Sunday 10 January 2016

And so to Ecuador.

Why Ecuador?

Why not?

When I was in Cuba I met a family from Germany; their eldest son was working in Ecuador and they described a fascinating country. Had I been there? they asked. No ... and, the more they talked, the more a visit seemed like a very good idea.

Yet, even now, I have no idea what to expect.

So here is the little that I do know:

I have no idea how stable their politics are, though I do know there should be no elections while I'm there. Like most countries, there can be occasional demonstrations - I'm used to staying well away from those.

I know there are some wonderful markets - so hopefully I find some treasures for daughters and grandchildren, and for the friends who look after my house while I'm away.

I know there are some wonderful mountains - Quito (the capital) is located at about 9000 feet. Cotopaxi, one of the main volcanoes, has been hissing a bit in recent months, but has had no serious eruptions for decades. I know how to run away from molten lava. (I shall also be visiting the hot springs, which will be fun. I'll let you know if they smell as bad as Rotorua!)

I know that there are a number of national parks, aimed at protecting the rainforest and associated wildlife in the upper reaches of the Amazon. There are anacondas, and boas, and no doubt a scorpion or two. But the lodge where I'm staying is remote and beautiful, and have guides who know how to keep us all safe. (Those who have read about my last trip to Nepal will know that one close encounter with a crocodile is enough to last a lifetime!)

I have done my best to learn Spanish, so I shouldn't get into the sort of tangles that made Cuba such a challenge. I believe I can get myself understood now. But I've no idea if I can understand replies.

I can't find out how much the climate is affected by the current El NiƱo. But there have, in the past, been floods in Puerto Lopez (where I hope to have a few days by the sea). I've no idea if there have been storms in the Galapagos - nor the impact they may have on the wildlife there. Nor if storms might mean that I spend my Galapagos week sheltering in a harbour somewhere.

I will have wifi some of the time - but it may be slow. So blogging, tweeting, facebooking will all be a bit hit and miss. Just assume I'm fine - and wait for tales of my adventures till I get home. (I honestly don't know if I'll write a book about this trip - it depends how I get on.)

Maybe I need to do more googling, find out a bit more, considering I'm leaving in a couple of days.

12 comments:

  1. SIL has the foreign office desk for South America....let me know if there are any probs..I'll send him out there to rescue you!

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    1. Thanks for this, Carol. I'll keep that in mind. I'm planning adventures, but you never know ...

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  2. Perhaps what you don't know is what is attracting you Jo. It sounds different and I did google it when I read on FB that you were going there. Have a brilliant time and stay safe.

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    1. It's going to be very different, Anne -and I'll do my best to stay safe! (But then, I always do my best to stay safe ... nobody in their rights minds plans a close encounter with a crocodile!)

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    2. WhenI read the crocodile story again in your book it sent shivers up my spine. These things are so big and scary. I envy you going to the Galapagos island.

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  3. Part of the adventure is not knowing what to expect and being amazed by things you didn't know or haven't even seen in images before. One of the downsides of the Internet is that we can travel virtually and this can take some of the excitement out of a trip like this. Enjoy the adventure, Jo. Enjoy the sunshine, the fresh mountain air and scenery - and especially the Galapagos where I would love to go!!

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    1. Oh yes - the not-knowing is almost the best bit! It's scary, but - provided I can retain a nanodrop of common sense - it's what leads me into the most innovative and exciting places!

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  4. This will be so memorable, Jo. We've been to Galagos and found it truly fabulous. Blue-footed boobies an' all! Have a womderful trip. You're so, like, intrepid!

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    1. Blue-footed boobies ... now there's an image to play with ...

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  5. Can't wait to hear about it - a friend did South America a couple of years ago, she liked Colombia the best, said it was beautiful :)

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  6. Enjoy it. I once had a good Ecuadorean friend. I say "once" because we have not been in touch for almost 20 years. Good guy, from Quito.

    Have a safe journey.

    Greetings from London.

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