Home stretch

As much as one enjoys a vacation it always seems you are ready for it to end just when it’s about to. Guess that’s a good thing. With 20 hours left my mind is returning to San Francisco with happy anticipation. (I’m looking forward to driving the new Bay Bridge with interest and concern.) There is the sad thought that all this will seem not much more than a dream once the 20 hours have past.

I still don’t know what to make of this country. It goes backwards and forwards at the same time. Perfecting highways that are already perfect; Ignoring others that are impassable. Well connected to the rest of the world with iPhones and flat screens, yet communications about relevant events that effect daily life need thorough investigation to find the truth.

The third world aspects are powerful. So much of the population lives so humbly, yet, they don’t appear concerned. Perhaps it’s their easy climate and the $60/month they get from the government, along with free or nearly free health care that keeps them somewhat complacent. Of course in the cities, they are less so but it often seems nothing more than attempts to keep status quo in the face of progress. (AKA – protecting their jobs.)

Everyone is well fed and well dressed. Even the homeless dogs that roam the streets (and sleep in the middle of them) seem healthy. I especially love that in the highlands it is common to see people dressed in their indigenous garb. In these times where western styles seem omnipresent, it’s refreshing.

Photo: She shows us how she makes the dies for the clothing.

Interspersed amongst the hovels are attempts at the good life. We’ve stayed on what Ecuadorians consider the best hotels and spotted what looked like glorious homes along our travels. But always, they miss the standards that have spoiled us at home. Doors don’t close properly, toilet paper dispensers fall off the walls, restaurants are skimpy with napkins, even furniture may be nicely designed but looks as though it will last as long as Ikea products. The streets can be strewn with litter. Even the loveliest buildings seem severely lacking maintenance.

The food is good. Our Ecuadorian guides took great pride in sharing some national favorites. Aji sauce; potato, cheese and avocado soup; Cerviche; Locro del sugo; Quinoa soup;
Quinoa risotto;
Plantains with cheese and honey; and
Pasteles del yuca. Fresh fruits and vegetables are plentiful and cheap. You can get 20 tangerines for $1.00. Fresh fruit juices of many varieties ( have you ever had Tree Tomato Juice?) are always available. Beyond that their diets are filled with starch and fried foods. Typical meals come with both rice and French fries. Plantains (another starch) are equally abundant and delicious but almost always served deep fried along with fried cornbread, empeñadas, and whatever proteins you choose, be it beef, pork, chicken, fish, guinea pig – all fried. Our guide boasted that the Ecuadorians are not as fat as Americans but what kind of benchmark is that? Many are quite thick around the middle yet wear it with pride. Wish I could.

Oh yeah! CHOCOLATE! Awesome! Maybe worth moving here for!

The local beer is tasty and inexpensive but most other alcohol that’s good is imported and is taxed at 100%.

We came here to experience another culture and see if this country might be a candidate to house us in retirement. I can declare it a successful trip on both accounts. We really did taste the culture, love the people and the landscape. We also have a renewed appreciation for our lives in the states. The quest for Mecca will continue as it’s a great excuse to explore the world and shorten the bucket list. But we’ve learned we are very spoiled Americans and finding Mecca may take a lifetime – which isn’t a bad task anyway.

In 20 hours I will flush toilet paper in the toilet, use ice cubes and eat salads without fear, drink from the tap and my hair will frizz a bit less! Yeah!