ECUADOR!!!

In 2014, before Anthony retired, we did a little research on places where Americans can retire on a limited budget. The place that kept popping up was Cuenca, Ecuador. So while I don’t think we would ever really move to another country, when I saw there was a deal with Delta airlines to go to South America, I looked up how many points it would take to get to Ecuador, and I just happened to have enough points to get us both there. That was back in the middle of March, so it has seemed like it has taken forever, but today is the day.

I was in charge of getting us places to stay and the airline tickets, and told Anthony it was his job to find out what we are going to do when we get there. It will be fun experiencing the culture and will be the only country that we have gone to in South America.

What we are learning is that you have to have a little bit of faith, and some luck too, to be able to make your way to the area surrounding Cuenca. We are planning on going hiking at the National Park near the city, and there is no problem just hopping on a bus heading beyond the park and jumping off at the park. Now the concern comes in when you want to return.  It is our understanding that you have to stand by the road and flag down a bus heading in the direction of Cuenca.  It is important that you stand in an area that the bus can easily stop at, like a level area, because it may pass you by if it is heading uphill and the driver doesn’t want to lose the momentum. So I am a bit concerned with this method of obtaining transportation, but am hoping that this information is correct.  It is all just part of the adventure of this type of trip.

Another challenge we will be facing is the elevation change. For the 3 weeks we will be in Ecuador, we will be over 8000 feet in elevation due to our location in the Andes Mountains.  Chattanooga, where we live, is only about 600 feet elevation. To avoid possibly experiencing altitude sickness while we are there, our motto each day may be, “Start off slow, and taper.”  We will also have to be very conscious about remaining hydrated during our stay, without drinking tap water, which from what I understand is probably okay in the bigger cities, but who wants to take a chance?

Some really nice things are that the currency they use is US Dollars, so that’s easy. The time zone we will be in is the same as Central Time zone, so hopefully there will be no jet lag.  Also, their electrical outlets are the same as ours, so no need to bring an adapter. We will be traveling on their Airline, Tame, and the carry on weight limit will be 17 lbs., which is exactly the weight our backpacks, so every ounce counts.

The way we found our accommodations was through the Citi credit card travel portal. They were offering a deal for $50 off for reservations made for two nights, so I found our accommodations, made reservations in two night increments, and was able to get some nights for $5 per night!! This is one of my best deals I have ever seen.  Our lodging for these three weeks was less than $200, which is a pretty smoking deal. And the reviews have been really good so I am not concerned about the quality. The place in Cuenca, Hotel Apartmentos Otorongos, which is where we will be staying for 2 1/2 weeks, is very accommodating of Americans. We are looking forward to meeting the owners, who, according to the reviews, are wonderful.

The blogger app is now not being supported by google anymore, so I am trying to do this blog in a little different way, so I hope this will continue to work.

I would like to give a shout out to my Uncle Raymond (dad’s brother) and Aunt Dian (mom’s sister). Just want to say hey and that I love you:)

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