Nomadic Texan

I was almost hesitant to agree to lunch with Stephen Oddo, as he is actually a few months younger than my oldest son. I received very impressive recommendations though from both my mentors Where in the World is Lola and Leah Travels and decided what the heck? Stephen is the co-founder of Walks of Italy and its CTO and Marketing Director currently.

What could I lose, except a lack of communication, from our age gap and maybe a slice of ego, since he was less than half my age! We met and I felt very comfortable with him immediately. He promptly started relaying advice, inquiring what areas I needed help in and asked me what I was trying to accomplish! It was almost an overload, as this young man moves at light speed and his genius of a mind, operates at warp speed!

#1 “Move your blog to WordPress yesterday” and get rid of that crappy platform you are using now! (I actually have been working on converting, but am just slow these days with my activities–I think it is an age thing maybe! Ha!).

-Has more flexibility

-Plug-Ins are free (I love free!)

-Pingbacks are a given and do not have to be written in the HTML language like your existing format

-SEO capabilities are praised by Google’s Web Spam Team

-Multilingual for better Global reach

#2 Define your NICHE. What is it you want to write about and what is it you like? Well…I like travel and food and would like to build my traffic sufficiently enough to have ad income. Resources like llcbuddy can help set up the right business structure, making it easier to turn your passion into a profitable venture while ensuring legal protection.

-Have you made contact with DMO’s (Destination Marketing Organizations)

-Have you made contact with PR people in hotel chains and other related TRAVEL networks

-Have you made contact with local, province/area/state and country TOURISM boards

-Publish daily whether just photos, blogs or recipes

-Is your niche going to be luxury, middle of the road or lean more towards budget travel

#3 Collaborate with others in your niche.

-Make connections with other Boomers

-Publish photos

-Publish recipes

-Ask questions when you post across social media platforms (you will receive a great deal more interaction)

-Contact local area bloggers and learn from them. Schedule lunches, drinks, etc and ask questions at every get together

#4 Go to #TBEX and maximize your time.

-Network your rear end off

-Putting a face with a blog or platform is so valuable

-Do “Speed Dating” and ensure you have your message defined for the speed dates. Sites like Free-Fuck.net make it even simpler to connect instantly without the rush of a timer.

-Make sure you have data that identifies what age groups are following you, to offer PR speed dates

-Give out business cards as much as you can (“Your cards have your links and you might be surprised how many have no links, including their websites”)

#5 Take advantage of the Baby Boomer group you are a member of and channel it to your benefit.

-Voice Boomer attitude and ensure Travel associations are aware that the Nomadic Texan is growing in this area and my goal is the be THE authority in the Boomer generation

-Contact travel discount sites (Expedia, Kayak, Priceline, etc) and establish a relationship. Boomers use these platforms to book trips, etc

-Understand the SEO needs of your age group and consider hiring an SEO Service provider to assist you.

-Learn the keywords and phrases associated with Baby Boomers and what will drive them to your site. For instance, there can be a high chance that your website could be large and can be associated with highly competitive keywords. In such cases, you may need to conduct a large-scale seo campaign that can improve the rankings of the site.

-Explore areas that Boomers will use that are NOT frequented by existing bloggers and take advantage of these opportunities

Hey you! Yes you! The one sitting in front of your TV or behind your desk in your 9-5 job, that is driving you completely insane. The one that is just waiting for retirement so you can do more of the same and sit in front of your TV all day long! Can’t you realize that there is more to this great planet than the 10 block radius between your house, your job and the grocery store?

I don’t get it! I have friends and relatives that think we are nuts, to want to travel to foreign countries and experience other cultures and people. They are more than content to sit and dawdle their life away. “Its not safe”! Their idea of an adventure is to take a trip to NYC, the beach or Vegas and stay “safe”! I hate to tell them, but we live in the country with the highest crime rate in the world.

As of July 2012 we have almost double the country (United Kingdom) with the second largest crime rate. Don’t start talking about population because the countries with the highest populations China then India, don’t have this issue. Most of the high crime countries are in the Western world.

