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.
Nina Leverkuhn says
Tina! I wondered why I hadn’t seen/heard about you in a while… How are you? Would you believe my daughter was married two weeks ago? Oh those used curriculum sales seem so long ago. Your website is amazing. I’m bookmarking for the eventual “grands”. Hugs and best wishes! ~Nina
Tina Robertson says
You know Nina, that is my stomping ground over there but in the meantime, we are enjoying a short time out of the country right now..
Great to hear from you and hugs to you too!!
Eliana says
Hello Tina, beautiful pictures and website.
Do you know of any homeschooling group in Guayaquil?
Thanks and continue with the good job
Tina Robertson says
Thanks Eliana.
No, I really don’t. We have become friends with expats and homeschoolers here, but not a group.
Solange says
Hello.
I will move to Guayaquil soon (1 february) and I traying to find some homeschoolers familys.
My son is 2 1/2 years old.
Thanks for any information.
Trina Smith says
Omg Tina, I totally missed that you were living in Ecuador! Somehow in your email last week, I assumed you were intending to visit there someday. What a blessed life! You already know I enjoy your social media posts. I follow you on Twitter, FB, Google+, and YouTube. I need to come on over to your website more often lol. You are a wealth of knowledge and I’ve learned so much from you. I gain so much homeschool wisdom and encouragement from your posts and virtual hugs xoxo. God bless you and your family. Enjoy your journey!!!
Tina Robertson says
LOl. Just NO problem Trina. We are loving it here and I am especially glad to have you following.
I always enjoy your bubbly comments!!!