Friday, Aug 30, 2019
Feelings
I’m filled with melancholy this week. Everything I have been doing is for the “last time”. These feelings that arise in me usually have some amount of sadness mixed with them. I guess it’s because the life and activities I know here in Ecuador are coming to a close.
When I am aware that something is a “last time” event, I stay present with what is happening, what I am feeling. Instead of pushing away what feels like sadness, or loneliness, or nostalgic memories that will never happen in the same way again, I have been embracing these feelings. I let them flow through me. Created from so many memories here, they are powerful. I choose to stand in awe and gratitude for the experiences of the last three and a half years.
In many ways these few years living in Ecuador feel like a lifetime to me. Living here with my family, and living here alone, each created unique experiences I will cherish forever. The people I have met, the friends I have made, are so rich and colorful. The experiences I have had with them, the experiences I have had with my family, have added so much to the tapestry of my life.
Realizations
This week I made the final strides to get everything I have into two suitcases (andΒ one carry on). Going through all the things I have, and looking at all I need to get rid of, I realized something. My wife really created a home. It was hitting me hard as I was going through every closet, cupboard, and drawer.
Whether it was soft bed sheets and towels, perfect containers to hold things we used frequently or not very much at all, useful kitchen tools and cookware to make the perfect meal, there was thought in what she brought into our home. The end result was my life was made more comfortable, easier, and more enjoyable because of it. Thank you Heidi for giving me something special that I often didn’t even see.
Remembrances
Remember our dog Keeper? We brought her to Ecuador with us and within six months she was suffering from an unrecognized heart condition and had to be put to sleep. Man, that was a hard period. I still have her ashes, and now it’s time to do something with them.
Up until now, I haven’t been in too big of a hurry to do that. When I looked at her small doggy house urn with her favorite stuffed toys, it gave me an opportunity to pause and feel good thinking of her. Honestly, since she died, I have never found a place that felt right to place her ashes.
Living here in San Jose has been a wonderful experience; so many great memories and activities with my family, and many fun times with good friends. Of course the beach is awesome and the ocean mesmerizing on this property. So, I found a shady spot under a big palm tree with a great view of the beach, and that is where I laid Keeper to rest. I feel good about that.
Friends
My friend Aurobindo from Cuenca was in Puerto Lopez this week. He contacted me and wanted to visit before I left. He and his friend K.P. jumped on the bus in Puerto Lopez and headed my way. The bus stopped right in front of my house and dropped them off.
After a couple of cups of coffee chatting in mi casa, we headed to Olon to the South Indian restaurant and had a great lunch. The sun even came out for us. I was happy I had the chance to say goodbye in person to a friend who I have known from almost the beginning of my time in Ecuador.

The owner of the restaurant brings us our food as Auro, K.P., and I enjoy eating outside in the sunshine.
I have enjoyed my visits to Montanita this week. It has a feeling like no other place I’ve been…chaotic, interesting, fun, safe, and always something new to see. On this particular day I listened to these two men perform and watched them draw quite a good crowd.
Another activity I had in Montanita was a get together with friends for pizza at Marea’s. It was a farewell and goodbye dinner. How fun to spend an evening with my friends laughing about crazy things that happen while we have lived here.

(L-R) Me, Bonnie, Sam, Eva, Teresa, Shawn, and Terrye. Thanks guys!
What’s Next?
Being finally packed, the house cleaned and ready for the next people to enjoy, I feel I can begin to get excited about what lies ahead for me.
I will land in Medellin, Colombia Saturday morning. I’ve rented an Airbnb room for a month while I find an apartment to rent. I’m fortunate to have some friends and connections there already. I know it will make this transition easier for me.
I don’t know if my blog will continue. I don’t feel the passion I had about sharing what’s happening in Colombia as I did with Ecuador. I’m leaving this door open to decide as I go along.
In the mean time, thank you all for reading and commenting. I appreciate the insights and support many of you shared with me along the way. It truly is a blessing to experience this unique form of connection with people I would otherwise not have an opportunity to cross paths with.
