Since my arrival in Ecuador, I've been getting fatigued more quickly, taking longer siestas, and generally feeling groggy. All of that changed yesterday.
After 14 solid days of living at 2500+ meters above sea level, I finally feel like I'm bouncing back. Yesterday was the first time I kept pace with L during our daily jogs exploring Cuenca. It felt incredible. Usually I would be short of breath right off of the starting block, struggling to complete a twenty minute circuit. My body has finally adjusted to this lack of oxygen. Good thing, because my travels are taking me closer and closer to the exosphere every few weeks.
1. Cuenca 2500 m
2. Quito 2800 m
3. Cuzco 3400 m
Relieving my ignorance, Paul told me that Cuenca has roughly 10 percent less oxygen than at sea level. Oxygen is less dense in the mountains because of lower barometric pressure. For some years FIFA banned futbol games in Quito because of the (12 percent less) level of oxygen there. This must be why high altitude training must be gaining so much momentum lately. Athletes train in the mountains because red blood cells are more concentrated to cope.
Caro and I threw about twenty bombas at L when she came home today. She got her revenge before lunch though, hehe... As the weekend draws closer, so does Carnaval. Tensions are high, children are arming, and eyes are drawn towards balconies in fear.
We may go to Salinas for the weekend with our family, but it hasn't been decided. Otherwise, our goals this week include:
1. Cajas National Park
2. Cuy
3. Find another excursion -- in Saraguro -- if Salinas doesn't Pan out.
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