From South Texas (okay Houston) to South America! Arrived September, 2014
We are at an altitude of 8,400 feet here in Cuenca, Ecuador. Going from dungeon sea level in Texas to a mountain altitude, we were expecting a bit more sickness. Thankfully, none of us have had any of that sickness. Sure, we get winded quicker, but are still taking it slow. But I just couldn’t wait to get an internet connection to start sharing our journey with you.
Living in Ecuador
After a few more sprints to the local drug store in Florida for altitude sickness medicine, we were on our way. Well not so fast. The flight started off a bit wonky when we were all ask to deboard because one of their crew members did not show up. Uhmm, it was the copilot. Of course that didn’t go over well in calming our nerves, but soon they got another copilot and it was smooth sailing.
Since we wanted to see a bit of the Ecuadorean countryside, we decided to fly into Guayaquil, which is on the coast and so it’s sea level and then drive to Cuenca. It would give the Mr. a chance to rest up some before we had the 4 hour drive and also we would be able to see more of the countryside.
(Guayaquil, Ecuador airport) (Holiday Inn Guayaquil/Airport was super nice!)
We stayed at the Holiday Inn Guayaquil which had some beautiful showcases showing the heritage and products of South America. We didn’t have to go far to start learning and have a “field trip”.
Then of course, not to be missed is the chocolate here. Oh my goodness, it is the most fresh and organic (it’s true) to die for chocolate. I have to put it away when the Mr. brought some to our apartment because I am trying to not add to my rotundness. I am trying to lose weight here with all the walking.
Then, we headed up to the mountains of Cuenca on the third day.
Guayaquil is more industrial and does not have quite the quaint and colonial feel that Cuenca has, but then again it has more modern hotels and a big mall. Okay, well Cuenca has a huge mall too.
(banana plantation) (a drive “in the clouds”)
It did give us a chance to see where some of the fruit like the banana trees are grown. I tried to take the picture of the banana tree as we were riding in the van so that you could see a bag wrapped around the bananas. We have so much to learn but we read that the bag protects the bananas from insects and from ripening too soon.
Soon we left the industrial city of Guayaquil and headed for the “city in the clouds” or at least we felt that way as we headed to Cuenca. The day was clear but as we climbed higher and higher, more clouds covered the road. A few places along the road were nail biters because the clouds completely covered the road and we had a drop off on one side and could hardly see but a few feet in front of us.
Thank goodness, the driver we hired was a local and use to the area but we still had claw marks on the seats. Next time, we will fly to Cuenca from Guayaquil though without the drive we might have missed this beautiful scene.
I also took this picture as we were driving and it reminds me of a post card. Such stunning views of majestic mountains as we kept driving up and climbing in altitude. Though the culture, food and climate are different, we have already began to fall in love with this country.
Some local expats call this area “eternal spring” and I couldn’t agree more.
The Mr. and I have both been so weary with the hot Texas weather that we both wanted a change and in just a few short days I am elated. There is no a/c in the apartment because none is needed.
Sleeping with the windows open to let in the 40 to 50 degree weather at night with a cool mountain breeze to the almost perfect day weather of 70 degrees is beyond refreshing. We probably have about 2 or 3 hours of what I call hot, but nothing that a small fan won’t cure and then it’s cool again for the evening.
Here are a few pictures of the 2 bedroom apartment we are staying in on the third floor while we house hunt and the view we have of very old colonial architect.
Our apartment is a L shape and so I am hanging out one window shooting a picture back at the other side. Of course this is all roof top and we still have people’s patio above us.
And then of course, the night lights so far have been breathtaking and it doesn’t hurt to see the beautiful mountain ranges too.
So many things I want to share with you as we get our school year started and try to concentrate on it while we learn all about the culture of the many Latin American countries around us.
Lorena says
Hi, nice to see another homeschooling family here in Ecuador! We live in Quito and have been to Cuenca a couple of times. Hope you enjoy your time here!
Lorena recently posted…Dami and Mia baptism
Tina Robertson says
Hi Lorena
Glad to have you here and we visited Quito too and want to plan some more trips there.We are loving it here and I know you must love Quito.
Theresa says
Tina, Just stumbled upon your page. We are homeschoolers as well and were looking up information on Ecuador as we are now living here on the coast! So, we wanted to do a History/Geography unit on Ecuador. Thank you for sharing the information you have and your blog. Hope you are enjoying Cuenca. Would love to keep in touch and compare notes. Theresa
Tina Robertson says
Whoah, you mean here on the coast of Ecuador?
We love it here!!!!
Glad to hear from you and check out my unit on South America, my Rain Forest Unit Study and my category for Living Abroad. Here they are:
https://tinasdynamichomeschoolplus.com/science/rain-forest-amazon/
https://tinasdynamichomeschoolplus.com/category/unit-studies/south-america/
https://tinasdynamichomeschoolplus.com/category/living-abroad/
For sure, we’ll stay in touch!
Sue says
So exciting to see what you are learning! My husband is looking at taking a job overseas. My boys are younger, 10 and 12. I had thought it would be more difficult as they got older. Was it a challenge for your boys? I would love to hear more of what you have learned.
Sue Lewis
Clemson, SC
Lindsey says
Tina, this is stunning! What an adventure! First of all, I love your blog. You have such a unique style. You seem equally warm and bubbly, like someone I’d love to sit down with and enjoy a cup of coffee. I can also tell that you put your heart and soul into what you do and you share soooo much with us. Thank you for all you do and for inspiring us all. You are one amazing lady!
Lindsey recently posted…Our Homeschool Schedule @ A New World Academy – December 2014
Tina Robertson says
Awwwwww, (hugs), so nice. Thank you Lindsey. I LOVE homeschooling and LOVE people. Yes, sometimes it’s hard to come across with mere words about how much I enjoy sharing, and yes, love cups of coffee anytime!! lol
You are so welcome for it all, but thanks especially for following! It means a lot!!
Glad to have you here!!
LindseyLoo says
Aww, I just noticed today that you replied. Is it funny that I’m so excited?! Okay, so it’s official: if I ever make it to Ecuador (what a dream) I’m looking you up, we’ll have that coffee, and then we’ll talk shop!
Gleaning from your wisdom…;)
LindseyLoo recently posted…10 Things I Want My Daughter To Know About Being a Real Woman
Tina Robertson says
It certainly is different here Lindsey and I can talk “shop” anytime!! Thanks for your sweet comments!