Expat Life: Our extremely extreme September

Cynthia:  It’s been over a month since we last posted a blog because we have been rather busy to say the least.

Edd:  “Rather busy” doesn’t begin to describe what September felt like. We stuffed so many activities and adventures into 30 days that it seemed much longer.

C:  The month started off in a predictable way. We had just moved into our new apartment and were unpacking, cleaning, and starting to get the place organized. We even found time for a couple of social engagements.

E:  But before our lease was signed, round-trip flights to Quito were booked for a trio of articles we had been commissioned to do for TravelAwaits. The research for those was going to put us out of town for two weeks.

C:  And prior to that, we had committed to a 4-day trip to the Amazon jungle for another story we were writing. It’s ironic that we ended our last blog saying, “What’s next for Edd and Cynthia? Who knows? Stay tuned…” Did we do what most people would have done—focus on setting up our lovely new home? No, we locked the door and embarked on weeks of intense travel.

E:  Well, the timing was awkward for sure, but what we were doing wasn’t exactly torture. In the Amazon at Macas Glamping our glamorous lodging included a comfortable queen bed, welcome bottle of private label wine, complimentary mini fridge stocked with beer, water, and soft drinks, large Jacuzzi, fire pit, and fantastic meals.

C:  Even though we’ve lived in Ecuador for a long time, we had never been to the jungle because of preconceived notions about excessive heat, humidity, and insects. Turns out none of those worries were an issue, and we had a wonderful time.

E:  Going to the Shuar community, home to an indigenous tribe who once were headhunters, was a highlight. They were such kind and gentle people. Joining them for a “jungle boogie” line dance at the end of our visit was a hoot. So we get back to Cuenca, then four days later, we’re on a plane to Quito.

C:  The three articles we went to “research” were about the best day trips from Quito, adventures in the Ecuador cloud forest, and the best luxury boutique hotels in and around the city. So, darn it (tongue firmly in cheek), we had to stay in fabulous accommodations, eat gourmet meals, and just absorb all the experiences.

E:  The issue was that we were in seven different beds in 16 days. Considering what you just described, that may not seem like a hardship. But once again, we were living out of suitcases and constantly moving from place to place. Except on this trip, the time between new locations was being measured in days, not weeks or months.

C:  First stop was Termas Papallacta, a resort tucked into the Andes mountains outside of Quito featuring volcanic thermal pools surrounded by gorgeous scenery.

E:  Our research didn’t reveal that we were going to be at an elevation of 11,000 feet. It was quite nippy, so I’m glad we booked a suite with a fireplace. Discovering the floors were heated was a nice bonus.

C:  Beyond relaxing in the thermal pools, a high point (pun intended) was enjoying special treatments at the Spa. I had the grape mousse, head-to-toe body wrap and, not surprisingly, you selected the chocolate option. What a delicious way to spend an afternoon!

E:  I was making myself hungry smelling that chocolate all over my body. From there we went to Hotel Mama Cuchara, a hip combination of traditional and modern. The renovated mansion has 26 rooms, and the entire place is filled with beautiful art.

C:  That artistic expression extends to the food presentation. Our “Rubik’s Cube” of breakfast fruit was a marvel I hesitated to disturb with my fork.

E:  From there we headed north to the tiny town of Mindo in Ecuador’s cloud forest. Longtime friends who have been diligently toiling for years to manifest their personal slice of paradise invited us to come check out their progress, and we were more than happy to accept the invitation.

C:  My goodness, what they have accomplished is remarkable! The fully equipped bungalow we stayed in sits high on a cliff above two rivers. The views are absolutely breathtaking.

E:  I was a huge fan of the outdoor shower and soaking tub. From this base camp we packed in one big day of excursions. We got up before dawn to go bird-watching.

Then we went to a hummingbird sanctuary, butterfly garden, a coffee tour, and a chocolate tour. What a day! Before going back to Quito the next morning we stopped to see a private orchid collection.

C:  Mindo was pretty exhausting, so a few days in two more luxe Quito hotels were much appreciated. Our lovely suite in the Illa Experience Hotel had a separate sitting area and spacious bath complete with a claw-foot tub. Yay!

From the windows in the bedroom you could see the iconic statue of Virgen de El Panecillo overlooking the city from a nearby hill.

E:  Casa Gangotena is Quito’s top luxury hotel and the only prestigious Relais & Châteaux property in the city. What a stunning place. Our room was of course grand, and the courtyard filled with plants, orchids, and cozy seating areas is so inviting we loved hanging out there.

And the view of Plaza de San Francisco at night from the rooftop terrace—spectacular!

C:  Goodbye Quito, hello Otavalo, home to a world famous indigenous market, the largest of its kind in South America. We stayed at Hotel Otavalo, the small city’s only luxury lodging, and wandered through the market to check out the colorful alpaca textile products that are the main attraction.

E:  I’m pooped just recounting everywhere we went and everything we did. Seven different places in 16 days—wow! The final stop at La Mirage Garden Hotel & Spa in the nearby town of Cotacachi was like traveling back in time to the age of elegance and refinement.

C:  It’s old-school in the best way. Think chandeliers, Oriental rugs, and wood-burning fireplaces to keep the rooms extra cozy. Elaborate table settings in the restaurant. Peacocks wandering the lush flower gardens. Heck, we were told the Queen of Spain once stayed in our suite. What a great way to wind down after a hectic trip exploring northern Ecuador.

E:  Now we are back in our new apartment cranking out the articles we were commissioned to write. Maybe by the next blog we’ll have everything unpacked and the decorating done so we can show our readers around.

C:  That was our first travel experience since moving in here. It’s nice to have a home to come back to again, isn’t it? Our life is very blessed. ♥️