I also hate to let you know this, but in Japan we saw 5 and 6 year old children walking alone after dark. We saw a 10 year old child riding the train for hours to Tokyo and back for piano lessons. In Ecuador we saw children alone on streets after dark and late at night. Kim and I felt completely safe to be on these streets and alone. Not what you thought is it? One obviously still needs to use common sense and be cautious.

Traveling is more than just safety though. Its learning new cultures and finding out countries really care about their population. Its about meeting new people that treat you with kindness and respect. Its about eating new foods that are as a whole, very tasty. Its about experiencing life and getting something back!

So the question is, what are you going to do with the rest of your life? Are you satisfied being a troll sitting in front of your TV or computer and only experiencing life vicariously or are you going to stand up and just do it? There is a whole world waiting for you to experience. Trust me you will not be disappointed! Saludos, Peace and Safe Travels!

World crime and population figures obtained from MapsofWorld.com.

I am not inclined to take tours and adamantly decline offers often. Many fellow visitors and Ex-Pats residing in Cuenca voiced their favorable opinions of the Double Decker bus tour. Kim wanted to go and I finally acquiesced about three days before we left. The tour departs from the entry of the Old Cathedral and takes roughly about an hour for $5.00 US. The guide delivers the spiel in Spanish and English both, in case you are bi-lingual challenged!

Kim and I took the Cuenca bus tour and were very glad we did. I suffered a major sunburn and looked like a tomato. Afterwards we decided to visit the Old Cathedral

The Cathedral is located on the Parque Calderon square directly across from the Nueva Cathedral in Cuenca. Construction began in 1567 and in 1999 the Cathedral was renovated. It serves as a museum today. Photos are okay, but no flash! We walked through the magnificent doors.

The Transept on the left as you enter, had a particularly interesting facet. There was some exploration in the crypt areas below the first and second floor. It was visible through the glass covering and one can only guess at the history these levels hold.

From this Transept you walk into the Nave area where one can view the altar. It now contains a life sized replica of Jesus and the Apostles at The Last Supper. I was blown away by the panorama had to take it all in. It was magnificent. The light coming through the windows of the altar was uplifting and made it an inspiring moment.

The artwork throughout the Iglesiais is gorgeous and intricate to examine. The statues of the stations of the cross are impressive in person and had to involve many hours of labor.

The Transept on the far side was made up of several rooms, containing many artifacts. They included a liturgical head covering, Chasuble and Stole from ancient services. They are under glass and beautiful to gaze upon.

One cannot take this tour without questioning what it was really like in Medieval times. It is very humbling to realize this Cathedral is almost 500 years old and more than likely 12 to 15 generations have celebrated mass in the Old Cathedral.

As I returned to the Nave and turned around, I had a view of the altar that was stirring. I noticed the organ above. It must have been a very audacious feeling when this organ was played. It is immense and I can only imagine the dramatic emphasis it added to the services.

As we were leaving Kim noticed that one of the support columns was leaning. We showed a guard and he commented that many were not straight. As we looked around we found several that looked unstable. A little scary and I hope they have it all under control.

Happy Easter, Peace and Safe Travels !!!

A year ago I was sitting in my son’s house in Zushi Japan, wishing I didn’t have to go home so soon. He relocated to Japan almost two years ago and I miss being able to see him on a regular basis, like I can our other two sons. Google+ is great, but it is not the same as hugging him in person.

I generally do not do tours and like to explore new destinations on my own. I am not a “go with the crowd” type of guy. Kim was surprised when I agreed to go along on this tour and I was very glad I did in the end!

After all, Efrain my buddy was the guide. I have known Efrain for about a year and a half and he has always represented Mio Tours very well. I especially like his honesty and wonderful sense of humor. He will keep you laughing all day and is a walking encyclopedia for Ecuador!

We shared the tour with two other gentlemen Max and Earl from Ohio. Efrain thought we were only going to the craft cities outside of Cuenca which are east of the city. Turns out the other guys wanted to see a waterfall south of the city. He didn’t miss a beat, even though this would add about 5 hours to his day! Our first stop was at a National Shrine named for the Battle of Tarqui. It transpired in 1829 and basically helped liberate Ecuador from Peru. It established Ecuador as an Independent country. If you are curious there are 73 steps to the upper level. Make sure you rest and hydrate before making the ascent!

