![Title image - BAI takes you to: Ecuador](/v3_assets/images/trip_images/south-america/SAEC00_title.jpg)
Ecuador Volcanoes Expedition Dispatch
November 13, 2012 – The Sweet Life of a Climber
The past two nights were spent at Termas Papallacta; a wonderful and luxurious hot springs and spa. It gave us the opportunity to really treat ourselves to some rest and relaxation after the climb yesterday, and helped us to prepare for the next one.
Being situated in the upper amazon basin, we are quickly able to recuperate from high altitude because of its lower altitude. Of course the massages we had at the spa (and I do mean plural—some of us had two!) also helps.
Last night, Chris and I were invited by the two birthday boy and birthday girl, Ljerka and Jeremy, for dinner at their celebratory restaurant. We started our festivities at the bar, where we shared in a Brazilian drink named, Caipirinha. Then we all relished over a delightful dinner and enjoyed a good Rioja wine.
We are now ready to take on Cotopaxi, Team Ecuador’s next climbing goal. We have our fingers crossed!
Here’s to clear weather and a beautiful summit day!
![Chris enjoying the pool at Termas](assets/09-1-chris-resting.jpg)
Chris enjoying the pool at Termas
![Chris changing it up a bit, and soaking in the hot tub for a while.](assets/09-2-chris-bet-go-warmest-tub.jpg)
Chris changing it up a bit, and soaking in the hot tub for a while.
![Team Ecuador catching up on some reading at the pool](assets/09-3-team-enjoying-quiet-time.jpg)
Team Ecuador catching up on some reading at the pool
![Enjoying great conversation during Ljerka and Jeremy’s birthday dinner](assets/09-4-birthday-party-time.jpg)
Enjoying great conversation during Ljerka and Jeremy’s birthday dinner
![The incredible climbing and birthday duo!](assets/09-5-birthday-boy-and-girl.jpg)
The incredible climbing and birthday duo!
![Chris and Leila with big smiles during dinner](assets/09-6-leila-chris-enjoying-party.jpg)
Chris and Leila with big smiles during dinner
![Nothing like a nice wine to complement a fantastic meal in good company](assets/09-7-night-started-with-caipirinha-rioja-wine.jpg)
Nothing like a nice wine to complement a fantastic meal in good company