Last Day in Ecuador

Through some of this vacation I didn’t think that this day would ever come but looking back on my time in Ecuador I must say that I am grateful for the experience. I have learned a lot about South America, Ecuador, people and most of all myself!

Ecuador is a beautiful country with incredible vistas of lush scenery but with the severe contrast of ill repaired homes everywhere we went except in Cuenca. Cuenca’s homes were gorgeous and since we drove around a good portion of the city I would say it is for the most part in excellent condition. I was told that Cuenca is an international historical site so the older part (where our hostal was) was in good condition.

There are several distinct peoples here. The true indigenous people, the “Ecuadorian” (mixed race) which is the largest part of the population, the old Spanish people (about 4,000 according to one source) and lastly the expats. People from all over the world choose to retire in Ecuador because of the low cost of living, good medical care, temperate climate all year round and because they fall in love with the people.

I loved Mexico for its shopping but I have to say that Ecuador is even better for shopping though you have to appreciate the quality items and not just buy junk or kitsch as they seem to be calling it these days.

There is a lot to see in Ecuador and sadly we barely scratched the surface. Would I come back? Possibly. But first and foremost I would want to be fluent in Spanish. That is my first recommendation to anyone wanting to travel to Ecuador – learn Spanish because virtually no one here speaks or understands English. One of Barb’s friends told us that we were truly living on the edge by travelling without our own vehicle and not knowing any Spanish. Wow, good to know but a little late to be telling me this halfway through my trip!

But I have had lots of rest and lots of sun. Seen plenty, shopped even more.

To quote my grandfather “Ud er godt, men hjem er bedst” --- out is good but home is best!