ECEcuador

Ecuador

Blog Posts

EcuadorEcuador

Bienvenidos!

Hello Family! I am here safe in Ecuador (thank goodness) after some close calls with flight delays and missing baggage. However, I arrived safe and now have all of my belongings. Although Miami seemed like a foreign country already, my international flight was great. I had a window seat facing ... read more

Gary  Bedrosian

EcuadorEcuador

From Guayaquil to my Beloved Montanita

(Beginning MARCH2009) Driving along the coast of the Ecuadorian ocean, beach town after beach town passes by the taxicab window, all of them seeming to meld into the next in one continuous pattern. But there is one beach town that surpasses the rest; it stands out in its livelihood, its ... read more

Michelle Saltis

EcuadorEcuador

PeruPeru

Armed Guards and Markets with Pig Heads

(Beginning MARCH2009) For a moment I thought that we might not survive more than a few feet into Ecuador. The taxi driver that was to take us to the Peru-Ecuador boarder kept stopping along the road trying to tell us that we had to wait for his friend to come meet ... read more

Michelle Saltis

EcuadorEcuador

That's a lot of Sex on the Beach

(beginning MARCH2009)In South America, you won't find watered down beverages or bars closing at one or two like in plenty of places located in North America; here, drinking is taken to a different level, so prepare yourself adequately before you venture out into the night life. Although I have been ... read more

Michelle Saltis

EcuadorEcuador

rodriga..the stray that found her way into my heart

(beginning MARCH2009)I was eating dinner at one of the local hostel/restaurants, sitting at my table watching the people stroll by what is really the only sandy street in Montanita. The hostel opened right out onto the street, with surfers and beach-goers always coming and going, the filmy dust of sand ... read more

Michelle Saltis

BelizeBelize

CanadaCanada

Costa RicaCosta Rica

EcuadorEcuador

FranceFrance

GermanyGermany

MexicoMexico

PeruPeru

Where I have been thus far!

I started my travels abroad in April 2008, and so far I have been to eight countries: France, Germany, Canada, Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Belize, and Mexico. (I have also lived in California, New York State, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. I have been to Florida, Utah, Nevada(VEGAS baby!), Vermont, Connecticut, ... read more

Michelle Saltis

EcuadorEcuador

Yellow Bike

Recently I was walking around Mariscal, the area of the new town in Quito where I and just about every other Gringo in Ecuador stay. I ate at my favourite barbecue place. There are tons of little cafes, bars and restaurants in Mariscal serving types of food from Cuban Food ... read more

Richard Sitler

EcuadorEcuador

Just Let Me Go Home!

From Saturday, August 1st. It was a night of sleeping on and off between a combination of being very tired and the excitement of traveling home. But I finally got off my friends couch at 5:30 am to quickly shower, brush, and put in my contacts. We ate breakfast and ... read more

Jon Brandt

EcuadorEcuador

To The Banks of Crater Lake

I'm sitting on the shores of this emerald green crater lake, with the wind blowing the still water just enough for the swooshing sound of waves hitting the sand. Because of the incline of the sharp rocks, I'm lying on my back but still able to see the water and ... read more

Jon Brandt

EcuadorEcuador

Hiking Quilotoa: The Green Crater Lake

I've left Cuenca now, but there was still one last place I needed to see before leaving Ecuador. It's why I left my home earlier than I needed to. Quilotoa, a tiny little town in the middle of the "Quilotoa Loop" is really just a large crater lake high in ... read more

Jon Brandt

EcuadorEcuador

The Hangover Cure

Every culture seems to have their own traditional remedy for indulging too much from the night before. Although, come to think of it, I can't exactly say what ours in the United States is. I guess just sitting on the couch and watching TV. Last night I drank a good ... read more

Jon Brandt

EcuadorEcuador

What I've Learned

No travel or experience abroad would be complete without being able to walk away with a new perspective, or lacking that, at the very least having some new knowledge to help in every day life. Spending almost a year in a foreign country, there's a ton of new stuff that ... read more

Jon Brandt

EcuadorEcuador

The Anti-Gringo Post

Sitting at a cafe this afternoon, sipping on two cups of coffee, I had a taste of bittersweet revelation. With not much else to do and all the time in the world to think, it became all too apparent what the state of the cultural immersion can bring. Not in ... read more

