South America: 3 Weeks and Definitely Counting

The journey I'm about to undertake is consuming me, in a good way- except for right now because it's preventing me from sleeping. I  have so many fantastic ideas of what's to come. I can't get enough from travel blogs and trip reviews, as I try to soak in all of the tips and must-dos. While most reviewers have had positive experiences, my trip doesn't go without warning. 

Since Quito has a high rate of pick-pocketers, there are plenty of reviews of common sense tactics to help keep your belongings safe. There's one we'll-known scenario in Quito where someone squirts mustard (or worse...) on you without you knowing, then diverts your attention there and helps you clean up. While this is happening, another is robbing you clean. Because I'm traveling alone, I've taken greater precautions than I normally do. To start off with, I've made a backup of my phone and placed a similar version on my old iPhone. My photos are backed up in-triplicate, as well. I'm bringing a small point-and-shoot camera, so that I may attempt to use it instead of my likely coveted iPhone 7+. I'm bringing two different debit cards and two different credit cards. I've purchased a wrist wallet (looks like a sweat band) that I'll be able to keep cash and a card in. My backpack is luckily rated as slash-proof and has nifty little hooks to lock my zippers. Hopefully all of this, along with common sense, will keep things on the up and up. But if anything does go down, I'll have backups.

Medically, I've received my Tdap booster, Hep A and Typhoid immunizations. I'll start the Malaria meds when I arrive in Quito, since I only need those for the Amazon.  I'm a little worried about altitude sickness, but I'll just take it easy the first few days. My Lifestraw just arrived and my passport has just enough time left to travel safely on it. The essentials are taken care of.

 

South America: Trip Background

I'm being dramatic in my blog title because I know who I am. I'm mindful, resilient, adventurous and determined; 4 adjectives that will serve me well and are going to drive my travels this summer in South America. In all honesty, this trip idea began somewhat as an escape plan; a fact-finding mission, if you will. 

On November 8, 2016, America elected someone that I whole-heartedly do not believe in. This was more than the typical feelings you have when your candidate loses. That election result was a gut busting punch that sent me to the floor in wrenching pain. I couldn't (still don't) understand how people could choose him as our leader. Out of that frustration and loss of hope in our future, I wondered what it would take to move; like, out of the US. I decided that I couldn't realistically move right now but I could spend 5 weeks this summer immersing myself into Ecuador and Colombia and gaining a better understanding of the Latin culture. 

Prior to the election, Colombia had been on my mind. When I first joined Hilburn Academy, I was hired on along with Vanessa, a teacher from Cali, Colombia. We talked often of me visiting her hometown. Since then, she left and another teacher from Colombia joined us. Iris and I became friends. She is the most caring, loving, heart warming person I've ever met. Having got to know her better and the election going as it did, visiting Colombia reentered the forefront. This time, instead of visiting Calí, Medellín would be my destination. 

I've booked all of my flights, my lodging in Quito, Ecuador and a 4 day trip to the Amazon in Tena, Ecuador. Beyond that, I have no more set plans for Ecuador except for wandering around Quito and joining other travelers on day-trips as they come up. 

For Colombia, I'll be staying with Iris' family. I've made connections with Iris' niece and nephew via Facebook and What's App. Between the two of them and the rest of Iris' family, they'll be showing me around Medellín, Colombia. My highlight there will be the world renowned, weeklong, Festival of Flowers. It's going to be spectacular.

Those are my plans. I will essentially be living life as it presents itself. My goal is to see the South American day-to-day life as much as I can. I'm going to hit up the museums and trails and downtown sites. I'm diligently researching cool events to take part in and places to visit, and things to be on the look out for, as I do here on any given day.