in Macon (12/23/14) and reflecting on our trip.  We did a lot of things really quickly, and that's how I like to travel, but it is draining.  Every day was a highlight to me and I can't seem to pick a favorite part.  Summiting Rucu Pichincha was a thrilling experience as was playing in the snow on Cotopaxi.  Searching for a Shaman to perform a spiritual cleansing was quite an adventure and the sights of Quito were spectacular. If I had to choose one moment though that will forever be etched in my memory, it was sitting at 18,104 feet on Cayambe, staring at the horizon and wondering what was next.