Confessions of a tech addict & proof that I’m not soldered to my computer/phone/tab. Incan Ruins of Ingapirca & Hiking in the Andes Mountains. #Ecuador

Health & Wellness

By Renetta Garrison Tull on January 25, 2014 • ( 1 Comment )

There have been days (and nights) that I’ve been glued to the computer. Getting hundreds of emails a day, and having an overflowing inbox only adds to the issue. I didn’t think that I was addicted, but I’ve been surrounded by my laptop, tablet, and phone and have multi-tasked using all three. I remember nearly having a panic attack when my husband cleared the notifications list on my phone, and I wondered how things would work without constantly being “on” here in Ecuador. Well … as you can see, I have survived!

Last week, I went to the Incan Ruins in Ingapirca, Ecuador.  Today, I went hiking in the Andes Mountains … 4400 meters (a little over 14,000 feet) above sea level! Apparently I must be used to the elevation, because it didn’t really bother me. I had a few deep breaths when we were going uphill, but otherwise it was fine. Living in Cuenca for a while has helped with the breathing (2500 meters … approximately 8,000 feet above sea level.) When I came to South America at the beginning of the year, I was out of breath after walking for about 15 minutes. After a few weeks of living in Ecuador, I am finally used to the altitude!

Here are some photos from these excursions.

 

I’ve enjoyed getting out beyond the tech to see the trees, smell the freshness of the outdoors, hear the birds, and enjoy the countryside. See all of the cows and llamas in the hills reminded me of Psalm 50:10-11
¹⁰ for every animal of the forest is mine,
    and the cattle on a thousand hills.
¹¹ I know every bird in the mountains,
    and the insects in the fields are mine. (NIV)

When I return to the states, I think that I will try to spend some more time outdoors. Despite the fact that I’m blogging right now, I have definitely been receiving the benefit of stepping away for a while.

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These photos were taken at Ingapirca, and at Cajas National Park, – Ecuador, January 2014

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P.S. If you go to either of these places, or to other places in Ecuador, remember to bring your own toilet tissue, drink plenty of water, bring some healthy snacks, dress in layers, include a rain jacket in your bag, and enjoy yourself.

Categories: Health & Wellness, Latin America, Life/Work Balance, Travel

Tagged as: Cajas National Park, Cuenca, Ecuador, Ingapirca