How Covid-19 is affecting Ecuador- An interview with Alicia

Whenever we travel, Kevin and I make it a point to meet up with locals, either that we know personally or that mutual friends connect us to. As we prepared to head to Ecuador, we were given a contact for an incredible woman named Alicia, and let me tell you...it was one of the sweetest connections ever:)

Alicia's dad was actually the president of Ecuador years ago, so if anyone knew the country, it was her! Not only that, but she continues to serve her country. She and her husband bought a crumbling mansion in the historic district of Quito and have fixed it up to serve as a community center for families in the area. Kevin and I were privileged to stay there for a few days on our trip and volunteer at her center. Alicia's heart inspired me in such great ways! (You can read about our time at Casa Victoria here) 

{Kevin and I with Alicia} 

I interviewed her about how covid-19 is affecting Ecuador right now and she was so gracious to share her experience. 

1) Where do you currently live and what brought you there?
I am from Quito, Ecuador. My husband and I live in Casa Victoria, a Foundation which has been serving the community of San Roque, in inner city, Old Town, Quito. I founded this organization 19 years ago and, together with many volunteers, have been caring for average of 40 children ages 5 to 12 from very poor families in this part of town.


2) What do you love most about where you live?
I love that is right in the middle of the Historic Center, lovely Colonial houses, churches, plazas. I love the city-neighborhood idea, where everything you need is right here. I love that the people know us and care for us, as we care for their children. And what I love the most is that our Casa Victoria is a gorgeous 100-year-old restored house, and we get to live in it and share it daily with joyful children and their families.

3) How has your city and country been affected by Covid-19?
The worst part about it is that the children have not been able to come to CV for 13 days now! We miss them terribly! But I must say, it has been a wonderful time of rest, of organizing, deep cleaning, thinking, praying, doing our gym in a room we adapted a year ago for that purpose.

The city has been on strict lockdown since March 12: first, NO schools, no events at all, no church services, no pubic transportation. EVERYTHING is closed, except for grocery places, pharmacies, neighborhood tiendas (little convenience stores) BUT ONLY UNTIL 2PM, time in which, first Quito, now, the whole country is on strict CURFEW from 2PM until 5AM the following day. Fines are steep for those out and about...
During the mornings, there is controlled private vehicle circulation, depending on the last digit of your license plate number. And you can leave your home ONLY to get groceries, bank, pharmacy, and ONLY until 12:30 midday.

The amount of confirmed COVID 19 people in Quito, to this day, March 29, 2020, is 181. In Guayaquil where they did not observe such strict preventive measures, especially at the beginning-two weeks ago--the number is 1400 with COVID 19

4) How have you personally be affected?
Healthwise, thank God, not affected. None in my family here. My husband, his 35 year old son, and I, are fine...so far....

5) How have you seen God work in the midst of this time?
I think the biggest and most beautiful result of this "putting on the brakes" in a radical way, has been to see and feel the pureness of the AIR! No contamination, no trash, no peeing on the corners outside CV, no noise, no honking, no soot from the busses.....it´s been heaven!! Our garden and middle patio have beautiful, brightly colored flowers. There are so many visiting humming birds...! The planet surely needed a REST from humans and our toys!!
There is also more meaningful communication with family, friends, and even acquaintances, the chats, zoom, face time...we are truly much more connected than before! I even have a little nightly prayer group via zoom...!

6) Any last things you want to share?
I pray we ALL learn important lessons from this Quarantine. It has all been shared and said already: closer families, more creativity, more appreciation of TIME, family, space, clean air. We NEED to do things to KEEP them going...


Thanks so much for sharing Alicia!

Our 2 week itinerary through South America: Ecuador & Colombia

Last year, it dawned on Kevin and I that while we had visited almost 40 countries, we still had not touched foot in South America. We knew exactly where our next trip would take us!

However, South America is a huge continent with too many gorgeous sites to pack into two weeks, so we had to narrow it down. During dates at our favorite coffee shop, we would spend hours researching the best places to visit in South America, and let me tell you, there are many! We thought about Machu Pichu in Peru, but it was the rainy season during our trip dates. We thought about Buenos Aires, but it was a more expensive option. Taking into account weather patterns, costs, and ticket prices, the information led us to our choice…Ecuador and Colombia! You can read my post on the Top 5 Reasons you should Visit Ecuador in 2015! 