Efrain knew all the nuances of the El Chorro waterfall and elaborated as we hiked to the base viewing platform. He ensured we didn’t have too fast of a pace. After all we were at around 9,000 feet and all were over 55 years old! Efrain knew where to take the optimum photos and made sure we got the opportunity to just sit back and digest the waterfall’s beauty.

After hiking back to the Ranger station, Efrain had us try the Canelazo warm drink made from water, sugar, lemon and cinnamon. It was very refreshing! You can add aguadiente also, if you choose! From there we traveled back to Cuenca and ate lunch at Fogo.

After consuming mass quantities of food we went to our first stop of the afternoon, at the only weaving operation left in Southern Ecuadaor. Anna, the owner is a National figure and keeps the ancient weaving traditions alive. It was an inspiration to see the tactics used in creating this woolen art, in place for centuries!

From the weaving operation we drove to the Orchidarium and my camera froze up when I took so many photos! It was mind boggling to view the various styles of orchids. I learned the plants take over 3 and one half years to mature enough to bloom. That’s a lot of effort, but the results are awesome!

We proceeded to Chordeleg and looked at all the Silver jewelry and fine work done with silver. The town was very busy with locals and tourists and my favorite part was a carved wooden chair in the form of a turtle. By this time we were so tuckered out we could hardly walk. Efrain then took us back to the Casa Ordonez to get some rest before a late night dinner.

I always use Efrain to transport from Guayaquil to Cuenca and any other destinations in Ecuador. He is a safe and trusted guide and speaks English very well. Mio Tours offers a variety of expeditions and I urge you to take a look and give them a chance. You will not be disappointed when you choose Mio Tours, or Efrain to assist you in Cuenca.

Contact Mio Tours at

Email: miotours@gmail.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/miotours?ref=ts&fref=ts

Twitter: @mio_tours

Saludos mi amigos and Safe Travels!

I often receive social media posts in regard to how it used to be, when I was a child and growing up. Most of us yearn for a different time when things in the world were more stable and interaction with others brought smiles rather than grimaces. Kim and I were fortunate recently, to “go back in time” and experience a boutique hotel in Cuenca Ecuador named Casa Ordonez.

I have had this discussion with many individuals and the line is usually drawn between age groups. I personally think that some of the graffiti in the world is magnificent art and have always felt this way. I promised a blog on Cuenca graffiti and here goes!

My apologies as this was shot out of a moving car. The left side is more in focus. It was the first day going into Cuenca. Arbitrary photo!

We walked to the stairs between Calle Larga and Doce de Abril. This stairway is alive with wonderful art!

It is fine art in most cases, where the “taggers” haven’t overlaid the original work.

I love the creativity behind the scenes and the art is so colorful!

I couldn’t take enough photos. I will have to share the complete album later as there is no way I can post all of them in this blog. #LovedIt!!!

This was one of my favorites and not just because Kim was in the photo! It was a couple of blocks off Calle Larga near Tres Estrellas.

This was on a wall in the San Francisco mercado, when we were shopping and saying good-bye to our new friends from Tampa, Laura and Emory! Great people!

This one we ran into on Luis Cordero between Calle Larga and the Rio Tomebamba. The guy in the sandwich shop next to it, will try to sell you everything on his menu! Good luck escaping.

This one was a favorite and is in black and white only. It was in a hallway leading to a hostel in Cuenca. I hope that these artists one day can gain the recognition they truly deserve and place their art on canvases for all eternity. They are truly talented! Peace and Safe Travels mi amigos!

I know. I know. Its not “Living La Vina”, but “Living La Vida”. I felt compelled to use the wordplay. My apologies to Ricky Martin. In a way when you visit La Vina in Cuenca you are living the life!

The first thing that happened on our initial visit was Monica, one of the wonderful owners approached me, gave me a hug after I mentioned I had been there before and talked with Eugenio, her husband. She stated Mi Casa es Su Casa and I know she really meant it!

