Now Arriving - Ecuador

Photo credit: Andrew de la Rosa

For some reason asking for help is not in my genetic makeup. The double-whammy of stubborn German and Polish heritage. (Some call it self-sufficiency, but let's be honest.) The wild card is that I'm not much of a planner; something that flies right in the face of same said heritage. Unable to get my belongings down to two bags required a different approach. I planned ahead and booked not only a room, but also a taxi for the day of my arrival in Quito. Of course my middle-of-the-damn-night ETA played a small role in this decision as well!

I have to admit, it was my easiest arrival in a foreign country -  ever. The only slight hiccup was checking in for my flight in LA. Why is my government the only one who is concerned about seeing proof of onward or return travel? What is so wrong with a one-way ticket and no plan as to when or where I may go next?

I was selected for stress-free security - no taking off the shoes, no pulling liquids in baggies and computers from my carryon, no invasive x-ray scanning - it almost made me hug the TSA agent. My flights were both on time, I breezed right on through customs AND all of my luggage made it. To top it all off, there was a cute Ecudorian woman holding a sign with my name ready to whisk my off to the hotel which was better than anticipated.

As I recuperated between flights I chatted it up with a family from Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada. They spent three months in Ecuador last year and this year they are spending six. With no plan other than to meet interesting people and have great experiences. (Guess what, their government doesn't require them to have proof of onward or return travel at the airport!)

Back at the airport for round two of flights, the Customer Service Agent for AeroGal waived my overweight and extra baggage fees because I'd come in on an International flight - even though I'd thrown away my proof.

The cherry on the ice cream has definitely been staying with Lynsey and Josh. The adorable, outdoorsy couple from Chicago who have been living in Cuenca for 18 months. They have welcomed me into their home until I find an apartment and have been been full of helpful suggestions. Now that my foot has recovered, I'm even going to join their workout-in-the-park crew for runs. Yay, change is so much easier when I ask for help!

South Cuenca View from Josh & Lynsey's