Travels off the beaten path

Quito, Ecuador (Cont’d)-Part 9-lunch at the Hotel Calima and a visit to Museo del Banco Central

Quito, Ecuador (Cont’d)-Part 9-lunch at the Hotel Calima and a visit to Museo del Banco Central

On the second day of Spanish School at the Academia de Espanol  in Quito, Ecuador, all of the students had to help prepare a fruit salad which was intertwined with a vocabulary lesson.  It is interesting the way the school brings in different events to help in the learning process.  I really like this method.

After our morning classes, Jim and I headed to the Hotel Calima for lunch.  It was a place he had already discovered before I arrived in Quito.  He was returning home to OKC in the a.m. to his wife and family while I would remain the rest of the week.  I noticed that his Spanish had really improved in the short time that he had been there.

Our lunch at the Hotel Calima consisted of soup, lemonade, a banana, a fruit dish, rice, chicken, and a mashed up vegetable.  Total cost was $2.25.  A great value!  Everyone in the restaurant appeared to be a local.  The manager wanted to know how we liked the food then wanted to show us around the hotel lobby in case either of us ever needed a place to stay in Quito.  I highly recommend this restaurant in the hotel for a good quality, but yet inexpensive meal. 

Below is a photo of lunch.

also a photo of the inside of the restaurant

Next-shopping the produce market of Quito

Steve Barrymore ssb11@prodigy.net

To read about my other travels click here

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Quito, Ecuador (Cont’d)-Part 8-our first afternoon tour and a big fat guinea pig

Quito, Ecuador (Cont’d)-Part 8-our first afternoon tour and a big fat guinea pig

At lunchtime on the first day of school, all of the students got together and went out for lunch to a vegetarian restaurant.  I had soup, rice, salad, bread, corn, and a bottle of water for the grand sum of $2.70. 

After lunch, one of the teachers, Sila, took another one of the students, and I on a tour of the city.  We rode buses and the trolley down to Plaza a la Independencia.  Sila cautioned us to watch our belongings wherever we were.   Here are some photos around the Plaza:

While in the area it started to rain.  Luckily, part of the tour was inside a church, so we could keep dry.  We had a guide, but she spoke such fast Spanish that I really couldn’t understand much of what she said.

At the end of the afternoon I met up with Jim at school.  He was leaving to return to OKC on Wednesday.  He had never eaten the national dish, roasted guinea pig.  It Ecuador they call it Cuy (pronounced “Cuwee”).  It is not particularly one of my favorites, but Jim wanted to try it.  I knew of a very good Cuy restaurant named Mama Clorinda’s where I had eaten it before.  So off we went to gnaw on a few guinea pig thighs. 

We were the only customers at Mama C’s, so we got really good service.  We ordered 1/2 Cuy, empanadas, and some ChoCho ceviche.  The Cuy came with vegetables.  We split the entire dinner.  Cost was $21.  I thought the Cuy was a little too slender.  Jim thought they kept him on the treadmill a little too long.  But, we were stuffed anyway!   Nothing like a good dinner of Cuy.

Steve Barrymore ssb11@prodigy.net

Next-more Quito

To read about my other travels click here

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Quito, Ecuador (Cont’d)-Part 7-Language School at Academia de Espanol begins

Quito, Ecuador (Cont’d)-Part 7-Language School at Academia de Espanol begins

On Monday a.m. it was time to start Spanish Language School at The Academia de Espanol.  I had asked my family if we could eat breakfast at 7 a.m. each day so that I would have plenty of time to walk the 16-18 blocks to school.  The Latin American cities are always a hustle-bustle of activity. To really enjoy them you need to take the time to walk the streets.

I arrived at school at the appointed time-8:15 a.m.  The director, Virginia, remembered meeting me from 3 years ago  when I stopped by the school on my return from their jungle immersion program in Tena, Ecuador.   

The school gave me a brief 10 minute oral interview to test my level of skill and assigned me to Laura who would be my teacher for the week.  Laura and I bonded quickly.

The school is located in a very busy part of the city.  The building has six floors, but is very narrow design.  My class was on the 6^th floor and we always walked the stairs

The instruction is one on one for 4 hours every morning.  They make every effort to make you feel relaxed whatever your skill level. 

I had opted in for a special program called the “Activa Program” that extends the study day with a 3 hour tour to different parts of the city every afternoon with one of the school’s teachers.  It is all done in Spanish and is done in a teaching manner that helps you to continue to develop your language skills.  I would highly recommend it to anyone.

There is a rooftop patio on top of the school building where you can enjoy coffee and snacks at the break each morning.  Here are some views from the top:

My first day, I met the other 6 students in the school.  All nice people from varying walks of life.  Several were there on Rotarian scholarships.

You can read about some of my other travels here

Steve Barrymore   ssb11@prodigy.net

Next-my first tour of Quito and a Guinea Pig for dinner.

