Tour Diary, Afterplay
The 17th Day: Otavalo & "Pressconference"
On our last full day in Ecuador we had the visit to Otavalo market in program. Otavalo is situated north from Quito, so we had to pass some mountains on the way. That meant a long drive, just to visit the famous market. It was nice, but not SO exceptional. I did find me a decent Panama hat.
After the market we visited a village project
of Cotocachi with the tourism minister of Ecuador, Ms Rocia Vazquez
Alcazar. We had also
our lunch there, accompanied with a musical background provided
by a local group.
As we reached Quito - much later than planned
- we had to hurry, to be ready for the press conference we would
be attending. Carlos drove the bus, and we saw we approached
Conoco, the town near Quito where Camilo and Marjolein lived. We made
jokes that we would go to their home for a party. Well, it
proved to be no joke! 
The press conference was all "smoke
in your face", they had organised a splendid farewellparty
for us! All the kitchen-crew were there, as well as our mountainguides.
We were served great food from an enormous grill, drinks, etc. in the big and beautiful
home and office -combination. The good things
come to end always too soon, so did this. We drove back to
the hotel, and most of us went to sleep, wery tired. Some
had still energy - so I heard ;-) - to go to a disco.
The 18th Day: See you, Ecuador!
Relatively early wake up, packing and away. Nothing more was to do. We had to leave Ecuador with it's mountains. Luckily the flight was three hours shorter this way, because we didn't visit Quayaquil in this direction.
The 19th Day: Back in Europe
In Amsterdam I had to say goodbuy to the most of my tourfellows, to the rest in München. Then still a bus to Ingolstadt, and a short leg with my own car to home.
The end. Over. What an experience! Still now, some weeks afterwards, I think often of the tour, the happenings, the experiences.
Perhaps I won't be continuing my mountainclimbing career at all. It would be difficult to reach the same level of fulfillment, achieving so much more than before, than on this tour. What will I find to strive for?