Have you ever ridden on the top of a train? Or even been encouraged to ride on the train? I think this is the only place in the world that it might be legal and fun to ride atop a moving train car. They provide railings and cushions and snack vendors, too, so who needs the dining car? The ride started from Riobamba. Here I visited a church located at the highest point in the city from which you can see the snow capped Volcan Tungarahua and Chimborazo. The volcano is off to the left and covered with clouds, but if you look to the right you can see the snow capped mountain in the distance!!!
Along the way, we went through small towns and wide open valleys. Ecuador is currently going through transition as they voted a new Constitution into affect. Along the route, you could see the campaign propaganda with the words ¨Vota Si¨or ¨Vota No¨ painted on homes or any available surface.

Aside from the 8 uncomforatble hours atop the train which started in the cold windy rainy town of Riobamba, I had a fabulous time on this ride, and met two new friends - June and Ed - who I was so fortunate to sitting next to on the ride. We ended up spending the next 5 days together!