Why Ecuador?

Why not?  For a while now, Craig and I have talked about doing some international travel, once the boys are in college (which is really not that far away - yeow!).  And when we say travel, we mean actually living somewhere for a couple months at a time, not just a week here and there.  (Hence the new subscription to International Living.)

Earlier in the year, Craig read an article about Ecuador, and asked if I was interested in going on a scouting trip to check it out.  Hey, I'm always up for an adventure, and Andrei's a pretty good travel partner - so why not?  Next thing you know, we've got a travel agent and airfare booked.  It's only an 8 hour flight (plus layover), and their time zone's only an hour behind ours....

We will be leaving on Monday the 19th, and will return on Monday the 26th.  We fly into the capitol of Quito and will stay overnight.  Tuesday we're off to old Quito, then on to the cloud forest region at Bellavista Lodge.  Wednesday will include nature hikes in the region, orchids, bird-watching, canopy zip-lining and more. (Can't wait to do the zip-lines!)  Thursday is an early wake up to enjoy one of the best bird-watching sanctuaries in the country ("incredible experience even for non-birders"), then on to the region of Otavalo with stops along the way. Friday's a full day exploration of the region, visit to indigenous homes and possible horseback riding. (Since Craig's allergic, I told Andrei we should do it now while we have the chance.)  Saturday's a visit to the world famous market at Otavalo (shop your head off!) and in the afternoon on to the Papallacta thermal springs region in the high Andes and overnight at a spa. Sunday we'll be soaking our bones in the crystal clear thermal springs (aaaaaah!) and also hiking (and back to the springs after our hike, I'm sure).   We'll return to Quito that night to prepare to fly out in the morning.  

Sounds busy, but fun.  I told Andrei that he's my translator - since he's had a year of Spanish and I took five years of French!  (I think I know more Romanian phrases than I do Spanish.)  We'll also have a guide with us, so we won't be totally left to our own devices. 

I'm starting to get a little excited....