Living in a foreign country has its challenges, but it also makes me feel more alive. I’m immersed in opportunities to learn about another culture and language while gaining insights about myself.

For example, when I recently visited the eye doctor, I could not figure out what the receptionist meant when she asked something about “segura” (Am I safe? Am I sure?). I finally realized she was asking for my insurance information. Then, in the waiting room, a little boy kept walking right up to me and staring at my eyes, within inches of my face (somewhat surprisingly, my blue eyes, not my height, generate the most comments from the locals). During my appointment, I successfully explained in broken Spanish the reason for my visit and read the eye charts en español. The optometrist and I shared some laughs at our attempts to speak each other’s language. This all occurred over the span of about 20 minutes. 

I’ve now explored the “high priority” sights in Quito and am settling into more of a routine, revisiting favorite parks, hiking trails and cafes. It feels nice to have a rhythm at this stage of my time here. It’s also a good reminder that exploring in your community can be almost as restorative as taking a trip.

Even so, I never turn down an opportunity to go on an out-of-town adventure!

Return to Baños

For example, I recently revisited Baños with a friend. We biked along the Ruta de Cascadas, stopping at the stunning waterfalls along the way and learning about the culture and economy of the area. 

The day after going to my favorite “fancy spa” in Baños, I visited Balneario El Sábado. Our lovely hotel hosts recommended it as being one of the more authentic (i.e. local) public baths in town.

The changing rooms and showers appear not to have been updated since the 1960s, “adorned” with cobwebs, chipped paint and bare fluorescent bulbs. I was the only gringo there, and my visit was one of the only times since my arrival in Ecuador where I’ve felt like entire groups of people were staring at me.

Yet these off the beaten path experiences are perhaps what I love most when traveling.

One of the most gratifying aspects of my time in Ecuador is that I’m noticing some breakthroughs in my Spanish. I negotiated the price for a shower cap from the shop next door, and I understood the protocol explained at the ticket office. In addition, I could follow the banter of the kids playing in the pools.

Hikes in Quito

¡Viva México!

Over Carnaval break, I traveled to Mexico with a special someone I’ve gotten to know over the past two years – my perfect match, who makes me smile more than I thought humanly possible. 

Xochimilco, just outside of Mexico City, is a World Heritage site that feels like a mashup of the gondolas in Venice and the floating markets in Thailand. We rented a trajinera to cruise the canals. Vendors approached our boat selling cervezas, and mariachi bands entertained us as they drifted past. We stopped at a small floating restaurant to grab lunch, and the vendor even set the table on our boat with nice plates and a tablecloth.

We had an amazing week, and I can hardly wait for our future adventures together!