Not every moment of travel can be as thrilling as hiking to Choquequirao or visiting friends in Brazil and Chile or hanging out in Rio with my son or spending five weeks with amazing kids in Medellín.
There are lots of in-between moments when I’m just hanging out and enjoying whatever comes my way.
These smaller moments can be just as exciting and memorable as the bigger adventures.
Brief Encounters
My friend and “travel wife” Vicky Ann arrived today – it didn’t take much to convince her to meet me in Quito before embarking on a final adventure of this trip.
Anyone who knows Vicky Ann in person or through previous blog posts going back to Vietnam, Guatemala and Mexico, will not be surprised that she arrived overflowing with excitement about the new friends she made on her journey south.
“I’ve met nothing but nice people on this trip,” she said, hours after arriving in Ecuador. It made me realize that I can say the same for my past three months in Colombia, Brazil, Chile, Peru and now Ecuador.
Separated from my Choquequirao hiking group on the train to Machu Picchu, I sat next to a young Brazilian man who was on his first trip outside of his country, and a couple from Mexico who love to travel as much as I do. We spent two hours talking nonstop in Spanish and Portuguese, sharing travel stories, giving advice to the budding Brazilian traveler, and getting to know each other.
Two days later, on the way back towards Cusco, I had another animated conversation with three travelers from Indiana.
A few moments after saying goodbye to them, while searching for my ride back to Cusco with the tour agency, I met several others returning from different tours who were looking for the same ride. We shared stories of our various adventures trekking in the mountains and inspired each other with tales from our lives. I’m always excited to hear “We want to learn to travel like you, Tim” as I did from the Indian couple from San Francisco during that van ride.
Those are just a few of the most recent brief encounters I’ve had that will stay with me for some time. I’ve met many others along the way, including local people, and have many more WhatsApp numbers in my contacts. Traveling alone is rarely lonely.
Living in a Glass House
Besides meeting people, I also have enjoyed just soaking up my surroundings when I’m not doing something like a trek in the mountains. I’m currently in a glass house on the side of a hill outside of Quito – probably the most amazing place I’ve ever stayed. And it’s free thanks to Home Exchange (my sponsor code is tim-cb633 if you sign up!).
My host is in the US but has been extremely helpful and accommodating. His sister and her family live on the sprawling property in their own home and are also very friendly. I enjoyed chatting with two kids selling lemonade down the street before discovering that their uncle is my host. And a caretaker on the property, Ángel, is an angel who keeps the private grounds immaculate and is always ready to help out.
I’ve tried the wet and dry sauna in the house, joined Vicky Ann on a hike to a scenic overlook on the property, spent hours watching hundreds of hummingbirds come and go, and hope to relax in the jacuzzi before leaving. Needless to say, Vicky Ann is impressed. The only problem is we’re not going to see much of Quito since there is little reason to leave this bubble we are in.
So, these in-between times are often just as wonderful as the big adventures. That being said, we are gearing up for a week on the Galápagos Islands, a place everyone raves about after visiting. I’ll leave my computer behind so I can focus on all the islands have to offer. Look for photos and post(s) after we return at the end of the month.
Here are just a few leftover shots from some “in-between places” in and around Cusco, including Pisac and Sacsayhuaman.
May 21, 2024 @ 19:21
Tim,
Enjoy your posts about your adventures! We went to the Galapagos many years ago with our boys and it’s the one vacation they never get tired of talking about. We also visited Quito and years later our youngest Matthew who just turned 28 spent a summer in Quito studying Spanish. Anyhow Galapagos is truly an amazing place! Enjoy every moment and can’t wait to see pictures! Kristin
May 29, 2024 @ 22:25
We had a blast, as you can imagine. Nice to hear from you, Kristin, and thanks for following along. Pictures coming soon!
May 21, 2024 @ 20:08
So heartwarming to hear of all the lovely people you have met, Tim. It definitely is one the very best parts of traveling!
Oh hey, Vicky Ann!!!! I just knew you would be included in Tim’s adventures! Cannot wait to hear all about your travels….Stay out of trouble!
May 29, 2024 @ 22:26
She has behaved herself, mostly. Just trying to get her to pack for her early flight tomorrow but she’s stuck doing Instagram!
May 22, 2024 @ 14:20
Oh you two are something else. You look so happy and refreshed. Enjoy he rest of your travels. Stay well and we will see you soon.
May 29, 2024 @ 22:27
Thanks, Lillian! We do have stories to tell.
May 22, 2024 @ 15:05
Big hugs to you both, and enjoy this part of the trip!
May 29, 2024 @ 22:30
Thanks, Pam!
May 22, 2024 @ 17:09
Simply said, “If you’re seeking adventure…
Travel with Tim!”
Our home exchange was a bit of paradise!
May 29, 2024 @ 22:31
And if you want to laugh, travel with Vicky Ann.
May 24, 2024 @ 16:42
More beautiful and amazing pictures and tales! When I grow up I want to be just like Tim the Traveler!
May 29, 2024 @ 22:32
You’re well on your way, Stevi!
May 27, 2024 @ 12:55
Thanks so much for sharing your adventures. Wow, they are really amazing. It is always wonderful to hear about all the wonderful people you meet in your travels. Restores ones faith in the goodness of men and women.
May 29, 2024 @ 22:38
It’s true – people are pretty nice everywhere we go. Thanks for reading, Don. Hope to see you soon.