Friday, Apr 27, 2018
Friends Old and New
This week has gone by fast. It seems every week here goes by fast; especially now, in the midst of the best weather on the coast! The beach and I have become comfortable old friends. Speaking of friends, I met up with some this week.
I have been active in a worldwide men’s organization called the Mankind Project for many years now. Basically it’s a place where men can figure out a way to let their brilliance shine by facing their shadows that tend to keep that brilliance in the dark. It’s also a place that supports a man’s continued work to bring to the world his very best. Pretty cool really.
One of these men who share my same experience in this organization is Rick, who lives in Quito. He was visiting Puerto Lopez this week and gave me a shout. I convinced him to come to Olon and check out our beaches here. They are in my opinion the best anywhere from what I’ve seen of coastal Ecuador. Anyway, I was finally able to put a real person to the Facebook profile.
I also tried a new place to eat in Montanita that Rick was curious to check out. It’s a vegetarian restaurant just a couple of doors down from Cruz Azul. I was pleasantly surprised how flavorful the food was. I didn’t know a quinoa burger could taste so good. 🙂
Up, Up, and Away
When we were in Montanita I caught this running take-off from the beach of some guy going parasailing. I thought it looked cool.
I also caught this pic at sunset of another person parasailing over the fire orb.
Ballenita Bliss
I have a friend, Kristine, who I met when she arrived in Ecuador. Originally she was in Montanita for about a month, then she moved to Ballenita. I told her about teaching online English for VIPKID, so being the good sport that she is, she hired on. Ever since we have traded crazy teacher stories.
I had lunch at Kristine’s this week, and man did she score with a great place right on the ocean. This was my first time in Ballenita and I can see why it appeals to people. It’s a quiet little community just north of Libertad that hugs the rocky shore line of the Pacific.
Kristine was nice enough to make us lunch and I got to enjoy eating it on her terrace as we listened to the ocean waves lap against the break wall. There is nothing like eating a good meal over pleasant conversation, while looking out over a sparkling blue ocean that’s sending a cool breeze your way. Thanks Kristine for a great meal!
Tres Hombres
I also went to Salinas this week to listen to a lecture on the History and Culture of Ecuador. I went with my friend Mark and a new guy I met, Todd. Obviously with a name like Todd he must be an ok dude. Turns out he was, and the three of us headed south to try to get educated about the country we have chosen to live in. What is the saying about old dogs? 😉
The lecture was informative, and I did learn interesting things about the people who were responsible for establishing this country in the 19th and 20th centuries. There was a lot going on as this small country was trying to get on the map. Why is it that treachery and back stabbing always seem to be present in the history of a nation regardless of which one it is?
I would have liked more handouts that highlighted the plethora of information we were given. It was a lot of info packed into 5 hours of lecture, and frankly when my butt goes sore, my brain no longer can store. 🙂
Sunsets Continue
The sunsets continue to be amazing. Here are two for you to enjoy.
All Eyes Sunward
Family Time
Chau.
I spent eights nights in Montanita and came back home to Cuenca on April 10th, where it’s been raining, cold, and shitty ever since.
Dude I understand. Lived there for 9 months and it never got better. I am a beach guy, no doubt about it. That was brave of you to actually try and sleep in Montanita. 🙂
Thanks for reading Stan.
Todd
Hey Todd !
Every time I read your post I get more and more jealous ! I just started a new job at a cardiology clinic but I’m in hopes that I won’t have to work much longer and can travel soon. We will definitely come visit you in Olon ! I remember how beautiful the beach was when we were there. That long stretch of sand to walk-on is so wonderful. The beaches here in Washington are not as good as Oregon so we don’t go much and the water is freezing !!
Enjoy!
Laree
I am blessed to be living here for sure Laree. Would love for you and the fam to come visit when you are here! I understand about the freezing water in Oregon. When I lived in Portland we would go to Seaside…brrrrr…in July no less! Thanks for reading.
Todd
Happy to hear your busy and happy. We are doing the same – busy and happy. Yesterday we got to visit with some mountain folks who’s great great great (late 1700 and early 1800) settled this mountain area. The stories were priceless and in a country with people on the move – it was amazing these mountain folks still lived on the land settled by their ancestors.
That is amazing Catherine. Staying put is a totally foreign concept to me. I bet the family stories shared were rich! Thanks for reading.
Todd
Hey Todd
Been in Olon about 10 days. Seen so much. Had a car for a week while a friend was here. Was great! Now continuing to walk the Olon beach and explore the food and snap the sunsets.
Do you do fish soup for breakfast? Would love to chat about Olon and Ecuador living over a breakfast if you are willing. I have a couple more days before returning to the US. This visit was the first exploratory in my quest to determine a retirement move.
Moira
I will check this space in case you are able to respond.
Hey Moira, just read your comment. I’m happy you have found Olon. I think it is great! Are you eating the encebollado at the place one block south of the bus station on the same side of the street? It is the best. 🙂
I am traveling out of the area so I’m unable to meet. I would have enjoyed talking to you while we ate some encebollado. If I can answer any questions you have about the area feel free to ask me. Thanks for reading Moira.
Todd