Natural Familly World » travel

Where Have You Been Traveling, Monica?

Monica — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 07:06:55 +0000

I’ve been busy working in a new project for my Spanish Speaking Mom Readers, but before that I spent some days in a place without Internet connection.

We went to the San Antonio Farm, in the San Antonio Community, located in the Intag Region, Province of Imbabura, here in Ecuador.

Sounds like far away? Well, the access is a bit complicated but truly worth the hassle.

Here some pics:

We left clean and tidy

From the bus: San Pablo Lake and the Imbabura Volcano

After about 6 hours and 3 buses we got to Cuellaje. Not so clean anymore

Next day at the San Antonio Community. The grand-grandmother and her grand-grandsister. The 8mo baby was born at home, has been breastfed from birth, is carried on the back of her grandma, and wear diapers only part time. I was surprised to find this family traditionally practicing Elimination Communication. I had the feeling of being in a Continuum Concept workshop.

At the San Antonio Farm

Fresh carrots for dinner

A big leaf

We found other kids, of course

Fishing

In our way to milk the cows

First time milking a cow

At the school: the vegetable garden

Showing the flute to the 5th and 6th grade students

With the students of 5th and 6th grades. Carlos is the little one there

Feeding the little chickens

Horseback riding

Orchids

The locals are so gentle and friendly with kids

Flute practice

Look at the spider!

Leaving from Cuellaje back to Otavalo, in our way to Ibarra, and then Quito

I loved the place and want to go back soon

If you’re visiting Ecuador, this is a fantastic and affordable place to visit for those who like experiencing and learning from other cultures. Learn more about the San Antonio Farm and Community here: Intagtour

Shots From Mindo, Ecuador

Monica — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:08:04 +0000

Last week we went to Mindo for 2 days. Mindo is a small city located to the North-West from Quito, and is known for the high biodiversity of its surroundings.

Here some shots from the trip:

The day before the trip we stayed with my dad in the North of Quito, so we could leave early in the morning from the bus terminal.

We took a bus called “San Pedrito” #19

Eating Tilapia (St. Peter’s Fish) in Mindo

Playing with bamboo sticks, near the river

Carlos were trying to fly so we can go faster

After about 3 hours walking uphill, we reached our goal. However, it was too late to ride the tarabita.

A tarabita is a basket hanging from a rope bridge, like a primitive cable car.

Back to the hostel

Night walk looking for frogs, insects and other little animals of the forest

The next day we were the first to ride the tarabita

View from the tarabita

The small city, to the left

This patient dragonfly waited until I was done taking a good picture of her

Cocoons, in the butterfly farm

Loved these luxurious cocoons!

Inside the butterfly farm

Resting in the hammock. There were lots of hummingbirds, that I failed to picture. Too quick for my lense!

Back in Quito, waiting for the bus

Next time I’m bringing a mosquito net!

We’re Hooked: Heading To Mindo!

Monica — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 06:24:25 +0000

I’m hooked on traveling.

I mean to say that we’re hooked on traveling!

Within a few hours we’re heading to Mindo, 2 hours to the Northwest from Quito.

Mindo is one of the most beautiful small cities in Ecuador. It’s sourrounded by a GREEN cloud forest, waterfalls, a diversity of birds (more than 400 species), orchids, butterflies and other wildlife. A real paradise that I had yet to visit with Carlos.

This is what I mean with “GREEN”:

photo credit: chook poo

Ibarra The White City

Monica — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 10:57:13 +0000

Ibarra is called the white city since in the past all buildings were painted this color. I kind of remember its whiteness from my childhood.

Ibarra is not white anymore, but it’s still a beautiful city with a nice downtown and a wonderful view of the Imbabura volcano.

Here some recent shots:

El Alpargate street

The Imbabura Volcano

Barrio La Victoria. The Imbabura on the background

Guayabillas’ Hill

Flute practice

Guayabilla (Native American Plant)

A view of the downtown and its sourroundings

Cosleeping

Monica — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 09:54:10 +0000

Good Morning

Yesterday I woke up in Ibarra, at my aunt’s home. I wasn’t sure where I was and why, but then I looked to my side and saw Carlos peacefully sleeping.

How I enjoy co-sleeping with him!, and what a blessing that he feels safe during his sleep anywhere we go. Next day he’s ready for a new adventure – And I am.

Today we’re heading back to Quito, with a short stop in Otavalo.

Meet Mushuc

Monica — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:53:02 +0000

My cousin is such a dog lover. She’s the owner of this little and intelligent dog, called Mushuc, which means “new”, in Quichua.

