September 2011

Final Countdown and into Colombia

by Sam on September 29, 2011

Popayán, Colombia- I’m on my final countdown of days before I return to the States and I’ve saved the best country for last. At least I think Colombia has the possibility of being one of my favorite countries in Latin America. I have yet to hear a fellow traveler say anything bad about the country [...]

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Latacunga’s Mama Negra Festival

by Sam on September 24, 2011

Latacunga, Ecuador- I write this listening to the party continue outside. I should go out and join the party but I’m fiesta-ed out. It’s Sunday and the party began on Friday continuing on until Monday which once again proves that anything worth celebrating in Latin America is worth celebrating for multiple days. I know the [...]

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My Local Guide to Lake Quilotoa

by Sam on September 22, 2011

Latacunga, Ecuador- I was on my way to Quito from Baños when I turned and asked the woman sitting next to me how much longer it would be until we arrived. A pretty face beneath a short-brimmed, felt, fedora hat turned, smiled and thought for a second. She was Highland Quichua and her appearance and [...]

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I Thought it Would be Hotter

by Sam on September 17, 2011

Quito, Ecuador- When I was a kid someone told me the area surrounding the equator was the hottest place on Earth. Of course they meant this in general terms as far as the climate of center of the Earth is hotter than the poles. I didn’t perceive it this way and immediately thought of an [...]

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Quito, Ecuador- As much as I don’t want this trip to end my bank account has begun to tell me that my desires and reality are not in agreement with another so it was time to buy my ticket back to the US. A one-way ticket through Delta Airlines from Bogota, Colombia to New York [...]

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Why Haven’t I Been Taking More Photos?

by Sam on September 14, 2011

Quito, Ecuador- Recently there has been a lack in the number of photos I’ve taken and posted. It’s not because I haven’t been anywhere of interest or there has been a lack of places that I’ve enjoyed. Quite the opposite actually. I have enjoyed Ecuador but not for the reasons that makes me want to [...]

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Some Useful Info About Baños, Ecuador

by Sam on September 13, 2011

Baños, Ecuador- I probably should have left Baños three days ago but I’ve settled in for a longer than expected stay and enjoyed the slow pace of the town during the week and a lively night life on the weekend. The touristic aspect of this town has not bothered me in the least. Touristy, yes. [...]

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Baños, Ecuador- I have yet again gravitated to another Brewpub. This time in Baños, Ecuador. By this point I have been to quite a few South American brew pubs and tasted a fair number of micro brews in Argentina, Bolivia and Ecuador and they have been a mixed bag of beer brewing success. As I [...]

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The Art of the Panama Hat

by Sam on September 1, 2011

Montecristi, Ecuador- “Buy me a hat.” Before I left those four words were thought and uttered by my father to be heard and stored in my mind to be acted upon now after thirteen months and several thousand miles of travel on planes, boats, motorcycles and, of course, buses. More specifically he asked for a [...]

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