Ecuador and Colombia are bordering countries, but oh how different these two countries could be! Ecuador was more akin to Peru with it's high elevations and Spanish influence. Colombia (or specifically Cartagena, where we stayed) was all Caribbean charm! It made for a sweet trip! Technically our trip was 12 days, so just short of two weeks, but could easily be made into a 2 week trip by adding 2 days in another city. If we had more time, we would have tried to see Medellin, Colombia!

Here is our exact itinerary:

Cuenca, Ecuador

We started our trip in the quaint colonial Ecuadorian town of Cuenca. Cuenca, sitting high above sea level at 8,400 feet, is small enough to explore in a day, but beautiful enough to keep you there a little longer:) With it's cobble stone streets, sprawling parks, flower markets, and local cuisine, there's so much charm to be had!

Getting to Cuenca: From Los Angeles, California, we flew to Quito and spent the night at the airport. From Quito we bought a domestic flight down to Cuenca. The flight is less than an hour, and relatively affordable!

Days Needed: You really only need one full day to see Cuenca, however, we stayed two! We met up with some friends there, who took us around to surrounding cities. The town is small, but we found it so charming!

Where to Stay: We stayed at Hostal La Posada Cuencana, which we couldn't recommend more! We loved this place! It's an old colonial house with a  courtyard in middle, so quaint!

To see more pictures of Cuenca, click here

Banos, Ecuador

I do not have enough space to rave about this incredible spa town! If there's one thing I can promise, it's that you'll never run out of activities to do in this amazing hamlet!! It's the extreme sport capitol of Ecuador and offers everything from zip lining, to bridge swinging, to biking, to white water rafting, to amazon excursions, to horse back riding! You'll also find it's the perfect place to relax, with it's various thermal baths (public and private), and amazing massages!

Getting to Banos: The bus system is Ecuador is really great! We took a bus from Cuenca to Banos early in the morning. The bus ride is 5 hours from Cuenca (or 3 hours from Quito!).

Days Needed: You will want at least two full days in Banos because there is so much fun to had at such affordable prices! We spent 3 days there and were kind of lamenting we didn't have another day!

Where to Stay: We stayed at Hotel Marianne, where you get a good bang for your buck! We paid $40 a night for a basic room with hot water in the shower (a must in this city!). A total bonus to the hotel was that it was centrally located and walkable to everywhere, but it was also on the outskirts so very quiet and peaceful with lovely hammocks to lay in! My favorite part of the hotel was the in-house french restaurant (Cafe Marianne) with a roaring fire and delicious food!

To see more of our experiences of Banos:
Banos, Ecuador          Thermal Baths (Public & Private)     Zip Lining                     
Bridge Swing             Swing at the End of the World         Top 10 Things to Do in Banos, Ecuador 

Quito, Ecuador


If ever there were a dreamy city 9,000 feet off the ground, Quito would be it! Honestly, Quito surprised us with how beautiful it is! It is the largest historic city center in all of South America, nestled between rolling hills and huge cathedrals, lying colorful and newly renovated!

Getting to Quito: We took a bus from Banos to Quito for just a few dollars each! It only took 3 hours, and was a pretty ride.

Days Needed: I'd say you need at least 2 full days in Quito! There is so much to do and see, and then even more excursions you can purchase that are just right outside the city:) We were in Quito about 2 and a half days and it was perfect!

Where to Stay: We stayed with friends at Casa Victoria (where we volunteered with an after school program there!). However, Quito has many gorgeous options so check out Trip Advisor!

To see more pictures and learn more about our time in Quito:
Quito Day 1             Casa Victoria
Quito Day 2             Market in Quito
Top 10 Thing to do in Quito


Cartagena, Colombia


Old Town Cartagena is pure magic, there is no way else to describe it! Especially at night, when the twinkly lights reflected the colorful buildings, the horses clip clopped in their carriages down the cobble stone streets, and the talented musicians strummed away on their guitars. I'm telling you, Cartagena is really something else and I feel so blessed to have experienced it! As I walked the old city walls, I felt like Elizabeth Swan from Pirates of the Carribean haha!

