the big fat world

A funny thing happened on my trip to Ecuador, I saw something peculiar in the vast array of gas chugging fume ridden automobiles. I saw a old Russian Lada. I didn’t just see 1 mind you, but a fleet of these tributes to communistic pride. Most were painted taxi yellow but a few muchachos supped [...]

After a jostling, very bumpy 2.5 hour ferry ride from the bustling port of Porto Ayoro, you arrive slightly, if not completely seasick to the island of Isabela. This island, resembling a seahorse, is the largest island of the Galapagos chain but is one of the least populated; only a 1,000 people reside here. The [...]

The Galapagos Islands are not only a World Heritage site but a MUST-SEE destination. The sheer amount of natural animal and fish habitats in their environments astounds you. But for all the beauty you will encounter, you need to 1st plan how to get there. Galapagos Island trips can be achieved 2 ways, a tour [...]

You want Galapagos pictures? Well I have them in spades. One only has to look at the clarity of the water, the amount of pristine beaches and unexpected landscape to know why hundreds of thousands come here a year. And you do not need an expensive tour to see them. It’s amazing that few people realize they [...]

There is a special feeling that overcomes you as you approach el Mitad del Mundo (Center of the World). You are heading to the absolute spot where all the directions collide and the coordinates read 0 0 0. The Ecuadorians have done much to keep the importance of this place intact and have not Disney-landed [...]

Ever wanted to live in 2 places at the same time? I would love to live in NYC and Paris, or Rome and London, why not Guayaquil, Ecuador and Paris, NYC, London, AND Rome all at the same time? Well, if you haven’t guessed by now, that dream can be a reality if you buy [...]

First, let me confirm it. Yes, American dollars are the main currency in Ecuador., well kinda. The main bill in circulation is 100% US grade a prime US presidents but the change is another thing. When accepting change, don’t be surprised to see a handful of nonsensical looking coins. You will see a familiar friend [...]

While in Ecuador, one sees the ubiquitous chicken bus. In this continuing series of Latin and South American camionettas (buses), I bring you the more grown-up and elegant buses of Ecuador. While these babies still shock the system with their Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat paint jobs, they also subdue their travelers in style [...]

“They say if you come to Buenos Aires and you haven’t danced tango, then you haven’t been to Buenos Aires!” Cheap car hire worldwide is accessible from single websites these days. You can choose from a long list. There are countries which you can expect not to be on there (Cambodia, for example) but many [...]

Ecuador, located on the Northwestern slice of South America is an ideal vacation spot. The country widely uses the dollar as currency, The Spanish is clean, the food is tasty, and the chicken buses are plentiful. PLus Ecuador 1.  Galapagos, Galapagos, Galapagos…need I say more? 2. Spend a long weekend in Baños, known for it’s spas and [...]