To read about my other travels click here

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Ecuador(cont’d)-Part 6-Cotacachi

Ecuador(cont’d)-Part 6-Cotacachi

The taxi ride from Otavalo to Cotacachi was only about 30 minutes.  It was hard to believe we were still only about 3 hours outside of Quito.  Our taxi driver wanted to drop us off in the center of town and be our driver back to Otavalo.  We agreed for  him to return to pick us up  in 1.5 hours. 

Cotacachi is known for its leather goods.  Lots of leather stores in the small town.  The main street is fairly upscale.  After you have seen one leather store you have seen them all unless you are looking for something very specific. 

After the 1.5 hours we had all the fun we could stand.  Our taxi driver met us at the agreed upon location and took us back to Otavalo where we caught the bus back to Quito.

Next-Part 7-Spanish Classes begin in Quito, Ecuador

To read about my other travels click here

Steve Barrymore   ssb11@prodigy.net

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Ecuador (cont’d) Part 5-The market of Otavalo

Ecuador(cont’d) Part 5- The market of Otavalo

We arrived at the main bus station in Otavalo, Ecuador, asked for directions, and soon were headed for the central market. 

We easily found the market . The merchandise was good quality with reasonable prices.  I bought a hat for $10. In general, I think the quality of crafts in Ecuador is very high compared to other countries.

 One of the crafts that I really like in Ecuador is the very unusual chess sets that they make.  Many of the vendors sell them.  I bought one for a friend. 

 The market was crowded for a Sunday.  Glad we did not come on a Saturday….they say it is really crazy then!  The vendors love to bargain.  All  were very friendly.  Several of them wanted to hear the story of why we were in Ecuador.  It was a great opportunity to practice our Spanish. 

We walked around for 1.5 hours, then found a little restaurant for lunch. No English spoken here!  I had a large piece of grilled chicken with carrots and broccoli and club soda.  Jim had a big plate of trout with veggies and a beer.  Total cost was around $12. 

While eating lunch, we asked the owner about going to the town of Cotacachi which was about 20-30 minutes away.  He thought it would be a good idea.  We could go by bus for $1 or taxi for $5.  We opted for the taxi which the owner called for us. 

Next-We move on to the town of Cotacachi

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Quito, Ecuador-Part 4-the trip to Otavalo

Quito, Ecuador-Part 4-the trip to Otavalo

After a great night’s sleep from the previous day’s hard travel, I was up at 6:30 a.m..  Jim and I had agreed to meet at the bottom of the hill and travel to the town of Otavalo. 

Otavalo is supposed to have one of the best markets in Ecuador.  Even though the big market is on Saturdays, I had read there is still plenty of shopping in the town square on Sunday.    

We met at the appointed time and hoofed it the next ten (10) blocks to the school so Jim could show me the route for when I walked it myself on Monday. 

Near the school was a bakery with fresh baked Ecuadorian pastries.  We chowed down on pure sugar for about a buck each and then caught a city bus(25cents) to the main bus terminal, Terrestre.

Terrestre was a known entity to me because I had caught a bus from there three years ago to Tena, Ecuador where I did a  jungle language immersion program. 

Terrestere can be very overwhelming at first.   It is very noisy,lots of commotion.   Every  bus vendor in Ecuador is shouting out their destinations.  It is intimidating to try to figure out from which bus line to buy your ticket. It is also well known as a place that has its share of pickpockets and plenty of opportunities to lose your backpack.    I went with my experience and picked a familiar looking ticket window.  15 minutes and a couple of dollars later we were on the bus to Otavalo.

The ride to Otavalo took about 2 hours.  All during the trip there were vendors that contanstantly got off and on.  It was like a revolving door.   They were selling water, potato chips, peanuts, newspapers, etc.  I bought 3 CD’s for $1 each and a newspaper for $1 simply because they did a great sales presentation for the bus crowd.  When we left Terrestere there were only about 10 people on the bus.  The farther we went, the more people got on from little roadside stops.  Finally, we were full. 

We traveled up into the mountains through some of the most beautiful countryside passing through Imbabura and then Mira Lago. 

We arrived in Otavalo at 10:30 a.m

To read about my other travels click here

Steve Barrymore ssb11@prodigy.net

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Quito, Ecuador-Part 3 More photos of my new family.

Quito, Ecuador-Part 3 More photos of my new family.

(Cont’d)

My new family was very nice to me and included me instantly in all of their activities.  Below is a photo of some of other houses in my neighborhood.  It is  followed by pics of the father, Manolo, and some of his art that was hanging in the home .  Also some other photos of my new family. 

My schedule for the week was to eat breakfast and dinner with the family every day and lunch in the city with other students from the Academia de Espanol, Quito.

After settling in with my new family, I was anxious to explore other parts of Ecuador.

 Next-the trip to Otavalo

To read about my other travels click here

Steve Barrymore ssb11@prodigy.net

 

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Ecuador-Quito (cont’d) Part 2-Meeting my new family.

Ecuador-Quito (cont’d) Part 2-Meeting my new family.

 Arturo from the Academia de Espanol, drove us through Quito, Ecuador, towards what would be my new home for a week.  Jim had been in Quito for 10 days and was already settled in with a family of his own.  He wanted to meet my family and compare the two homes. 