Getting to Cartagena: We flew from Quito to Cartagena (you have to make a few lay-overs, but it's not too bad!).

Days Needed: We were there 3 days, which I felt like was the right amount of time! There are so many things to do in and around Cartagena! We spent our first day in the old city, our second day on Boca Grande, and our third day on an island beach excursion which was beautiful!

Where to Stay: We stayed at Casa Relax, an affordable hotel that included breakfast! Definitely stay in Getsemani, a super hip and historic district right outside the old walled city!

To see more pictures and learn more about our time in Cartagena: 
Cartagena Day 1               The Best Place to Stay in Cartagena      Isla del Encanto 
Cartagena Day 2               Castillo San Felipe de Barajas 
Top 10 Things to do in Cartagena, Colombia 

After Cartagena we flew to Bogota, and then from Bogota we flew back to Los Angeles! We spent a day in Bogota, and I have to say it was not my favorite (however maybe we just didn't see the right sites!! Anyone have suggestions for what to see in Bogota?). Hope this itinerary was helpful for you!! Can't wait to continue to explore this great continent of South America!

Happy Monday friends! And the winner of the Sari Bari quilt give-away is….Olivia McCash! Congrats Olivia!!

Looking for another itinerary of where to visit?
2 weeks in Turkey & Greece
3 weeks in SE Asia

5 Reasons You Should Visit Ecuador in 2015

In all our research on South America, Ecuador kept coming up as a crowd favorite. And now having visited, I can attest to why this country makes such positive ripples in the travel realm. If you are considering visiting South America, I want to give you 5 reasons why Ecuador should be on your itinerary:

1. It's Cheap
{picture taken at the swing at the end of the world, here} 

If you are on a budget, this is the country for you my friend! Generally, meals cost us about $2-5 and lodging around $40-50. Transportation is incredibly cheap with taxi's around $2 anywhere in the city, and buses between major cities costing a mere $3.50! We bused from Cuenca to Baños, and then from Banos to Quito, all for $7 bucks a person!

You'll notice that in Baños, we were able to do a ton of adventure sports, only because the prices were so cheap! Zip Lining cost around $25, Bridge swinging was $20, thermal baths were $20 (for the resort style ones) and $3.5 (for the public ones). My hour long massage costs $25. Activities are cheap and fun...the perfect combo!!

2. They use the American Dollar

Since we're already on the topic of money, Ecuador uses the American dollar, making it very easy to get around. No need to exchange money or try to spend the last few cents before you leave! You can bring your money or get it out of the ATM in Ecuador. When you leave Ecuador, you just take whatever you have left with you and spend it in the US! So easy!

3. The Natural Beauty is Breathtaking
One of the most important reason to visit Ecuador is that you can relax and enjoy the most unbelievable scenery at your doorstep. Particularly in Baños, you will be surrounded by lush green mountains, rushing rivers, and waterfalls galore! While we didn't have time (or money) to visit the Galapagos Islands, i've heard there is no place in the entire world like it! You can't go wrong in Ecuador in terms of beauty!

4. It is Rich in History

I'm pretty sure the history of South America was overlooked by my elementary school teachers, besides the week we spent on the Maya, Incas and Aztecs. So reading about Ecuadorian history was new and fascinating! It was easy to see the influence of the Spanish colonizers, as the architecture paralleled Spain in so many ways. Quito {Part 1, Part 2} has some of the most beautiful buildings in all of South America, and Cuenca is a historical gem in it's own right!

5. It's less touristy

One of the things Kevin and I noticed about Ecuador is that it is way lest touristy than other countries. If you're looking for a bit of a hidden gem before the masses of people "discover" it, definitely consider Ecuador! There were plenty of places we were the only tourists around, and it felt divine!!

I hope you'll give Ecuador a shot in the coming year, I promise it won't disappoint!
And check out Caity in Wanderland's sweet interview she did with me last week {here}
Happy Monday Friends! 

