Turtles and cowboys

6月 - 10月 2023

Cramming a few bucket list items into one trip, Everglades, Florida Keys, Galapogos, a cowboy ranch and fall in the USA. もっと詳しく

53足跡
3国
147日間
539写真
40動画
15.6千マイル
14.3千マイル
360マイル
27マイル

フォローするカレンダー共有死ぬまでにやっておきたいことリスト

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旅行者 Turtles and cowboys
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- 2023/06/13 17:44
- ☁️ 15 °C
- 海抜: 9,242 フィート
- エクアドル Provincia de Pichincha Centro Histórico Quebrada del Tejar -0.222669, -78.5126770°13’22” S 78°30’46” W
日9
Lost all contacts
2023年6月13日, エクアドル ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
My only form of communication at the moment is through this blog. I can't even get WhatsApp at the moment.

Obviously I don't have anyone's contacts at all, so hopefully I will get WhatsApp sorted tomorrow with the new SIM which is not playing ball at the moment!もっと詳しく
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旅行者 Sam Tel 07969649006 Amira I posted your inf
2023/06/13返信する翻訳する
1いいね
旅行者 Turtles and cowboys
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- 2023/06/13 19:33
- ☁️ 12 °C
- 海抜: 9,242 フィート
- エクアドル Provincia de Pichincha Centro Histórico Quebrada del Tejar -0.222679, -78.5126720°13’22” S 78°30’46” W
日9
Sue Denton...I need your help please
2023年6月13日, エクアドル ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C
Hi Sue, On Wednesday afternoon, please can you call me on WhatsApp New Number
00593994810093
My phone has been stolen and I cannot access any of my accounts. I need to ask you a favour.
If you don't know how to change my number in your contacts, please leave your number in the comments for me and I will call you on WhatsApp. (I will delete it straight away).

Also, if Wed afternoon is not convenient, please tell me when. Thank you. Xxもっと詳しく
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旅行者 Oh no, what a nightmare!!
2023/06/14返信する翻訳する
旅行者 Jayne, please can you let Louise Thorne know my new number and ask her to message me. Thanks xx
2023/06/14返信する翻訳する
旅行者 Yes of course my lovely X
2023/06/14返信する翻訳する
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旅行者 Turtles and cowboys
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- 2023/06/14 18:50
- ☁️ 15 °C
- 海抜: 9,242 フィート
- エクアドル Provincia de Pichincha Centro Histórico Quebrada del Tejar -0.222674, -78.5126740°13’22” S 78°30’46” W
日10
Update re phone drama
2023年6月14日, エクアドル ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
Sue kindly retrieved my written passwords. Unfortunately only one account allowed me access, without sending security codes to the stolen phone - my cash card, so arguably the most important. Thank you, Sue.

My brother, Sami, patiently went through all options, and did agree that in fact, this two factor authentication loop is hard to break. Even accounts that don't normally require it, do because it's a new device. Anyhow, Sami is obtaining a SIM for me which should get me access by next week.

Please do update your contacts as this new Ecuadorian number will stay with me for at least 3 months. Also, if you do know any people that may know me, please do let them know. I have lost all contacts, and sadly, I realise many will have gone for good. The biggest loss will be some friends will think I just don't care anymore :-(もっと詳しく
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will do , and Ill invite you to the nutter knitters too! (margaret) [MB]
2023/06/15返信する翻訳する
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旅行者 Turtles and cowboys
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- 2023/06/14 19:37
- ☁️ 15 °C
- 海抜: 9,180 フィート
- エクアドル Provincia de Pichincha Centro Histórico Quebrada de la Cantera -0.223333, -78.5133330°13’24” S 78°30’48” W
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日10
Attitude adjustment
2023年6月14日, エクアドル ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
Yesterday, I was upset, scared and alone. I couldn't even find my way back to the hotel and spent all evening and today trying to sort out this mess. I seriously considered going straight back to the airport. Anyhow, nothing much has changed but I am hoping for a breakthrough next week.

So, I decided to put on my big girl pants and go and explore again today. No photos for the obvious reason. I think I may just buy some postcards and photo them!

I passed a police station and reported the theft and then, passed a barber shop, and got my head shaved.... As has been on the To Do list for 3 years.

The poor barber, Tutu, has never shaved a woman before and kept checking in in case I changed my mind. He was unsure, and kept saying I can't believe you are doing this.

To be fair, I did get a lot of stares in the street after, and possibly some giggles. The ladies here have long, plush, black hair and I certainly stand out.