So for now…..
Chau
Wishing you the best as you move on to the next adventure. I would love it if you found the time to write a bit about Columbia!
Thanks for the encouragement Kim, and thank you for reading. π
Hey! I have really enjoyed reading about your particular take on life as it unfolds for you. I hope you will continue, because it’s a courageous thing you are doing, as well as being inspirational. Cheers.
Todd,
I truly hope you will continue to share your expat adventures. You have inspired us to visit Ecuador (which we loved). Who knows, we may also come to Columbia! I canβt wait to hear about your transition to another South American country!!
Chau,
Carol Ferguson
St Simons Island, GA
cferguson6973@hotmail,com
Thanks Carol. I appreciate your comment and feedback, and I’m happy you were able to visit Ecuador! Thank you for reading.
Todd
Hi Todd,
I have been following your blog since you went to Ecuador, followed all the experiences you have had. I hope you continue. One of the main reasons I followed in the beginning was because my husband and I looked at Ecuador as a place to retire, along with Panama, Mexico, Portugal and Spain. We decided on Spain and have been living here in the Costa de Sol now for 2 months. We love it here. All the best to you on your new adventure in Columbia. I hope you do continue your blog.
Wow, Spain? Awesome! I haven’t been yet but I will get there. Thanks for sharing Kim. Appreciate your continued reading here. π
I’m not crying, I just have something in my eyes… I also hope you continue your blog. It’s been a Looked Forward To read from the beginning. Be safe, enjoy the new experiences and know you’re loved and supported and a littttttttle bit envied from back home π
Thanks sis! Love you. π
Mucho Gusto & Good Luck on your “balls out” adventure. I’ve been reading your blogs for nearly three years and truly have enjoyed and appreciated your perspective and experiences.
Thanks man! I appreciate your comment Brian. Thanks for sticking with me.
Good luck may you have fair seas and following winds. I enjoyed your blogs and perhaps you will continue even if on less then a weekly basis. I enjoyed meeting you and laugh now at how I thought the meetup was a restaurant and not a convenience store!! Those who seek find.
Thanks Catherine. I like being a seeker, don’t you? Happy to know you and Scott. π
Much luck to you on your new adventure. I started reading when I asked mutual friends to write a Blog on their life in Ecuador several years ago. They, the Petersen’s, said their good friend, Todd, was already doing that and I should follow you to get the flavor of what their life was like also. So, I did! I was able to have a nice visit with Bev once since her return to the states after Jim died. I have always enjoyed your writing and hope to hear more about Colombia, too.
Thank you Karen. I appreciate you reading through the years. π
Todd, I’m a relatively new subscriber to your blog, but I normally stop what I’m doing to read your latest post. I’ve shared your blog with several others and we always enjoy reading about the experiences that you share with us. You have had the courage to live your dream, and we have gotten strength from your words.
The best of luck and life to you in Colombia. We hope to hear how you are doing.
-Liz
Thank you Liz for your kind comments. I hope I can figure a way to continue writing in some manner here. π
Todd, Wishing you the best and glad to have met you, Heidi and your sons. Beautiful family and great people. We have also loved our experience of living in Ecuador but now is time to go home next year. Keep in touch
Thanks Pam. I am so happy we were able to meet you and Eddie. I really enjoyed being able to visit with you both last time I was in Cuenca. Thank you both for the kindness and generosity you have shown me and my family. Best of luck to you and Eddie. I will stay in touch. π
Todd
Hi Todd,
I have so enjoyed reading your blog over the last few years. I have looked forward to it and have been living vicariously through you. Having been to where you live makes it even more meaningful. I wish you all the luck and best wishes for your new adventure! If you do have time to write from time to time that would be terrific as I look forward to hearing how Columbia is.
Safe travels and one of these days we will meet I am sure of it!
Hugs from Laree
Thanks Laree! I have appreciate your thoughtful comments and encouragement along the way. All the best to your family and keep traveling! π
Todd