You instantly feel relaxed and accepted. There is a European influence to the food, the service and the decor and you will fall in love with the owners and the food. Monica informed me that Eugenio was in France. My Spanish is not the greatest so we miss-communicated about not being able to see him. We sat in the front dining room.

We were served bread, a very spicy aji salsa with onions and a wonderful Basil/Olive Oil sauce. We waited for our food and the aperitivo was perfect. Then came the vegetarian pizza con jamon (Ha, a little oxymoron for you!). The waiter was prompt and the service was impeccable. We left very satisfied and stuffed from our dinner.

We returned a few days later and to Kim and my surprise Eugenio greeted us with open arms and Monica gave us a warm welcome back. She struggled in telling Eugenio that I was writing a blog now and stated I was a block writer. I had to laugh!

After exchanging hugs and greetings with Eugenio and Monica, we sat and decided we needed another pizza. This time rather than jamon we decided we would add camerones. OMG it was delicious. I even remembered to take a photo to share with you

We struggled to finish this “Grande” pizza pie and I almost felt bad cutting into this artistic presentation. You can plainly see the zucchini, asparagus and shrimp on this pie. I cannot offer a better restaurant to dine in if you visit Cuenca, than La Vina.

Eugenio and Monica Rota treat you like royalty and the food is so delectable. Maybe one of these days, on a visit to Cuenca I will only visit once…Not!!!  Great food. Great Owners and Great Service!

Upon our return trip from Cuenca to Austin, Kim and I stayed at the Hotel Oro Verde in Guayaquil again. Upon check-in, we were given warm, mint scented towels and fresh juice to take away the humidity and heat of the city. This time we stayed in the Oro Verde Suite and were delightfully surprised at the glamorous and stately attributes of the suite.

We met and talked with Mr Xavier Polastri, the “Gerente de Recepcion” or the Front Desk Manager. Not only was he very gracious, but he showed us to our suite personally and ensured us that our every need would be met.

He gave us the key, made sure we were comfortable and bid us a pleasant stay. I thanked him and stepped back to take it all in. Kim decided to rest her weary bones and stretched out on the couch in the living area of the suite. I had to step into the guest bath.

Notice the fresh red roses on the dining table. I had to look at the rest of the suite and started to venture into the other rooms when the doorbell rang and an attendant brought a bottle of wine, two glasses and a handwritten thank you letter, from Mr. Vasco Baselli, the “Gerente General” or the General Manager of the hotel. I cannot remember the last time I received a handwritten note and one so warmly written.

Additionally, we were brought a bowl of fruit, chocolates and personal service for our IT issues. We settled in and decided to try out the private dining area on the eighth floor, stocked with all kinds of tasty snacks, sandwiches, cheeses, fruits, breads and pastries. We loved the offerings and satisfied our hunger. Returning to the suite I had to take advantage of the wonderful bath facilities with multi-head shower and huge tub.

I wanted to spend the entire night in this fascinating shower. After being totally spoiled in this unbelievable shower I continued to the vanity. The exterior double sinks had every accessory one could fathom. Any toiletry you forgot was in place.

It was time for bed as Kim and I had an early 3:00 AM wake up call to make the shuttle and return flight to Austin. Kim remarked that the bath and bedroom area was larger than ours at home. It was very spacious and nicely appointed with a huge king size, palatial bed.

The wake up call came at exactly 3:00 and sadly we were leaving Ecuador returning to reality, jobs and our lives in Texas. The Hotel Oro Verde is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World  and I feel positive that the guest treatment would be comparable, in any of the chains many luxury hotels around the world.

We were treated so kindly and the generous management of the Hotel Oro Verde is to be commended for such excellent customer service, cleanliness and a desire to please their guests. I have never been treated so royally and have stayed in major hotels across the world. Thank you sincerely for a “Memory Making” visit.

Earl and Max decided to tour this waterfall and three towns surrounding Cuenca. The towns specialize in certain crafts. It is more economical if you can share these tours and we discussed tagging along. They agreed to let us accommodate them. We were not sorry we went along. Its about a hour ride from Cuenca and you stop at the Battle of Tarqui National Monument, dedicated to the brave 4,000 men, who defeated the 8,000 Peruvian soldiers, to liberate Ecuador.

