Last week of 2023, another Christmas spent not in the USA. Frankly it turned out to be the best.
Day 1
The French hostel that we stayed at was unfortunately closed for Christmas. We were forced to check out early in the morning and move to our next one.
Luck was on our side, following the recommendation from the hostel owner we managed to find another boutique yet super affordable accommodation. The hostel was pretty empty and we were offered to select any rooms that we wanted.
We ended up selecting one that’s facing the main square where the Blacks and Whites Carnival takes place in January. (Interesting how in this part of the world, citizens actually take racial equity seriously unlike in the USA where we just made a holiday or two and be done with it)
Since it’s relatively early in the day and my travel companion Gabo was still waiting for his local friends to reply, we decided to take a little city walk.
In just a bit under half hour, we arrived at the host’s house where we were treated with a delicious lunch from a local fried chicken joint. The father is a doctor, so it’s definitely upper class. Very educated family (the dad even knows a lot of Chinese modern history, impressive!). The dad offered to drive us around the city as well.
Lots of churches, no wonder why the family takes the celebration so seriously. The daughter isn’t actually catholic, she’s protestant for some random reasons.
Soon night fell and it’s time for some christmas lighting.
Soon it’s the real Christmas party
Lots of Salsa and fair amount of booze involved.
It’s hard to describe in words how lucky we were celebrating Christmas in a warm family sitting. The family were extremely accommodating knowing that I don’t speak Spanish well yet.
Each of us received 2 gifts as well. When the dad drove us home, he told us in detail how to cross the border. The girl and Gabo said farewell a few times, in part it’s probably their last time meeting up as well as the girl was moving to Chile. I could tell she definitely loved him.
Day 2
Unbeknown to us, Christmas day was where everything closes. Took us a while to find something to eat before departing. Gabo was forced to eat protein again due to lack of choices.
Local bus to Ipiales
We got in relatively late and didn’t have much sunlight left. We just caught a collectivo to the famous church.
It was jam packed due to being Christmas and it’s a Sunday. Lots of tourists from Ecuador.
Lights up!
There are quite a few hikes in town as well, had I planned this better I would have spent an extra half day exploring those during day time.
Took us 2 hours to get back to town. Gabo actually went for a run while I cooked the potato soup for him. I ate some protein on the way back to our hotel.
Day 3
Border crossing!
The crossing was quick and friendly. Once we were done, we hopped on a collectivo and went straight to the bus terminal.
Upon arriving at the Tulcan (border town at the Ecuadorian side), Gabo, as usual, needed to eat immediately.
After a few days on Colombian local buses, we were happy to be on a proper bus again.
We definitely passed by some very interesting sceneries. Also, we were stopped twice at various checkpoints where police did some enhanced search (the most intense I’ve ever seen. Every single page of our books were thoroughly examined). We were the only tourists on the bus, so we were the obvious targets. Because of the search, the entire bus journey was delayed for at least one hour or so.
Immediately, I felt the friendly environment. We even got a random kid greeting us something like “what’s up, what are you doing in my country! Welcome!”
No one stares us anymore. Clean road, no visible poverty or drug problems as in Colombia! How refreshing!
We decided to stop at a supermarket to get some fresh food for dinner. Just as all Gods plan. There’s an old lady who happens to be a English teacher and stopped to see if we wanted to stay in her house for an ever affordable $15 a day for 2 rooms! Of course, we said yes. How lovely.
I made dinner at her house. It was a good day.
Day 4
Gabo wanted to continue traveling towards the South. I wanted to stay a bit longer. At the end, we did stay. We didn’t go to the long 5hr trek that he wanted to do due to started late (perhaps he’s also just finding excuse for his sickness, which I didn’t realize at the time how much worse it had became. I also eventually got sick as a result as well)
First we got to the town square for the local textile shopping (which happens on Wednesdays), I also got my SIM activated using the help from the tourism office there.
Instead of going to the big hike, we decided to continue with my original plan which was to tour the local lake and mountain.
First waterfall
Later we ate at this ever friendly indigenous family run restaurant near the fall. We had a blast. The family lived in New Zealand before so they speak fluent English. Their kids speak all 3 languages! (including one indigenous!)
Continuing on to the last mirador
We were extremely tired post the hike, didn’t want to cook. Fortunately, we found this restaurant that’s suitable for both of us.
Day 5
We decided to take a local trip to Ibarra.
There’s even a free museum
Of course, there’s a vegan Chinese restaurant. It was just perfect for Gabo.
He took the dishes to my brewery next door. (It’s funny, I actually learned the word brewery in Spanish. When I saw it, I happened to see it I was extremely excited.)
Unfortunately, it was at this hour I learned that someone broke into my house and my car was stolen. The dealership contacted me and had the offender arrested. Nevertheless, I spent the next 4 hours sorting things out with the police and the police entered my house to take evidence as well. Sad day. First time a major crime committed in my life in America.
We were both exhausted, especially we had to move hostel again (the old lady’s house was booked)
I took a few sleeping pills, and the next day I could start fresh again. It was a great night sleep.
Day 6
I got up early (well, old folks don’t sleep as much) where Gabo was still taking his beauty sleep. I went shopping a bit and made soup for both of us.
In just 2 hours, we got to Quito. I had some Uber credits from my credit card, so it saved us some time without having to taking buses (the terminal is almost 1:30hr from the city crazy by public transit!)
Took us quite some time to get some cash which irritated Gabo quite a bit.
Of course, he found his most valued menu del dia ($1.25 lol)
Next stop was my choice, another brewery!
Later we decided to climb up a bit near the hostel. Unfortunately, the park I wanted to visit was closed. Gabo decided to take his food break and meditated a bit
We found a local shop which was serving this delicious Fritadas.
Needless to say, we learned a lot about each other. I managed to convince Gabo to drink a lot with me. (which turned later to be a terrible idea due to the attitude)
Day 7
Gabo had insomnia – I think it was a combination of his attitude sickness and just the random flu he’s caught earlier. I was fine then. Since he had to sleep in, I ended up doing walking tour myself instead.
First stop was this magnificent church.
Unlike in Colombia, the Ecuador celebrates and recognizes the indigenous much more.
Next we were taken to try this alcohol filled candy.
Next was the main square
We decided to get lunch at a local shop.
The restaurant owner decided to cut some of the fruits just for us to try. How lovely!
Next was to go to this middle of the world since that’s what “Ecuador” stands for.
We decided to go back to the brewery again. I, of course, ordered Chinese from UberEats.
Goodbye and ready for 2024
Expenses
| Week 39 | Currency: | COP | 3908.754 | ||
| Day | Food&Drink | Lodging | Transportation | Other (tickets/tours etc) | Day total |
| 1 | $14.33 | $5.12 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $19.44 |
| 2 | $9.72 | $12.79 | $6.27 | $0.00 | $28.78 |
| 3 | $10.73 | $7.50 | $5.30 | $1.00 | $24.53 |
| 4 | $14.25 | $7.50 | $0.30 | $1.00 | $23.05 |
| 5 | $23.51 | $15.00 | $2.00 | $0.00 | $40.51 |
| 6 | $30.79 | $10.00 | $3.00 | $23.00 | $66.79 |
| 7 | $19.00 | $10.00 | $0.00 | $20.00 | $49.00 |
| $122.32 | $67.91 | $16.87 | $45.00 | ||
| Total | Grand Total: | $252.10 |
What an exciting end to 2023 for you with parties, intriguing new companions, and travels! Sorry about your car stolen in the US putting a damper on things and you needing to try to sort it out over the phone. I often wonder how you avoid sickness during most of your travels and now see it does sometimes spread!