Monthly Archives: October 2015

Raised by Sea Lions on Espagnola

Posted on October 31, 2015 by len

Now it can be told: I was raised by sea lions. Or at least it felt that way yesterday at Gardner Bay beach on Espagnola in the Galapagos. I sat for about 40 minutes with nine sea lions napping in … Continue reading →

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Scenes from the Sunday Market in Coca, Ecuador

Posted on October 27, 2015 by len

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Galapagos Bound

Posted on October 27, 2015 by len

We leave in a couple of hours for the Quito airport for a flight to Guayaquil where the plane will be refueled for the 500-mile trip to the Galapagos Islands. I will probably not be posting here until we return to … Continue reading →

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Viva Ecuador!

Posted on October 26, 2015 by len

Sunday, October 24, 2015 The creek that connects our home, Yarina Lodge, with the Napo River is barely wide enough for canoes two seats wide. But it contains three species of piraña, electric eels, and stingrays. On our morning paddle … Continue reading →

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Two Worlds

Posted on October 25, 2015 by len

  Saturday, October 24, 2014 Yesterday we traveled by plane, “chicken” bus, and motorized canoe from the comfortably cool, dry air of Quito, elevation 9,000 feet, to what feels like a steam bath at the Yarina Ecolodge on the Napo … Continue reading →

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A Day of Contrasts in Quito

Posted on October 21, 2015 by len

Our first day on tour with Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) began with cherubic voices and inspired dancing at the Sinamune school for disabled children and included a moving encounter with an Ecuadorean woman whose hard life experiences have led to … Continue reading →

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Ecuador Explorations

Posted on October 20, 2015 by len

When I explore a new country, I like to get to know the music. So early this morning I Googled my way to the music of Fausto Mino and bought his most recent album, Solitario Corazon. Fausto is 35, born … Continue reading →

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What Wilson Misses Most About America

Posted on October 19, 2015 by len

Our driver today was named after Woodrow Wilson, the American president, and he spent two years in Elizabeth, New Jersey, working at a restaurant owned by his sister and brother-in-law. The cuisine was Ecuadorian-Italian, because his sister’s brother is from … Continue reading →

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The One About the Lightbulb and the Hotel Receptionist

Posted on October 18, 2015 by len

There came a moment this evening when my clumsy Spanish gave way to instant proficiency in the sweetest language we humans share–laughter. On our way to supper here at the Hotel Reina Isabela, Deb suggested we stop by the front … Continue reading →

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Cafe con WiFi in Quito

Posted on October 18, 2015 by len

We checked into our rooms at Hotel Reina Isabel and then found a coffee shop recommended by the woman at reception. On our way from the airport we passed McDonalds, Kentucky Fried Chicken, as well as more local eateries. Here … Continue reading →

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