The battle was February 27, 1829. It is located near the town of Tarqui. There are 73 steps leading to the top. An interesting tidbit. The 4,000 men were retreating rapidly, until a 16 year old fearless soldier attacked on his own. The other soldiers turned and charged to save the brave young lad and eventually conquered the larger army.

We drove through a few more small towns, made the climb up the mountain to the Rangers Station and paid our $2.00 for entry. They had a couple of cabins you could spend the night in, but there was no camping.

We began our ascent and my mind immediately had flashbacks to the Ingapirca trip. Our wonderful guide “Efrain”, of Mio Tours, warned us not to advance at any rate of speed, as the altitude and slippery path would do us in if we weren’t careful. I am not entirely sure Earl and Max were listening to Efrain at this point!

We were instructed to stop and catch our breath about every 900 to 1,000 feet. The paths were very slippery, muddy and low hanging branches were common. Luckily there were many turn outs that we could venture out to and take photos. One had to pay attention and step on rock, bamboo poles laid in the mud or risk falling backwards. The ground Earl and Max are standing on is very representative.

The waterfall was more and more beautiful every level we hiked. The amazing factor was that I felt we were hiking through a jungle at times and was ready for a wild animal to attack. It was very wet, green and the vegetation was thick as Molasses, but there was always a new view.

Our first view looked like this as we started the ascent up the mountain by car.

Then through the trees and about half the way up to the first level, one receives this view!

Finally after hiking all the way up to the “Rookie” level, one is rewarded with this magnificent view. The next level is an additional 4 hours and we chose to visit the craft towns scheduled instead.

Max and Kim are toasting the others with a glass of Canelazo from the ranger station. Wonderful stuff and a great way to end a beautiful morning and a challenging hike! Peace and Safe Travels!

This Iglesia is actually built into the side of a mountain and is over 100 years old. It is very striking as you drive up the mountain and imposing in its own way. It must have been difficult to carry the materials needed to this cathedral for construction.

As we ventured up the plethora of steps I was reminded of the hill behind Ingapirca and how Kim, our new friends Earl and Alex, and I struggled to walk down the mountain at 10,000 feet. It was a chore for this old man and even Kim had to stop. As we ascended a heavy mist began to shroud us. I fully understand where the name of the Cathedral came from now after visiting it.

After conquering the hundreds of steps on the Cathedral we entered and found that the Iglesia was built into the side of a mountain “literally”. The back wall, where the alter was had open rock behind it. I was fascinated that such a structure could be attached to the mountain.

The stained glass windows mesmerized us all and we sat down and took it all in. Some of us trying to catch our breath. I was awestruck by the entire Cathedral and now understand why it is so famous. Each of us celebrated the Cathedral in our own way and a peaceful calm fell on our shoulders.

Leaving the upper echelon of the Cathedral I viewed this panorama and had to share it with you. Peace and Safe Travels!

The alarm came early and we both bolted out of bed with gusto. After all we were on our way to Ecuador finally and we both felt giddy with excitement. We got to the airport in Austin in plenty of time. Thank goodness, as the security lines were horrible. Easy breezy and we were at the gate with an hour to spare. Flights to DFW and Miami went off with no hitches.

Our Miami to Guayaquil flight was highlighted by our new friend Alejandro from Florida. What a great guy. He was cheerful and happy and told us he wants us to come to Florida and let him cook for us or Ecuador and let him show us around. He came down for the weekend only for his Mother’s birthday. Nice guy! Then we landed and cleared customs easily. We walked outside to a sauna and these beautiful Koi fish.

We caught the shuttle to our hotel, as previously advertised, The Hotel Oro Verde. My favorite place to stay in Guayaquil. Tired and worn out we walked into the hotel and waited for a while for the couple on the shuttle with us to check in. It was finally our time and the clerk stated that we had an upgrade and should accompany a hotel agent to the executive suite floor. I asked him to repeat his statement and he did. I looked at Kim and said I have no idea what’s going on!

We met our floor manager and he checked us in and had most of the information pre-completed. It let us know that we had access to the private dining room and basically gave us the ins and outs of the executive suite floor. I was astonished! The bathroom had marble on all walls and counters with a large double tub and a huge rain shower head overhead in the middle.