Why Mushuc?

Before Mushuc, my cousin had a dog of the same race called Tattoo. Probably the most loved among all her dogs. One day Tattoo disappeared (most probably stolen) and we’ve never heard from him again.

A truly sad story if you’d see my cousin crying when she talks about her lost Tattoo.

After making all the efforts to find Tattoo with no results, she decided she didn’t want another dog anymore. She works outside the home and it was hard for her to properly take care of Tattoo, even with the help of my aunt.

However, only a few days later someone gave her a new dog, very similar to Tattoo. She couldn’t refuse the dog and called him Mushuc, the “new” dog who came after loosing Tattoo.

Organic Everywhere

Monica — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:16:04 +0000

Buying organic vegetables in Ibarra

I’m finally finding organic food stores and markets in most cities of Ecuador, which of course makes our traveling easier and healthier.

Even though most products are not “certified organic”, I trust most of them are actually from a good source and rich soils…And I believe they are delicious!

I do my best to keep us healthy while we’re away from home, so eating organic food and snacks is a priority.

Some extra Dollars are, in my opinion, well invested if they give us access to real and healthy food.

I wonder if organic produce is equally easy to find in other parts of the world. What about your place?

Developing Patience While Traveling

Monica — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:01:55 +0000

Ready for a day-long walk in Ibarra. El Retorno Avenue.

Being out on a trip demands some patience to deal with unpredicted changes, discomfort or long waits. However, it pays off to be patient when we get to enjoy new places, have fun experiences, and meet interesting people.

While traveling with 4yo Carlos, I try to avoid long waits or discomforts, though not eliminating them completely.

It’s a matter of finding the right balance between being patient and being able to do what we want.

I’ve seen how Carlos is now so aware of this game. 3 hours in the bus might mean getting to a new city; a longer walk could turn into delicious food, and so on.

I don’t teach my boy to be patient, nor does he need me to do so. He’s developing patience as a side effect of being part of my adult life, my adventurous life. I actually didn’t mean to teach patience at all.

Weatherproof Ourselves, Just In Case

Monica — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 08:55:38 +0000

Carlos and I visiting Inga Pirca, a Cañari Arqueological Site in Central Ecuador

Here in Quito the weather is unpredictable in most part. We can perfectly have rain during the dry season, or the opposite. Now it’s not raining in most parts of Ecuador, but if we want to leave on a trip, we should think about waterproofing ourselves just in case.

Whether you are at home or on a trip, here are some tips you can use if the weather isn’t so obliging:

Wear layers. Cotton shirts, slacks, sweaters, and light outer jackets will keep you quite comfortable.
When it rains, it pours. If you notice that the skies are overcast, bring an umbrella and rainwear so that your family can weatherproof themselves.
Take along hats for you and your kids as they are great to protect from unusual cold and sudden rain.
If you babywear, get a waterproof jacket or poncho for you and a small poncho for your kid. A child’s water poncho works great for babywearing.

Finally, check the weather forecast for that day so that you are not completely taken by surprise. This one, not so helpful if you live in the Equatorial Sierra, though

Link Love: A Scoop on Family Travel Blogs

Monica — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 13:49:38 +0000

I’ve always love traveling, but recently have been thinking about leaving for an open world travel with my 4yo. I’m researching about travel in general and travel with kids. As well, I’m doing my own trial travels inside Ecuador and long day outings in Quito.

This explains why I’ve been browsing family travel blogs lately, and getting each time more excited with the idea of traveling with Carlos.

Here I share a short list of family travel blogs I enjoy reading:

The Litthe Travelers - One of my favorites. Angelina Hart and her kids’ adventures. I felt so connected to the meaning of their traveling, looking for world understanding and friendship among cultures. Also, Angelina is the mom of an uni-parental household, just like us.

Soul Travelers 3 - A family of 3: mom, dad and daughter, sharing their experiences in their open travel around the world, starting in September 2006. I like that they started traveling when little Mozart was about my son’s age.

The Family Adventure Project - This is also an amazing family traveling around the world on their bikes. I’m certainly not thinking on something this big, but I love to hear there are families who share our love for adventure.

Six In The World- A family of 6 who made a 11 months world travel in 2007. They blog about their travel and present adventures as a family. Most people believe that once you have kids you can’t enjoy traveling. They prove that kids have a great potential to become excellent travel partners.

If you like traveling or are, like us, dreaming on an extended travel experience as a family, make sure to visit and subscribe to these people’s blogs.

photo credit: Harley Qinn