I got some local nosh, what I got was not what I expected but interesting anyway :-)

I even got a top up for my new SIM card so feeling quite proud of my bounce back.もっと詳しく
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旅行者 Looking good Sash
2023/06/14返信する翻訳する
旅行者 I think you rather liked it on the video 😂
2023/06/15返信する翻訳する
旅行者 Oh wow you finally did it!!! 👏 Am so very proud of you (not just because of the hair lol) Keep smiling and sharing your love 💕 X
2023/06/15返信する翻訳する
旅行者 Thanks 🙏 Darling 💖.... Don't forget to add my new number below to WhatsApp....or are you intentionally going for the quiet life ? ,😉😅,,
2023/06/15返信する翻訳する
旅行者 Try as I might I can’t seem to add your new number?? As you know a smart phone is too smart for me!!! This is my number +44 7944264383 so you can contact me please? X
2023/06/15返信する翻訳する
旅行者 Sure. Will do. But also you just change my number in your phone contacts and WhatsApp takes it automatically 😃
2023/06/15返信する翻訳する
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旅行者 Turtles and cowboys
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- 2023/06/15 14:11
- ☁️ 20 °C
- 海抜: 9,783 フィート
- エクアドル Provincia de Pichincha Alfaro Cerro Panecillo -0.228333, -78.5183330°13’42” S 78°31’6” W
日11
Exploring Quito
2023年6月15日, エクアドル ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C
I started planning my next few days, trips to do and it all depended on the transport out of Quito. With my large backpack, I don't feel safe on public transport which is high risk for theft. The tourist transport I was relying on isn't operating, the other one which is 10 times the price is, but only in 10 days (I really don't want to stay in Quito that long). So, another frustrated morning of scuppered plans and back and forth emails.

I forgot to mention that Quito is really high altitude. Many tourists get mild to moderate altitude sickness, especially if they start hiking straight away after arrival. I have been lucky with that.

I decided to do a free walking tour run by another hostel in the hope that I might meet some other travellers. That hostel is a completely different vibe from where I am staying which is a modest, family run affair which caters more for itinerant locals than backpackers. Not a criticism, just an observation, which is only relevant because I am solo.

The walking tour was great, I felt much safer and more comfortable in the group and saw some of the city's beautiful architecture. I bought some banana passion fruit which is a passion fruit that looks like a banana.

Another thing, I haven't got the hand of the food yet. I usually like street food if it is not meat or fried. But I haven't found cheap eats like rice and beans. I should lose some weight! I have had one meal of plantain and egg and just fruit in 3 days. I don't want to / can't afford to go into tourist restaurants because the prices are surprisingly high. After doing the walking tour on an empty stomach, I became desperate and went into a locals restaurant. Five times the price of street food, but half the price of tourist food.

I had a cheese and potato soup called Locra which was lovely and so I then couldn't eat the chicken empanada which I have brought home for breakfast tomorrow.もっと詳しく
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旅行者 It looks beautiful, amazing buildings, good to hear the walk went well, hopefully you can crack the nut to move on soon, :)
2023/06/16返信する翻訳する
旅行者 Just booking tours for next 2 days from Quito, then an overnight in the cloud forest Mindo, then moving out of Quito next week.
2023/06/16返信する翻訳する
旅行者 Cool, looks like it’s a bit warmer aswell :)
2023/06/16返信する翻訳する
旅行者 18 to 21 degrees here, changes through the day, they call it microclimates. Just got to another decent hostel to pay for my tour. It's like the last, sociable and nice vibe, lost of travellers and social area. Makes sense why I have been lonely. Where I am staying it's like a family live there, and rent their rooms out to lodgers rather than a hostel.
2023/06/16返信する翻訳する
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旅行者 Turtles and cowboys
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- 2023/06/16 14:53
- ☁️ 19 °C
- 海抜: 9,259 フィート
- エクアドル Provincia de Pichincha Itchimbía Ichimbia -0.219024, -78.5045870°13’8” S 78°30’17” W
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日12
Rooftop view of the city
2023年6月16日, エクアドル ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C
From a travellers' hostel I wish I was staying at :-)
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旅行者 so beautiful!!!!
2023/06/18返信する翻訳する
旅行者 Yes it has a lot of beautiful architecture, and in the sunshine, with buskers, and a park it can be really pleasant to watch the world go by.
2023/06/19返信する翻訳する
6いいね
旅行者 Turtles and cowboys
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- 2023/06/18 14:16
- ⛅ 11 °C
- 海抜: 12,654 フィート
- エクアドル Provincia de Cotopaxi Macapungu Laguna Quilotoa -0.87, -78.9116670°52’12” S 78°54’42” W
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日14
Day tours from Quito
2023年6月18日, エクアドル ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C
Went for a stroll around the city. Lady shouted 'Hey, Sinead O'Connor' and I shouted back, 'Who's asking?'....we got chatting. Her name is Maria, lived 22 years in California then was deported in a raid under Trump's regime, and she has been here on the streets every since.

I went on a day tour to Cotapaxi National Park, 2nd highest volcano in Ecuador and still active. The micro-climate around the volcano was cold, below freezing, and WINDY as hell. And we were climbing to base camp. Haha none of us feckless tourists were prepared, inadequate clothing for starters. The altitude is suddenly very clear as my heat was racing, panting for breath and taking only the tiniest footsteps at a snail's pace. The challenge was not the distance or the steepness but not being accustomed to the low oxygen levels.