Top 10 things to do in Quito, Ecuador

No trip to Ecuador is complete without exploring the gorgeous city of Quito! There is so much to do in the vast expanse of this historical and modern day city, but I've narrowed down my favorites! I've also listed them in order of a walking tour from the Panecillo to the Basilica, which is what Kevin and I did in one day...Here goes:

Climb the Panecillo

The Panecillo is is a 200-metre-high hill of volcanic origin, located between southern and central Quito. In 1976 a Spanish artist was commissioned to build a 45-metre-tall stone monument of a Madonna which was assembled on a high pedestal on the top of Panecillo. This is a great place to start your day in Quito. Hike to the top of the statue, and look out onto the historical district. See the huge church in the distance? That's the Basilica del Voto Nacional. A great way to plan your day is to start at the Panecillo, and work your way towards the Basilica. Everything you'll want to see is between these two gems! Let's go…

Get lost in the Historical Center

It's not easy to get lost in Quito, because you can always see the Panecillo to the South and the Basilica to the North. But…this makes for a great adventure of just letting yourself wander down random streets, enjoying whatever you stumble upon (but still holding your bearing). There are so many treasures in the city! From the Pancillo, walk due north and you can wander around Avenida 24 de Mayo and La Ronda, one of the best-presevered colonial streets in Old town. If you like museums, there are quite a few in the city worth seeing (some free, always nice!). Here is a great list of museums you might pass while wandering.

People Watch in Plaza San Francisco

Check your map and head towards Plaza San Francisco! This historical center boasts some lovely architecture and beautiful views. The majestic building that stands in the middle of the plaza is Inglesia San Francisco, and is the oldest colonial edifice in the city and the largest religious complex in South America! According to our guidebook, it was built on the site of an Inca royal house within weeks of the city's founding in 1534, and the first wheat grown in Ecuador was sprouted in one it's courtyards! Pick a bench and people watch! Great place to take a little break!

Eat Lunch in Plaza Grande

Just around the corner from Plaza San Francisco is Plaza Grande. The historical pulse of the city emanates from Plaza Grande (or Plaza Independencia). From this idyllic center, you can stand at the independence monument and revolve in a circle to see the Carondelet Palace (which is the Presidential Palace), the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, the Municipal Palace and the Plaza Grande Hotel. This is where things happen in this city! To the right of the Plaza Grande Hotel is a courtyard filled with floors of restaurants. Kevin and I ducked in for a delicious meal at Hasta La Vuelta, Señor, on the 3rd floor. A great option for hungry travelers! We also got some popsicles for dessert at a cafe lining the streets of the Plaza, which made for a gorgeous view while we munched!

Take a Free Tour of the Presidential Palace

Speaking of Plaza Grande, don't leave until you get a free tour of the Presidential Palace! Kevin and I had wanted to take a tour of the Ecuadorian version of the White House, and were floored when we learned it was free of charge! {Gotta love FREE!}. Get in line on the left side of the Palace to secure a ticket. Your ticket will tell you the time for the tour, and you can just enjoy the plaza while you wait (or eat lunch, which is what we did!). The tour is really fascinating, as it gives you a brief history of Ecuador, and shares what and where the presidents work. You'll learn little tidbits about different presidents in Ecuador's history, and their significant contributions to the country. We loved hearing about all the amazing ways our friend Alicia's father, Sixto Durán Ballén, served his country as President! Surprisingly (and super random) you'll also get a free picture of yourself in front of the fountain as a little souvenir! {Thanks Mr. President!}

Poke your head into Teatro Bolivar
Teatro Bolivar was built in 1933 and is a wonderful example of Neo-classical architecture. It has had a few fires, but is currently being restored. From Plaza Grande, head south east on Eugenio Espejo and you'll hit Teatro Bolivar. Peak your head in and marvel at the gorgeous theatre! They may even be hosting shows by the time you go, so look for what events might be happening there! Plus, Eugenio Espejo is a really cute street regardless!

Tour the Basilica del Voto Nacional
The crowning jewel of Quito is the Basilica del Voto Nacional. The first stone was laid in 1892, and it was blessed by the Pope in 1985…so it was a work in progress, and is still technically "unfinished".  It is the largest neo-Gothic basilica in the New World, and let me tell you, is utterly fascinating to explore.  There are so many levels to the Basilica making it possible to explore for over an hour and still not have seen it all. Make sure to hike to the second floor to get a stunning shot of the main nave of the worship center, as well as the looming windows that project an incredible view of the city below. Hike up a littler further and you'll be inside the clock tower on a tiny little spiral staircase {that make me incredibly nervous, but also incredibly brave! I felt like I was Nicholas Cage in National Treasure! ha} Some of the best views of Quito can be seen from the balconies of the Basilica, don't miss it!