The room was outfitted with all the accouterments possible. It was unbelievable and a fantastic surprise. Chocolates on the bed,a 42″ LED TV, King size bed with feather comforter, a heated stand for slacks, slippers, robes and this was card set up on our table.

Made us feel very special for one night. I highly recommend you stay here any time you are in Guayaquil. You will not be disappointed. The slogan for The Leading Hotels of the World which the Oro Verde Hotel is a member, is “Making Memories” and they have locations all over the world. They surely held up to their name with Kim and I.

People ask me why do I want to travel and log long hours on planes with tight seats, dirty restrooms, barely edible food and arrive exhausted? Not to mention terribly rude crews. To most people these factors are insanely trite and have no appeal. On the contrary, I personally have a love of adventure and discovering cultures yet to be experienced.

I am and always have been, a type A personality, making all my own decisions and living with the consequences. Some have been very good and some have come back to haunt me!

During the first segment of my life I devoted myself to an executive job, that literally would have put me in my grave, if I stayed the course. Retail can be a death wish and all the associated problems made my “Monkey Mind” act unnaturally schizo-phobic. One day I wanted to toss my cookies and one day I wanted to keep the pace. All the wear and tear was not fruitful and I wasn’t an amiable individual. I needed a change and decided to “enjoy” the remainder of my life.

I made a decision to leave the business world and travel. eat and photograph the many cultures, people and foods of the world and share them with my friend’s cohorts and associates. I am hungry to begin my journey and experience the passion of the world. To be honest, I love the idea of travelling and exploring. However, I do not like the idea of travelling for business. I have had entrepreneur friends who travel overseas for work. They seem very happy, mostly because they never face problems with visas. One friend of mine (who is a business owner) once told me that he was supposed to visit the U.S. for expanding his business perhaps. He seemed really relaxed for a person who was travelling overseas for the first time. He told me that he had petitioned for an O1 visa (possibly with the help of immigration attorneys at https://www.kuzminalaw.com/o1-visa-for-entrepreneurs) and got hold of one without any hassle. And now he was ready to make the big move of shifting. When I heard this, I felt happy for him, but, at the same time, I felt sad for him because he would only know work when he reaches his destination and would never have the chance to be a free bird like me. If his story had been mine, I would have probably suffocated to death because I have been inspired by the nomads who live to explore and explore to live. I want to be one of them who knows it all and has seen it all, and if that means that I have to visit the same place over and over again to explore the hidden gems, then I shall do that without any hesitation. Yes, financially that might stress me, but I have heard that there are ways to combat that. For instance, I can invest in a timeshare– it can allow me to purchase a certain period of time in a particular vacation property. The trouble is, though, that I have to pay maintenance fees for the property even if I do not visit it more than once (I might soon grow tired of this and look for the professional help from individuals found at popular timeshare exit companies to end the deal). So, I am not sure that it is a perfect solution for me. Personally, I am likely to ponder whether I should invest in a shared ownership vacation property in the near future. For now, I will just focus on the fact that I will begin my passionate journey of traveling and will follow the road tirelessly. If that means staying at a hostel or a tent, then be it.

That said, I am starting a new blog, that will relate to travel and food at the end of the day. I have been very fortunate in my life and spent two months in SE Asia at the age of 23, buying for a major amusement park chain. It was a vastly energizing and memorable experience that left me thirsting for more. This was after I turned down a month in Europe trip from my Uncle Curt, when I graduated from high school. I wanted a car more than the trip at that time, so I stayed employed through that summer and have regretted the decision ever since!