We drove up a pretty steep street near the University of Central Ecuador.  I had used Google Earth before leaving the states so I could see where my house would be in relationship to the school.  It was about a 20 block walk. 

We arrived at a modest home in a nice neighborhood with a security gate. I felt good about where I would be living.  Arturo introduced me to the husband and wife, Manalo and Zaida.  Both were  very nice people and lived in a beautifully furnished home.  Manalo was a retired accountant, but his passion was painting and what an accomplished artist he was!! They showed Jim and I around and told me their house was my house.  I had a small room off to the side with a private entrance and private bath.  Very convenient.

 I put up my stuff and then Jim took me to meet his family.  It was about 2 miles away, so we took a bus (25 cents).  The official currency in Ecuador is the U.S. dollar.  Jim had a very nice family and they welcomed me as if they had known me forever.  All of the host families in the various countries I have studied in are very experienced in making students feel welcome.

 Jim rode back to my house with me on the bus.  It was raining hard and I was pretty soaked.  It was cold and I was worried that I had brought the right clothes.  My house was at the top of a very steep street about 10 blocks long on a 45 degree walk from the bottom.  Manalo had made me promise not to walk up the hill for a couple of days until I got used to the altitude.  No argument from me.  A taxi charges $1 to go up the hill.  Well worth the price when you are wet, cold, and already feeling the altitude. 

I ate dinner with the family at 7:30.  The first night, they made me drink herbal tea, which they said would help me get used the altitude.  Dinner consisted of a meat dish, rice, soup, salad, and croissants.  Their 39 year old daughter, Coya, and 15 year old grandson, Aaron, would eat every meal with us.  Sometimes other members of the family that lived elsewhere in Quito would join us.  A very friendly group. 

The house was a little cold at the altitude, but they piled plenty of blankets on my bed to make sure I would stay warm. 

Next-some more pics of my new family

To read about some of my other travels click here

Steve Barrymore ssb11@prodigy.net

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A week in Quito, Ecuador-Part 1, The arrival

After spending a quick 3 days in Panama City, Panama, I flew south on Copa Airlines to Quito, Ecuador; while my daughter, Stephanie, flew home to Oklahoma City.

I had been in Quito once before about 3 years ago while studying Spanish in a jungle immersion program near Tena, Ecuador on the Napo River.

 My plan was to spend one week in Quito, studying Spanish at the Academia de Espanol, while living with a local family to whom the school would assign me.  I generally use langlink.com to arrange my schools.  They always do a great job for me.

In addition to Spanish school, I would travel to as much of the surrounding area as possible.  For example, I always wanted to visit the market in Otavalo, as well as the museum of the equator outside of Quito.  This would be my chance. 

          Quito

A friend of mine from Oklahoma City, Jim Couch, already happened to be studying for two weeks at the same school in Quito.  Some of our days would overlap.  By the time I arrived, Jim would already know the city and would have a couple of days to help me get quickly acclimated to the area, public transportation, etc., before he returned  home.

When I arrived on Saturday afternoon flight from Panama, Jim was at the airport, as well as Arturo, the representative from the school, Academia de Espanol. Arturo would take me to meet the family with whom I would be living. 

Quito sits at 9,200 feet and was cool and rainy on arrival day.  A far cry from the climate of Panama. 

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Next-Meeting my new family in Quito

To read about my other travels click here

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Panama and Ecuador-From Sea Level to 9,000 feet

Panama and Ecuador

Earlier this year, I was looking to head to South or Central America to work on my Spanish.  As I began to search for air fares, I found a reasonable fare to Quito, Ecuador.  I had been to Quito once before, but just for one day.  I had always wanted to return. 

I had also always had a desire to go to Panama and see the Panama Canal.  As I started to check out my options, I discovered the round trip fares from Oklahoma City to Panama City, Panama were the lowest I had ever seen–$380.80 to be exact!  As I continued  my research, I found I could really do both cities, Panama City and Quito, for just a little bit more  money.

My wife was not able to go due to work, so I asked my daughter, Stephanie, if she would go with me.  She could go for only 3 days due to her own job, but was certainly up for the adventure if we could make it work. 

The plan was set—We would fly to Panama City for 3 days, see the Panama Canal and whatever else we could possibly squeeze in.  After 3 days in Panama City, Stephanie would fly home to OKC alone and I would fly southward on COPA airlines to Quito, Ecuador.    I could have saved a little bit of money by flying from Panama City back up to Miami and then down to Quito all on AA, but time was money for me.  Plus I figured it would be more fun flying Panama City direct to Quito. 

My goal in Quito was completely different from Panama.  In Quito I planned to enroll in Spanish Language school, live with a local family, and  travel around in Central Ecuador as time permitted.  I had only 3 weeks to plan the entire trip.  It would be a trip of 2 different experiences. 

I will post a series of reports of my adventures in both countries.  I have plenty of photos to share……so stay tuned.

Steve Barrymore

ssb11@prodigy.net

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