Jon Brandt

EcuadorEcuador

What I'll Miss

As curvy as this year has been, as frustrating as the university, the banks, and the culture has been, I know there are many things that I will miss when I finally return home and continue on to Argentina. Because after all, that's what makes a country unique, and there ... read more

Jon Brandt

EcuadorEcuador

What I Remember

This afternoon I gave the last final exam of the year. I'm not completely done, however, because next Tuesday I need to go to the university to help give a placement test for next year. But for all intents and purposes, I'm finished with my teaching experience at the University ... read more

Jon Brandt

EcuadorEcuador

Stay Off the Road at Night

I've warned as many people as I can about the dangers of taking a night bus in Ecuador. Still, some people continue to choose to take them, and it's their choice. As I've said before, you can ride a night bus 100 times and never have any trouble, but if ... read more

Jon Brandt

EcuadorEcuador

Run On

Back in February I played Frisbee in the park with some other expats for the first time. While playing, I realized that I wasn't winded or affected in any way by the altitude. After that day, I decided to give running a try, since I had nothing better to do ... read more

Jon Brandt

EcuadorEcuador

Crazy Cows or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Almost Took a Firework to the Face

Continuing with the festivities for Corpus Cristi, I went back to the center last night to meet up with some friends and see the fireworks. As usual, they burned a castillo, but there was also something different. For months I've heard about the "Vaca loca," or crazy cow firework display ... read more

Jon Brandt

EcuadorEcuador

Fireworks, Burning Castles, and Candy

This week is the celebration of Corpus Cristi, and though no one actually knows why they celebrate, they know how to celebrate. All week long you can walk by the cathedral in the center of the city for the big celebrations. It kind of reminds me of a county fair ... read more

Jon Brandt

EcuadorEcuador

The 15k in Quito, Over 9,000 Feet

We wanted to take it easy on Saturday night, the night before the big race, so we decided to go bowling with a bunch of other friends. When we got there though, we discovered that draft beer was only $1.60 and they came with little sandwiches. This was too much ... read more

Jon Brandt

see all blogs |

Advertisements

Getting Around

How to stay safe on Ecuadorian buses

Sara Shahriari

30 Sep 2009

Ecuador

http://media.glimpse.org/images/flags/gifs/ec.gif

http://media.glimpse.org/images/tip_title_transportation_.png

Sara  Shahriari

/tips/topic/getting-around/

/tips/country/EC/

Most Ecuadorian towns have a central terminal terrestre so you can check out all the bus companies in one place. Be careful with your belongings. Watch the porter put your bags under the bus, and carry your most valuable things in a small bag onto the bus. Keep that bag on your lap; never put it in the overhead rack or on the floor. Whenever you go on a long trip, take a bus that goes direct and will not stop to pick up passengers on the road. I lived in Ecuador two years ago and recently returned, and my impression is that crime levels have risen. I would not take an overnight bus anymore, especially on, to, or from the coast. Personally, I travel direct by day. Also, learn when the dry season is and travel then to minimize mudslide issues.

http://media.glimpse.org/images/tip_transportation_.png

Festivals & Events

Fireworks and cows

Jon Brandt

29 Jun 2009

Ecuador

http://media.glimpse.org/images/flags/gifs/ec.gif

http://media.glimpse.org/images/tip_title_events.png

Jon Brandt

/tips/topic/festivals-events/

/tips/country/EC/

During the Corpus Christi celebrations in Ecuador, week-long celebrations take place in almost every town. You can expect to find candy being sold by churches and cathedrals all week long, and every night fireworks and "castillos" or castles are burned down. But there's a twist. The "vaca loca" or "chola loca" is a large paper mache doll that shoot fireworks into the crowd. The cows shoot out of their horns, and the doll out of their hands. People run and scream in fear but also laugh, as this is a tradition here. It can be dangerous, and once in a while something will catch on fire, but it's worth checking it out if you're around.

