lisa this album looks amazing! looks just like the old computer game "amazon" haha you guys are wet in every picture! when i was in vietnam, i came to a point where i wouldnt want to shower anymore because the moment i step out of the shower, i'd be drenched in my own sweat again. it was very annoying. i was only in tropical weather! i cant imagine how the rainforest must be like!

lisa south america looks gorgeous! you and jeff must be so in shape now... with all these outdoorsy activities youve been doing :) how's the food?

Stefanie Bonnie, great to hear from you! I can hardly wait to get back in at the zoo! Alan, we're in Cuenca now and then we're headed to the Amazon. No Galapagos for us this time...it was between Amazon or Galapagos for this trip and the rainforest was slightly more budget friendly. We'll definitely get out to the islands someday though!

Alan Sounds wonderful, I only spent a night in Quito. Where next? Galapagos Islands are close and I found them to be a real deal for tourists (and science types like us).

Bonnie Denholm Hi Stef and Jeff - I am a bit late signing on to your blog, but have been thinking of you since last fall. We had training for Asian Tropics (Toyota Elephant Passage now) - so saw others from out Docent class, Stef. Missed you - but am sending you docent vibes! Will try to follow along now and get caught up to what all you have been doing. Have a blast (as I am sure you are). I did ASK ME at Tropical Discovery for Zoo Lights and talked alot about South America - Amazon and the Arapaina (well, didn't talk alot about alot, more 60 sec messages - it was crazy crowds!). Fun to shift thinking to South America rather than Asia sometimes (I always liked the maned wolf station too) - guess I need to see when I can visit there sometime. Bye for now - Bonnie

Rachel Izor Wow! Hope you are enjoying Ecuador.. If the weather is anything like California lately (ie not wintery) it must be amazing! Oh wait, which hemisphere are you in? Is it summer anyway?

Monica Pena Can't wait to see pictures of Ecuador. I've always wanted to visit there someday. Have lots of fun!

Monica Pena That was an amazing journey you two had in these past months. I am so happy you guys let us in and tag along via this site. This will absolute enrich your lives and have a new perspective. Can't wait to see you in person and hear more about the awsome places you visited. Have a wonderful holiday and a happy New Year! Your future babysitter... ha ha ha

Monica That is awsome! I'm glad you guys did get to enjoy this part of your trip.

Alan I am so envious but happy for you two having such incredible experiences.

Alan I was at the panda breeding center in 2007 and am glad to hear it was restored after the earthquake. I enjoyed Sichuan province for 4 days and loved the food but it's not for everybody. The numbing sensation is from a spice they called "pepper flower" which looks a bit like cloves. That a several hot peppers in soups and other dishes had me perspiring too.