Geni and I will be going to Ecuador for three months this Winter, and the idea of blogging the experience is compelling. Ecuador is one of the most diverse and exotic destinations on earth. The Galapagos, the Amazon, colonial Quito, volcanoes, beaches. A blog is a useful tool to organize photos and impressions for friends and family.
A blog is also helpful in organizing research in preparation for the trip, such as hotels and attractions. The amount of information available can be overwhelming. In addition to numerous tour books, there are dozens of personal experience blogs ranging from Peace Corps volunteers to adventure travelers to ex-pat retirees. Our blog is intended to document our experience from the planning period to the trip itself.
So You're going to Ecuador... and, Why is That?
Probably the primary reason is health and lifestyle. Alabama winters are tolerable, but are often damp, cold, and depressing. Three months at latitude zero, hiking to the market or on mountain trails will be healthier than huddling indoors. In addition, fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood are easily available. We hope to end the winter down fifteen pounds rather than the other way around.
It is also an adventure. Our mental horizons will be broadened. We will learn more Spanish (and perhaps some Quichua). We will be surprised, challenged, and maybe occasionally a little unnerved. We will meet fascinating people, both Ecuadorians and travelers, who will introduce new ideas and understandings. We will return as changed people.
Another reason for the trip is to decide about a possible permanent move to Ecuador. We want to get a feel for living in the country, shopping in local markets and cooking meals. We loved living in Mexico for extended periods, and Ecuador may be even better.
One goal is to travel without an itinerary -- to make decisions spontaneously and detach from the American culture of security and control. Apart from the air flights (November 28 and February 20), the only plan is to book a hotel in Quito for two nights. After that, where to go and how long to stay will be flexible. Most travel will be by bus (hence the title of the blog).
The first decision is how to where to stay in Quito. We will be arriving after midnight, so we will likely book a hotel for the first couple of nights. It is also possible to book an book in advance a furnished apartment on a weekly or monthly basis.
So the subject of the first blog will be internet and guidebook research about hotels and apartments in Quito.
Hotels
The two main areas for hotels is the Old Town and Mariscal sections. Old Town is the colonial area and La Mariscal is a newer section with more nightlife. Chatroom discussions generally describe Old Town as safer from minor crime.
Old Town
Hostal San Blas - Caldas 121m Plaza San Blas - Rooms cost $15 - 25. Reviews are very positive. Rooms are small and dark. The ground floor is noisy. It is located on a small park five blocks north of Centro. Family owned.
Hostal Revolution - Los Rios and Julia Castro, N13-11 - $25 via Paypal - No check-in after 11:30 pm. Located about ten blocks north of Centro, halfway between Old Town and New Town. Shared kitchen, Australian-Ecuadorian owned.
Hostal Colonial House - Olmedo 432 y los Rios - $25 - Excellent reviews. Shared kitchen. Looks appealing. Airport transfer.
Hotel San Francisco de Quito - Sucre Oe3-17 and Guayaquil - $45. In Centro. Airport Transfer.
