TheExpatJournals.com

So I just returned from the Galapagos and all my friends ask the same question, “How was it?”  That is not so easy to answer because I could probably spend the next two days talking about the experience.  It isn’t enough to merely say that everywhere else I’ve ever been now pales in comparison because you can’t compare the Galapagos with anywhere else.  It is literally another world. After awhile, I came up with one simple response, “It’s like the epitome of summer camp for adults located in the land that time forgot”.  Yes, I know it’s vague, but once you’ve been there yourself, it makes perfect sense. (more…)

Been a little busy here folks. Went away to Quito (again) for a week and went up to Cotacachi and Otavalo for the weekend. Had no time to do anything but work and sleep in Quito, but had a wonderfully relaxing weekend in Cotacachi…I even left my computer in Quito so I wouldn’t be tempted. Must get some photos so you can see for yourself. Cotacachi, about 2 hours north of Quito, sits right in the center of two huge extinct volcanoes, Cotacachi and Imbabura. Pretty amazing views when the clouds let you have a peak. (more…)

When I first came to Ecuador to peruse from the perspective of a possible move here, I had done almost a year of research, felt as though I no longer wanted to live in a big city and was certain I didn’t want to live that close to an active volcano that has already once caused the city to be evacuated due to ash cover…so I can’t say I’ve ever been very focused on Quito. (more…)

Yesterday, I was invited to have lunch with an Ecuadorian family. It was quite an experience for me as we spent roughly 4 hours together between lunch and conversation afterwards…in Spanish. While quite a bit of time was dedicated to American politics, quite a bit of time was also dedicated to discussing various events and tragedies in various powerful families in Cuenca. (more…)

It took two days of bureaucracy to finally get my Ecuador driver’s license. The main reason for me to do this was two-fold: A. A driver’s course is mandatory and cost $160 up until May 1 when it was rumored to shoot up to $900. B) My US license expires in July and I’m not so sure I’ll be back in time to get it renewed. So the double whammy added up to ‘just do it.’ And boy did I ever break it in! (more…)

The question was posed: OK, turn about is fair play! I have seen this same question about the Ecuador women asked, in one form or another, a few times, what about the men? I know they are of a macho culture, but how do they behave around women who are alone? For instance, as an example, my daughter and I feel that the men in the Bahamas are too ‘fresh’. They look at you too personally and make you feel a little uncomfortable. (more…)