Lucas, Irais and me, their Aunt Becky, touring Ecuador |
Once I heard my awesome Tía Becky was going to be living in Ecuador, my wife, Irais, and I, given our love for travel and adventure, knew we wanted to visit her – and we are so glad we did!
Becky asked us to share our experiences on her Blog so you, her readers, could learn more about Ecuador, and our amazing 8-day Ecuadorian vacation!
(Editor’s Note: Go to onthewingadventures.blogspot.com to see full post with video.)
What was your favorite part of visiting Ecuador?
Irais: This is a tough question because I had many favorites! I would say my favorite part was being able to explore so many places with Becky. It was a constant go-go-go but I wouldn’t have it any other way! If there was one single thing that stood out for me was being able to go on the highest and scariest swing of my life! At only $10 a person, I couldn’t say no! Let’s just say my stomach dropped many times, the views were amazing, and while I was taking pictures, my husband never let go of the bar on the swing! (Ha!)
What was the most surprising thing about Ecuador?
Lucas: I was most surprised at how hard working the people are, while maintaining a family centric view. Ecuadorians leave for work early and get home late every day, but typically meet at home to have lunch as a family. It is normal for businesses to shut down for part of the afternoon and the school system has multiple starting times (7am and 1pm) to allow families to share time together for lunch.
A typical Saturday market in Ecuador – so much produce! |
Yummy street food is always available in a pinch… maybe that’s why they call these “pinchos”! |
I can’t forget to mention that they have the best ice cream. I had at least one a day and didn’t have one bit of regret. As Becky said, I had to try them all! |
Irais: My favorite place to visit was Baños. There was so much to do in that cute town. I went on my first zipline/ ropes course experience at only $20/ person. It was really fun having this adventure together, talking and laughing the whole time. The nightlife in Baños is pretty active as well… more on that, later!
Lucas: She is doing great! She is loving the culture and absorbing all that she can. She lives with an awesome family that has basically adopted her and she stays busy between working and playing with her many hobbies and adventures! I could feel how excited she was to show us the country and people she has fallen in love with. It was amazing to see the life she has created at the center of the world, and I couldn’t be more happy for her!
Ecuadorians know how to grill meat, and bananas, too. “Rico!” |
Here we are sporting our new Ecuadorian sweaters in Ibarra, while Margarita and Jose liked their new Chicago Cubs hats. |
Can you share a funny story from your adventures?
Do you have any last advice for others braving a trip to Ecuador?
Irais: If you go to visit Becky, let her know what you enjoy, and then let her plan the trip! She did a fantastic job! I would also listen to her when she says “pack light in a backpack, and pack smart!” If you’re thinking of visiting her, I can almost promise you, that you won’t regret it! This was truly a memorable trip for me and I left Ecuador more adventurous than when I arrived. Oh, and don’t forget to look at all the beautiful flowers!
Thank you for visiting me Lucas and Irais. It was so much fun to show off my Ecuador and such an honor to get to know you both better. A very memorable trip, indeed! |