With our new friend John, who lived for over 20 years in Colorado but now lives in the mid coast of Ecuador 50 feet from the ocean, and his sister who is visiting, we took a taxi van for $7.50 each for a two hour journey from Otavalo to the Quito airport. John shared contacts and invited Cameron to come visit him.

We met Francisco, who designed the beautiful Ali Shungo hotel in Otavalo and his wife Margaret, who have been in Ecudador for 30 years, owning the hotel for 20.  Margaret spoke of dangers to avoid as a foreigner, so one cannot be too gullible.  They hope to soon retire to their 40 acre mountain top retreat nearby. 

It was quite an interesting two weeks - 20 hours of Spanish lessons, extensive dental work, sharing experiences which  helped us becoome closer again after the stresses of our mother´s illness and recent  death.  Cameron has much to consider about where she wants to live in this varied country.  She has many good options, with possibilites for work in massage, teaching English, exporting some of these native crafts and textiles, even having a store front and serving jugo or juice drinks, selling her own beads.  We found out she could find an apartment in Otavalo for $200 or so, but we did not have time to look at them. Where she decides to live in her search for a good and happy life, where she can avoid stress by liviing withiin her means in a country with a relaxed pace of life, will be decided in the next few months.

As for me, it was my first time in South America and it was a fascinating experience.  We took a lot of precautions, but felt generally safe, and found the people helpful.  I hope my son and husband will want to join me in exploring the Galapagos, hiking the mountains, the Incan ruins, and of course bargaining for jewelry, weavings and hats in the marvelous marcados (markets) where we can also enjoy fresh food. 

What was truly amazing for me was how I could write this blog at Internet cafes found all along our route and communicate through telephone to the U.S.A. (for 5 cents to $1 per minute - one can literally pay 20X more for things in one place than another, so staying alert is essential).  While away I met my obligation to counsel my clients by telephone.  Doing that sometimes by phone, sometimes by Skype (free calls from computer to computer), was proof that I could create a coaching practice as part of a mobile lifestyle that included traveling to spots around the world one enjoys.

I am continually in the process of creating a life I love, observing how others are living their dreams, and supporting my clients who hunger for happiness and wholeness to do the same.

If the powers that be continue to guide and favor us, as we felt during our journey, we will be home with those we love and back to work tomorrow!