I am starting a new blog, that will relate to travel and food at the end of the day. I have been very fortunate in my life and spent two months in SE Asia at the age of 23, buying for a major amusement park chain. It was a vastly energizing and memorable experience that left me thirsting for more. This was after I turned down a month in Europe trip from my Uncle Curt, when I graduated from high school. I wanted a car more than the trip at that time, so I stayed employed through that summer and have regretted the decision ever since! I have taken every opportunity presented in my family life to travel, while raising three sons with my wife of 34 years. Our travels were fascinating, but I left something on the table. I wanted more international travel and it is my desire to expand my RTW consciousness and see a plethora of countries while I am still mobile. Retiring in a foreign country is also something I think about. European countries like Malta have some of the best real estate options (click to learn more about it) one could ask for. It is truly one of the most mesmerizing places on this planet. Anyway, for now, I only have travel plans some of which may or may not involve some luxury travel as well. Staying in places like the best luxury hotel osaka has to offer is something that excites me, as it combines cultural immersion with world-class comfort. Of course, first I need to find how much does it cost to rent a private jet or a similar vehicle that can ensure privacy and safety while providing the utmost comfort at the same time. Hopefully, I will be able to afford such luxuries.

We all are moving at warp speed and need to slow down, and amputate our oppressive stress levels. We need to learn to relax, smile, hug our families and smell the roses! I hope that I can provide a small measure of entertainment and can bring a little levity to you, via my blog. Many readers have also found that indacloud offers a gentle and natural way to enhance relaxation and reduce daily stress. Peace to all and Safe Travels!!!

I’ve also done my fair share of escape rooms, but the moment I walked into Escape Rooms Bristol, I knew this would be something else entirely. The dim lighting, eerie soundtrack, and uncomfortably convincing actors made for a night of genuine chills. But it wasn’t just fear — the puzzles were challenging and inventive, forcing our group to work together like never before. If you’re after something completely different for your next night out, this is it.

I have been considering participating in Couch Surfing for some time. The majority of the surfers are of the younger generations. I wasn’t sure if anyone except the occasional individual with no luck locating a couch, would really desire to stay with us and use an inflatable air mattress as their bed. I was very wrong and have stumbled upon a media site that is more “social” in nature than some sites I have been on for years.

Our first surfer was Allan Flynn a young lad (49) from Canberra Australia and an architect by profession. We waited Friday night for his arrival, not really knowing what to expect or what the experience would be like. I was surprised when I announced I was doing this on other social media platforms and received a ton of posts, that indicated I had better be careful. They “wouldn’t do this in a million years”. Some were young and I least expected this response from that generation.

Obviously, if I will pick up and go to Ecuador and other parts unknown, I will take a so called risk and have a complete stranger couch surf with us. When Allan arrived he rolled down his car window and stated “Good day mate” (They really say this!). Immediately Allan made us feel comfortable and at ease. I was greatly relieved that he was such a gentle person and always wanted to fend for himself. His instinct was to do tasks, to pay back the use of our house. We acquiesced the final day and allowed him to wash our cars,

On Saturday we toured the state Capitol building and he was obviously elated at its construction and history. We joined a tour in the rotunda and listened to part of the spiel. I haven’t been inside in many years and it was very nice to revisit our state’s heritage and the fashion it was formed. My most embarrassing moment, was when Allan asked what number state we were in joining the Union. My mind went blank and we had to ask the guide! Do my fellow Texans know?

Most of all I was completely knocked over by the hardware on the doors, the size of the door jambs, windows and the tile put down in the 1930’s. I was amazed at the longevity of various furniture, sections of the building and felt a deep reverence and appreciation for my home state. Allan kept stating that I should remember “everything is bigger in Texas” when we would see a looming doorway or imposing window. I asked him, well what do you reckon happened to me, given I am only 5’7″ tall, if I stretch!

We then toured 6th street and SoCo later Saturday afternoon. He was able to see what keeps Austin Weird! I love showing visitors my home town and having their feedback. We saw this character sitting on the street in SoCo and it made me remember one of the reasons why I love Austin so much.

Sunday we took Allan to the Oasis and it was truly an oasis (very little water in Lake Travis and it looked like a dessert in places). He really thought the establishment was a design feat and kept taking various photos on different levels of the restaurant. I took this one of him as he tried a “local” beer and he thought the beer was sweet. He drank every drop though!

There was a charity car show in the parking lot and we were able to see a vast inventory of old cars, sports cars and muscle cars from the late 60’s. Truly brought back special memories for me, if you remember my ’69 Camaro 396″. This one is a ’67, but close enough!