http://media.glimpse.org/images/tip_events.png

Culture Shock

Not your typical graffiti

Sarah Henningsen

02 Jan 2010

Ecuador

http://media.glimpse.org/images/flags/gifs/ec.gif

http://media.glimpse.org/images/tip_title_cultureshock.png

Sarah Henningsen

/tips/topic/culture-shock/

/tips/country/EC/

In urban corners of Quito, the graffiti artwork adorning buildings is shocking not for the hateful messages, but for the lack thereof. Instead, the streets are decorated with romantic shout-outs (like "I love you, María" or "you are my princess"), and calls to political action. Or just simple displays of national pride: on the walk to one of my favorite heladerías, the concrete walls were lined with colorful paintings featuring the condor birds that are so special to Ecuador. The refreshingly positive attitude of Quito manifests itself through its street graffiti, something so often misconstrued into a forum of hate and vulgarity. Here, a Spanish equivalent for the f-bomb is usually nowhere to be found.

http://media.glimpse.org/images/tip_cultureshock.png

Must Do

There's a lot more to see beyond the Galápagos

Sara Shahriari

30 Sep 2009

Ecuador

http://media.glimpse.org/images/flags/gifs/ec.gif

http://media.glimpse.org/images/tip_title_mustdo.png

Sara  Shahriari

/tips/topic/must-do/

/tips/country/EC/

Many people who visit Ecuador go straight to the Galápagos and never see more of the country. I've spent over a year in Ecuador, and thought the Galápagos are amazing, there is so more to see. Cuenca is the country's most beautiful colonial city. All the visitors I've brought there have really enjoyed it. The town of Baños also has a wonderful climate, and is a good place for outdoor sports. I haven't gone myself, but I know many people who really enjoyed Tena as a kind of "jungle-light" experience. If you have a bit of time, I these are the must-see places in Ecuador that many tourists will enjoy.

http://media.glimpse.org/images/tip_mustdo.png

Etiquette

Don't bother waiting in line

Jon Brandt

29 Mar 2009

Ecuador

http://media.glimpse.org/images/flags/gifs/ec.gif

http://media.glimpse.org/images/tip_title_etiquette.png

Jon Brandt

/tips/topic/etiquette/

/tips/country/EC/

That's right. Don't bother waiting in line because Ecuadorians certainly won't respect that you were there first. It's usually a free-for-all just about everywhere you go, and the one at the front will be served. The only thing you can do is try to push your way forward and be firm. A perfect example of this in on the buses. Even if you are in the front seat and let an elderly woman go first, the rest of the bus will blow past you, leaving you to wait five minutes while the whole bus gets off. That is, of course, unless you cut someone off first.

http://media.glimpse.org/images/tip_etiquette.png

Food

Quesadillas: NOT the same as in Mexican restaurants

Emily Rusca

18 Feb 2009

Ecuador

http://media.glimpse.org/images/flags/gifs/ec.gif

http://media.glimpse.org/images/tip_title_food.png

Emily Rusca

/tips/topic/food/

/tips/country/EC/

Quesadillas in Ecuador are not tortillas stuffed with cheese (and veggies and beans... yum). They're actually essentially a pastry, but they still do have a bit of cheese in them. You should order one when you go to get helado de paila (an absolutely delicious treat) or with a cup of coffee.

http://media.glimpse.org/images/tip_food.png

Packing

Bring some slippers

Ashley Haugo

03 Jun 2009

Ecuador

http://media.glimpse.org/images/flags/gifs/ec.gif

http://media.glimpse.org/images/tip_title_packing.png

Ashley  Haugo

/tips/topic/packing/

/tips/country/EC/

Despite being advised to pack a pair of bedroom slippers, I decided to use my precious luggage space for something more practical. However, upon getting settled with my host family, I noticed everyone did indeed wear some sort of slipper around the house. Remaining frugal, I declined to purchase a pair and opted to make do with stocking feet, thinking no harm could be done. It wasn't until two months into my stay when my mother called my little brother (who is seven years old) "uncivilized" for walking around the house in his socks that I realized it is best to follow advice and observations when trying to fit into a different culture.

http://media.glimpse.org/images/tip_packing.png

Religion

What religion are you?

