Letters from a Wandering Soul

🕓 A Full Day of Culinary Discovery in Alausí From the moment I opened my eyes until I drifted off to sleep— the entire day was filled with flavors, people, and the streets of Alausí. 🌅 06:00–07:00 | A Hint of Mint in the Air and the Silhouette of the Andes Beyond the Morning Sunlight Hostal Estrella Andina, my second morning. Through the half-open window, a gentle scent of mint tingled my nose, and beyond the glass, the rising red sun gradually lit up the vast ridges of the Andes. The rich, earthy scent of grass and soil made the Andes feel more three-dimensional— as if they were rising right before me, alive and breathing. With each step, the vivid sense that “Yes, I’m truly here” grew stronger. A quiet hum escaped my lips, while the image of the Andes, carried in through my nose, spread gently into my chest like a painting unfurling from within. That morning, I packed a small bag— a card, some local cash exchanged from Korean won, my camera, and a notebook. T...

 Into Alausí — Embraced by the Andes Tucked away in southern Ecuador, Alausí is a small, peaceful mountain town. It’s also known as the departure point of the famous Nariz del Diablo (Devil’s Nose) train. It takes about five hours by bus from Cuenca. I smiled quietly to myself as I looked out the window—cloud-veiled mountain ranges unfolded before me, and children ran freely under tall palm trees. Every time the bus curved along the winding roads, my heart would skip a beat, whispering, “Wow... I really am in South America.” 🚂 The Devil’s Nose Train — Where Thrill Meets Beauty True to its fearsome name, this train offers an exhilarating ride. It slides down steep mountain cliffs like a giant dragon wrapped in chains—twisting, gliding, seemingly being pulled into the depths. That breathtaking moment made me understand, at last, why it’s called The Devil’s Nose. The ticket costs around $33, and along the way, passengers are treated to a performance of traditional local dan...