It was a very enjoyable weekend and I was sorry to see him drive away this morning. I do know though, that if I make it to Australia one day, I have a place to stay and a place where I will revisit a friend, made through this wonderful web site. Can’t wait for #2 on Tuesday night! Safe Travels and Saludos mi amigos!

As we drove up the rocky road, the historical site loomed ahead and obviously was significant to observe. I missed this Incan ruin last time and was not about to bypass it again, given the opportunity. Alberto, our host at the Casa Ordonez, invited us to go with Earl and Max of Ohio, first thing Saturday morning. I jumped at the chance.

The first settlers of this majestic mountain and valley were the Canari, who still have descendants, that currently live surrounding Ingapirca. They farm and raise livestock mostly, and as a whole dress indigenous. In the mid 1500’s The Incans overthrew the Canaris and began a brief rule of approximately 40 years. The Spanish then overtook both tribes and the facilities and destroyed the majority of both civilizations.

It is the locals interpretation that the Spanish were looking for the gold of the Incans, but never located the gold. Local folklore states that the Incans tossed all their gold in the many lakes that surround Ingapirca, to hide it from the conquering Spaniards.

As we entered the sacred grounds, I saw this plant to the side and almost touched the blooms, out of habit. Our guide, as he began his spiel, warned us about touching this beautiful plant and relayed its hallucinogenic properties. The dust from the flower basically disables any free will a person has and places them in a stupor. Recent bank robbers in the Andes have used this plant to enable a quick and easy get away, by blowing the dust of the flower into people’s faces or touching their hands with the dust (they wear rubber gloves to evade the dust themselves).

Our guide Luis was Ecuadorian. He spent 18 years in New York and communicated well. He was extremely informative about all the various stations of the ruins and how the entire fortress/temple was set up and organized. As we turned the first corner the guide showed us how the Agave plant was used for sewing needs. The fiber is used as thread and the thorn as a needle and they sewed human skin, pelts and wool with these tools.

We then learned that the Canaris worshiped the Moon and elements like water, wind and

fire. The Incans worshiped the Sun and animals, with special emphasis on the Puma. The layout of the Incan settlement resembles a Puma outline, if you look from a distance or from above. The temple represents the brain area.

The first hut we saw was a replica of a family hut that was rectangular and had a very high and sloped thatched roof to enable the water to run off. The second area was basically their burial grounds and the commoners were buried in one section with no identification. The last Canari empress  was buried with a large stone as a headstone. The headstone had a cut in the top that allowed the sun to hit her grave on the December 21st solstice and see over her. Her servants were drugged with the dust from the plant above and buried in a crouching position all around her, to protect her and ward off evil spirits. They were alive when this transpired.

I was enthralled with all the complicated thinking that went into the construction of this site.

They laid stone blocks, after sanding down with other rocks, side by side and adjacent to the other stones. Not even a razor blade could be inserted between some of the rocks as tight as they remain today. The green tint is a result of the heavy copper content in the stones. I was awestruck with their precision, given they only had natural tools to work with.

We toured the temple and discovered that as Ingapirca was built by the Incans it was constructed to have the sun intersect various windows and portals at various times of the year. The emperor’s balcony and private shrine was built so that the Sun intersected the doorway on the solstices and every quarter. This way they knew when to plant, harvest and when the new year was to be celebrated. Parts of the walls are missing, but you can still fathom the intent, from the angles that the front door intersect the depressions on the back wall.

The four of us then opted to take the additional hike and walk the route above and see the pool that the emperors bathed in and the carved face on the side of the mountain. Remember these were constructed in the mid 1550’s.

Not only was I blown away by the carved face, but all of us ran out of gas. After all we were at 10,000 feet and all well over 50. Periodically we had to stop and rest and catch our breath. None of us were in as good as shape as we thought. We headed back down the mountain and joined our driver. Thirsty and worn out, but well satisfied that we had seen one of Ecuador’s most spectacular and historical remaining sites.

A special thanks to Earl and Alex for letting us tag along and for being great people. They are amiable, intelligent and experienced travelers. It was a great day. So much so that we are imposing on them again and touring the surrounding craft villages on Tuesday. Peace and Safe Travels!