Shop the Markets

Ecuadorian handicrafts are some of the most beautiful and unique in the world. I'm a sucker for leather and for bright fabrics, and this has the best of both worlds! I managed to escape without too many extra treasures in my bag, haha! From the Basilica, Kevin and I took a taxi to La Mariscal market. This was a fun half a block of different merchants selling colorful items! Make sure to barter on prices, that's half the fun!  If you have the time, I might even suggest taking a day trip out to the famous Otovalo Market, which is one of the biggest markets in all of South America! To see a few pics of the market and the treasures we found, click here. 

Ride the Teleferico
This is the only activity on this list that Kevin and I did not do because lack of time, however I've heard it's really neat. The Teleferico is a cable car that takes you up the side of a mountain in Quito, and delivers some beautiful views. It costs $8. I also read that from the top of the mountain, there are some horse-back riding tours you can take of the surrounding area. Check it out here to read reviews! However, if you are looking for a good view and don't have time for the Teleferico, the views from the Basilica are spectacular!!

Volunteer at Casa Victoria 

Without a doubt, one of our favorite parts of Quito was meeting the incredible staff and children at Casa Victoria. Kevin and I spent a day here, helping out with the after-school program. One of the most amazing parts of volunteering is that it opens your eyes to some of the real issues a city is up against. Many families in Quito, like all big cities, are struggling to survive, the parents working multiple jobs and the children having little structure or help with their school work. Casa Victoria reaches out to these children and offers them a safe place to come learn and play, and eat a meal each day. If you are looking to help support an amazing organization, check out Casa Victoria! {I share about CV here on my blog, but they also have a website here} ** Currently Casa Victoria is looking for a committed couple or volunteer to come longer term (i.e.: 4-6 months!)…could that be YOU?

For more pictures of Quito and to see the walking tour we did, see Quito Day 1 and Quito Day 2

Happy Wednesday sweet friends!! 

Quito, Ecuador {Part 2}

If you missed it, here is Quito Part 1 

After Lunch, Kevin and I set out to soak in the majestic view of Plaza Grande, the main historical plaza of Quito. Plaza Grande houses the Palacio Presidencial, also known as El Carondelet, home and office of the President of Ecuador {akin to the White House in the USA}. Upon learning that we could get a free tour of the Palace, we jumped at the chance and learned even more about Ecuador's great history. We even got to see a picture of Alicia's father, Sixto Durán Ballén, who was president during the 1990's. The palace houses gifts from heads of state all over the world.

After the tour of the palace, Kevin and I decided to walk towards the largest Church in the city…La Basilica del Voto Nacional. This stroll took us winding up and down alley ways and main thoroughfares of Quito. Some of the sites we saw along the way were Teatro Bolivar {a 2,200 seat theatre built in 1933}, as well as Teatro Nacional Sucre. It was such a thrill exploring as we kept the huge looming church in our bird's eye view ahead of us.

Upon arriving at the Basilica, we paid the admission to explore. WOW. Don't miss going inside this incredible place. You can climb to the top and get a tremendous view of the entire city! You can also  climb the clock tower and see the backside of the enormous clock! There are many different levels of the Basilica, making it fun to explore! Don't miss the second story, with looming windows and a view of the chapel below.

After touring the Basilica, Kevin and I took a taxi to one of the markets in town… La Mariscal. The markets in Ecuador are amazing, so many colorful items, handcrafted leather, and beautiful stitching. I wanted to buy everything {see see more pictures of our market experience, click here}.

After a full day walking the city, touring the Palace and the Basilica, and finishing our day at the markets, we were exhausted but full of new memories! We took a taxi back to Casa Victoria and hung out with Alicia, Dan and Jorge that night, eating popcorn and watching a movie! What a great day in Quito! Enjoy the pictures!