Jon Brandt

26 Mar 2009

Ecuador

http://media.glimpse.org/images/flags/gifs/ec.gif

http://media.glimpse.org/images/tip_title_religion.png

Jon Brandt

/tips/topic/religion/

/tips/country/EC/

Living in a country that's 95 percent Catholic, I often find it a little awkward to tell people that I'm Jewish. Most people assume that you're Catholic, but even if you've just met someone they will ask, "What religion are you?" I don't advertise for various reasons, but I'm not going to lie about it when someone asks. The Ecuadorians I talk to are usually very surprised to hear that I'm Jewish, mostly because I'm the first one they've ever met. Though they ask a lot of questions, which can seem annoying and almost insulting, for the most part they aren't meant to harm. They are just curious.

http://media.glimpse.org/images/tip_religion.png

Sports

Fútbol frenzy

Ashley Haugo

03 Jun 2009

Ecuador

http://media.glimpse.org/images/flags/gifs/ec.gif

http://media.glimpse.org/images/tip_title_sports.png

Ashley  Haugo

/tips/topic/sports/

/tips/country/EC/

To truly get to the heart of Ecuadorian life—especially that of a young adult—you must attend a soccer match. Many Ecuadorians practically live and breathe by their soccer team. However, be cautious when you go to a match... and maybe wear a hat. I discovered the fans often pass around rolled up "sticks" of newspaper and light them on fire to serve as torches. While the sea of light makes quite a beautiful spectacle around the stadium, I found I had to keep close vigil so that none of the flaming pieces of paper that broke off landed on me!

http://media.glimpse.org/images/tip_sports.png

Health

End that stomach pain without going to the doctor

Emily Rusca

17 Feb 2009

Ecuador

http://media.glimpse.org/images/flags/gifs/ec.gif

http://media.glimpse.org/images/tip_title_health.png

Emily Rusca

/tips/topic/health/

/tips/country/EC/

When your intestines feel like they're going to explode because they're filled up with gas or you have nothing left inside of you after a long night of no sleep and a lot of time in the bathroom, you've probably got yourself an infection. If you've had unboiled water, get yourself to the doctor. If you've just eaten street food, head to the nearest pharmacy and ask for "10 tabletas de ciprofloxacino" and "suero" (saline solution). Take one pill once every 12 hours. The "suero" is to get yourself rehydrated with electrolytes. You'll be just fine in a couple of days--but no alcohol, as this pill is an antibiotic!

http://media.glimpse.org/images/tip_health.png

Slang

Everything's an -ito (and not because it's small)

Emily Rusca

18 Feb 2009

Ecuador

http://media.glimpse.org/images/flags/gifs/ec.gif

http://media.glimpse.org/images/tip_title_slang.png

Emily Rusca

/tips/topic/slang/

/tips/country/EC/

In Ecuador, almost everything anyone says ends up with the diminutive -ito or -ita at the end: cafecito, pancito, momentito, etc. When someone says, "aquicito nomás," that doesn't necessarily mean that whatever they're talking about is actually RIGHT THERE. It probably means a couple of blocks away. It's just an Ecuadorian affectionate/cultural thing that everyone makes everything an -ito or an -ita, no matter what the size or distance. It's pretty cute, actually, and is a quintessentially Ecuadorian habit to pick up while you're there. You'll find yourself calling a big doberman "un perrito" even!

http://media.glimpse.org/images/tip_slang.png

Being an American

"Gringo" isn't all that bad

Emily Rusca

18 Feb 2009

Ecuador

http://media.glimpse.org/images/flags/gifs/ec.gif

http://media.glimpse.org/images/tip_title_american.png

Emily Rusca

/tips/topic/being-an-american/

/tips/country/EC/

The term "gringo," though invented as a derogatory term, doesn't always mean that an Ecuadorian hates you. Many host families are proud of their "gringitos" and use it actually as a term of affection. La Mariscal in Quito, the main clubbing/restaurant/bar area of Quito, is nicknamed "Gringolandia." Gringos are generally loved in Ecuador, even if they are thought to be filthy rich and get robbed sometimes.

http://media.glimpse.org/images/tip_american.png

Or login with Facebook:

Forgot your password? We can help you change it! Click Here

Not registered? Click here to create an account.