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.
My son, Sam, spent time in Ecuador on an ecotour several summers ago. A few places he really liked was La Selva Jungle Lodge. They have made it more of a glamping experience from when he was there but they have (and still have) very knowledgable ecologists native to that area who take you out in the jungle. He also enjoyed the bartering at the Otavalo Market outside of Quito. Not too far away to make it a day trip. I believe the market is only open on Saturdays but that was several years ago. He ended his trip at La Mirage, a luxury hotel in Cotacachi. They arrived muddy and stinky from the jungle and were treated like royalty. He and a buddy decided to have massages (Sam's first) and was given "underwear" to wear but my son, not accustomed to the finer things in life, thought it was a cap for his head. Thank goodness he decided to go commando.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful adventure!
Very cool! I have Otavalo and Cotapachi on my list and I'm going to the Amazon, but with a different tour group. If I get a massage, I'll keep the "underwear" in mind. 😏
Delete