Yes, we are finally leaving. We started our trip here on October 1st and have spent the last 7+ weeks shedding the stress of our lives, getting used to a new life, and learning Spanish. It has been an amazing time here and we are more relaxed than we have ever been. However, we are ready to head out to begin exploring the great big world ahead of us.
Check out the video below for an overview of how we are feeling as well as the unexpected emergency that has changed where we go from here…
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About Warren
Travel safely dear friends!
We made it safely to Quito and are relaxing after a big lunch with some cervezas. We will take off tomorrow morning for Baños and looking forward to some excitement and exercise.
The next step begins - can’t wait to hear about chapter two! Bye bye llamas and doggies…
Us too! We petted all the dogs goodbye and waved at the llamas for you.
Yay Ecuador! And love hearing you guys speak Spanish! Baños is fun, the zoo is sketchy, my favorite place to stay on the way there is Hosteria La Cienega, a former president’s old estate, nothing quite like that around there, absolutely worth either staying there a night or at least just stopping by and having a meal.
http://www.hosterialacienega.com/
Also while you’re in Baños, you’re so close to the amazon….you going to head down?
We are extremely excited to see Colombia, but at the same time we know there is a TON to see here in Ecuador and are looking forward to checking out as much as we can in the time they will let us stay in the country.
Thank you for the wonderful hotel recommendation. The place looks amazing. While out of our typical budget we are going to absolutely book a night for when we head into the Quilatoa Loop for several days of hiking and exploration. We will report back on the experience.
After Baños we are planning to head into the Amazon via Puyo. We have made a new friend here who has been an anthropologist for 25 years in the Amazonia and she has agreed to let us know where to go and what we must see. Very exciting. The only concern we have now is running over our allotted time here in Ecuador. It is truly an amazing country!
You two are simply adorable!
Gracias por tu commentario simpático. Estamos verdaderamente felices.
You picked a great winter to not be here- we just got our first snowfall here in Seattle and the world, yet again, is coming to a standstill! Enjoy the sun : )
Agreed! We have been watching the tweets and info from friends up there. Sounds like winter is coming early and I hope this is not a sign of what to expect the rest of the season. If it makes you feel better it is raining now here in Quito, though we are hoping for wonderful weather as we head south tomorrow. Please stay warm!
So great to see your web videos…I have to admit they are hard to watch at work though. I guess that is because I am not suppose to be watching them. lol Betsy…I never would have put you a day over 29! I love how you are able to laugh now about your plans changing so last minute. It is great! Have a safe trip and keep us posted.
I hope that we are not getting you in trouble, but if you do need to get away let us know where you want to meet us. We would love to spend some time on the road and share a glass of wine (or 3) and a good meal.
I have honestly been surprised at how easily we have adjusted to an unscripted life. Each day the possibilities seem greater and the experiences are new. We are beginning to fully appreciate the old adage about knowing what you can control and forgetting what you cannot.
Hey Warren, just currious, what photo equipment are you using?
Hola Jimmy,
This was a big discussion before we took off. I had a DSLR with several lenses, but had 2 major concerns - 1) weight (I did not want to have to lug them around for 4 years) 2) fear (I did not want to constantly worry about it getting stolen. The big issue was I felt I would simply choose not to carry it many times we went out and would miss too many shots).
Thus, I opted to sell the camera and buy a Panasonic Lumix LX3. It is essentially a point and shoot but with a wonderful lens and wonderful flexibility. I can still have complete manual control over the settings, shoot in RAW, and it is so small I can carry it anywhere in my pocket. The only downside it the lack of a telephoto zoom, but I can handle being without that for the ease of carrying it with me anywhere.
You chose wisely, your photographs are excellent. You have a good eye, great composition. I get your concerns, and it makes perfect sense. I just couldn’t leave home without my Nikon.
WOW, coming from you that means a lot. Having seen your pics for so many years you have been an inspiration and getting that complement means a lot.
As for the Nikon, bring it on down. Just let us know where to meet you!
Might wait till ya’ll get to the Himalayas, I am sure I’ll need a Sherpa or two to carry my equipment. If I’m going to the top of the world I’m bringing the BIG stuff!!!! Latter amigo.
LOL! Nothing like outing your wife’s age to the world! I hope your next stop is as enjoyable as this one has been, or more so.
Brian, we are having a great time despite the fact that Warren tattled about my age. In fact, I’ve decided that once you start living the life you want age is sorta irrelevant. So just a couple more weeks til I can celebrate turning the big 4-0!
I have two OLDER sisters ………… or at least I did! Now I’m in my 40′s and they’re still 29! How does that work??? Warren it takes a brave man ………… a very cold and lonely ……. newly celibate …… brave man to confess the true age of his wife on a YouTube video for the world to see.
lol!!!
Hola mi amigos!
I’m sure leaving Casa was bitter sweet…it’s such a magical place. I’m assuming you’ll be venturing into the jungle at some point. I can’t wait to hear about your adventures while you are there!
Big hugs….
Jules
Hey, Jules. I think we are heading into Puyo for a jungle excursion after we backtrack a bit to hike the Quilotoa Loop for a few days. Gotta stay high while we’re still acclimated if we want to do any physical exertion, you know. (or maybe I’ll use any excuse to *not* exert extra energy so Warren is not giving me any excuses)
I keep referring to your commitment to “just say yes” and it is working out remarkably well!
Hola! Warren and Betsy! It seems like it was just yesterday that you welcomed Joyce and I into your Casa and showed us around the Otavalo market. Muchas Gracias! Our only regret was saving some of the best for last and not having more time to enjoy Otavalo and Cotacachi. Enjoy Banos and say hi to Ove and Aase for us if you stop by the Magic Stone. You’ll be pleased to know that my epicurean plan failed and not a single hair was harmed on any Cuy during our month long trip!
Joe, we loved seeing you and Joyce in Otavalo! I have to say, though, I was hoping you would have tried the cuy (guinea pig) to let us know.
We are staying at a hostel here in Banos for one more night and then we have 3 nights at Magic Stone on your recommendation, so we will be sure to share your greetings.
Stay tuned for the next post on Banos - you can compare it with your experience and make sure we didn’t leave anything out!
Might wait till ya’ll get to the Himalayas, I am sure I’ll need a Sherpa or two to carry my equipment. If I’m going to the top of the world I’m bringing the BIG stuff!!!! Latter amigo.