Life-Changing Exploration
In and around World
The planning for this trip began about one year ago, in the summer of 2007. While at that time no destination had been selected, it was clear to us that we wanted to explore places which provide a slower pace of life, a simpler life that is closer to the earth and more community oriented. We wanted to find a place where we did not have to continue a daily work schedule, a place where we could live with very little income, a place where we could find things to do that are aligned with our passions, whether it is living sustainably, helping people help themselves, working with neglected animals, or something completely different we have not even dreamed about. We selected Ecuador because of its unique combination of factors important to us including safety, stability, and climate and more specifically, we picked Cotacachi, a small town north of Quito because of its progressive environmental agenda, including a moratorium on mining, and its abundance of organic farms that surround the town. We decided to mostly stay in one location instead of being constantly on the go to experience daily life in a community, to learn about local activities, and to become, in some small way, a part of this community.
Route taken and entries by Real Traveler Kristin + Frank
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Ecuador's new constitution grants inalienable rights to nature
Ecuador approved a Continue reading »
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First impressions
First impression of Cotacachi: the town is very clean, the people are very friendly and helpful, improvements are under way everywhere - streets, h... Continue reading »
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Of smiling, waving, and being child-like
We have been here for one week and thought it approporiate to celebrate in style in the best restaurant Cotacachi has. No, they did not offer... Continue reading »
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New Possibilities re Consumption
This is a posting from Kristin...I had an interesting, eye-opening and thought-provoking experience recently that made me think in a new way about... Continue reading »
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Interesting Bulletin Boards in Cotacachi
We continue to be astounded by how progressive this town is as evidenced by the bulletin boards that proclaim many of these accomplishments. ... Continue reading »
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Fifth Anniversary Play Day
October 18 was our fifth wedding anniversary! We had a play day, Ecuador style, with a day-long outing to the Laguna de Cuicocha, or Cuicocha Lake, wh... Continue reading » -
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Magical Suns and Spirals
Kristin here again...
Some of you may know how much I love symbols of the SUN and also the symbol of the Spiral. I love to draw them--they fe... Continue reading »
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Construction Methods
It´s been highly entertaining to watch how streets and buildings here in Cotacachi are constructed. Almost everything is done by hand. ... Continue reading »
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Magical Mohanda
We had a spectacular outdoor adventure climbing the peak called Fuya Fuya that guards a pristine lake in an area of the highlands called Mohanda. O... Continue reading »
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Simple Lifestyle Close to the Earth
Cotacachi is a small town in the northern Andean highlands of Ecuador. Many of the towns in the northern highlands are known for specialty artisa... Continue reading »
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FAQ: Part 1
Upon popular request, we prepared answers to many frequently asked questions. One note up front, the answers apply to Cotacachi and surroundi... Continue reading »
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Path & Purpose in the Subtropics (Limonal)
In early November, we took a short trip to a tiny dot of a town called Limonal in a subtropical area of Ecuador. As you descend the slopes of the A... Continue reading »
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Mom & Dad´s Visit to Ecuador (Enhanced Perspective on Purpose)
We had the great delight of having my parents visit us for 2 weeks in November. They flew from their home in Iowa City, Iowa to Quito on November 9... Continue reading »
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Indigenous Crafts - Visit to 5 Villages around Cotacachi
The villages around Cotacachi and Otavalo are mainly well-known for their expert weavers but there are other crafts as well which may not be as fla... Continue reading »
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Bus Ride to Quito
We have spent almost all of our time in and around the small town of Cotacachi. However, we have undertaken several short visits to Quito, the capi... Continue reading »
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Assistance to the Indigenous People of Cotacachi
The indigenous people around Cotacachi (called Otavaleños) have made the greatest impression on us. They are a beautiful people, steeped in t... Continue reading »
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Dia de Accion de Gracias (Thanksgiving)
Thanksgiving is of course an American (and OK, Canadian) holiday, not celebrated in places outside those countries, like Ecuador. I have had severa... Continue reading »
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FAQ: Part 2
Here is Part 2 of the FAQs many of you have been waiting for. I hope the answers will provide you with many new insights into life here in Co... Continue reading »
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Making Bread - A Lesson in Simplicity
Besides not having much of a beer and coffee culture, bread is of questionable quality according to our standards which are influenced by my German... Continue reading »
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Frankie - House Guest or Permanent Resident?
We met Frankie on a warm October day a little over one month ago. We were immediately mesmerized by his blue eyes, hence the name Frankie.&nb... Continue reading »
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Trip to Colombia to Extend our Visas
When we originally decided on the exact dates of our trip to Ecuador, our main considerations were the availability of a house sitter to look... Continue reading »
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Tapices - Tapestries - Wall Hangings
Upon popular request, I went to the market in Otavalo to take a bunch more pictures of the beautiful tapices (tapestries). In a about one wee... Continue reading »
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Rituals for the Dead
We have had two experiences in Cotacachi that have offered us a very different perspective on remembering and relating to the dead than anythi... Continue reading »
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Otavalo Markets - Animals, Artisan Goods, Food
At 8 AM the animal market in Otavalo has been in full swing for almost two hours. As you approach the market, the streets are lined with vend... Continue reading »
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Christmas Celebration at the Indigenous School in La Calera
The school in La Calera, one of the 42 indigenous villages around Cotacachi, has about 100 students in 7 grades and a total 5 teachers. The s... Continue reading »
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Food Culture in Cotacachi
The food culture in Cotacachi and the surrounding area left us longing for some things at first. There is not a "cafe culture" tradition here ... Continue reading »
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3rd Chapter on Purpose
Well, our time in Cotacachi is coming to an end. We return to our home in Portland, Oregon, USA in two days. The experience of getting to spend thr... Continue reading »
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Ecuadorian Injustice and Justice
Ecuadorian Injustice - Ecuadorian government shuts down leading environmental group
The Ecuadorian government has shut dow... Continue reading »
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