Next day, I walked through the city early Sunday. It was beautiful, sun shining, no traffic and hardly any people. They have more traditional Sundays here. I went on a day tour to Quilitoa Lagoon in a volcano. Meet some fab people (tourists/backpackers from around the world). We stopped at an indigenous family home which is straw and mud and only got electricity 2 years ago. Guinea pigs here are quality meat, they are also used in cleansing rituals to identify someone's mental or physical ailments. The indigenous people have their own language called Quechua.

Around the lagoon, you could descend (steep and slippery) and ascend on foot or horseback (altitude still an issue. Most people like myself stayed around the top and walked around.

I chatted for about 20 minutes to an indigenous lady called Maria Rosalita who I met whilst sitting enjoying the view. We managed loosely to communicate and it was a really gentle moment. I offered her some water and she saw my scarf in my bag (which I use to cover my baldilocks). She reached in to my bag, admired my scarf, put it round her neck and told me it was a gift to her. Haha I said 'I need it' a few times, then relented and said 'keep it'. It was strange and funny at the same time.

I feel like my trip has properly started :-)もっと詳しく
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旅行者 Looks amazing !!!, glad you’re getting in to the trip properly now :)
2023/06/19返信する翻訳する
旅行者 Cheers, it feels good :-) xxx
2023/06/19返信する翻訳する
旅行者 Sounds you're having an amazing trip now. So pleased you hung on and beat your problems. You've really got the feel for adventure now, there are good people out there!! XxxX
2023/06/19返信する翻訳する
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旅行者 Turtles and cowboys
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- 2023/06/20 9:34
- ⛅ 21 °C
- 海抜: 4,117 フィート
- エクアドル Provincia de Pichincha Mindo -0.053333, -78.7750°3’12” S 78°46’30” W
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日16
Mindo Cloud Forest aka Paradise
2023年6月20日, エクアドル ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C
As I pulled up to Mindo in 5he coach, I already knew I would love it. A small torn in the Mindo Cloud Forest, safe, calm and beautiful. The street dogs are fed and calm but much more wild than tame, in terms of their survival and habits. I wouldn't try to re-home one of these guys, it wouldn't be fair to them

I forgot to mention there are so many fresh juices on offer, which is no surprise.... but two delicious ones are sweet and taste fruity but are actually from sweetcorn and purple sweetcorn.

I went ziplining in the forest canopy and then on to a waterfall sanctuary where you follow a long, up and down trail to find (and swim in - not me!) 7 stunning waterfalls.

My first trip in 2005 was titled In search of waterfalls. I didn't find any (and re themed my trip). It seems, at last, I have found my waterfalls.... which is esoteric and meaningful to me, so I gave myself a moment to absorb it all.

On the way back to the hostel, I was carelessly walking and almost stamped on a long, slim black snake. Luckily for me, it was faster than me and buggered off.もっと詳しく
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旅行者 It certainly looks incredible and I can see why you feel at peace there. Did you enjoy the zip wire? X
2023/06/22返信する翻訳する
旅行者 I asked that before I watched your video haha. You’re very brave and no wonder you felt elated 😉 X
2023/06/22返信する翻訳する
旅行者 Thanks mate, not sure I was brave more like a big baby. But yes elated. I wanted to share with you last night that I looked like a womble trying to get in a top bunk in a dorm. It was never that much fun, but last night, I was so glad no one could see me!!
2023/06/22返信する翻訳する
旅行者 Oh my gosh I remember those days and they’re not good memories! Good that you had no spectators! 🤦‍♀️
2023/06/22返信する翻訳する
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旅行者 Turtles and cowboys
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- 2023/06/22 10:49
- ⛅ 11 °C
- 海抜: 12,933 フィート
- エクアドル Provincia de Pichincha Hacienda San Francisco Loma Ingapirca -0.185, -78.5383330°11’6” S 78°32’18” W
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日18
Adios Quito
2023年6月22日, エクアドル ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C
Last night, had a couple of drinks in happy hour at my hostel with Caroline (traveling with her 2 young kids) - we have seen each a bit these past few days and it was nice company. The safe rooftop cafe was a lovely setting, as the sky turned dark and the city lit up, and we dinner Alpaca wool ponchos as it turned chilly.

This morning, I went to the TelerifiQo, cable car half way up a mountain to see a 360° view of Quito and have a go on the Swing at the top of the world, as it's known. It was breathtaking and again, I couldn't believe my luck at being here.

I accosted some fellow tourists to share a taxi as I don't like paying the same rate as 4 people, just because I am alone ( although I understand why it's necessary for taxis). I had a last minute visit to the Basilica del Voto Nacional which is modelled on Notre Dame, Paris.

And now en route to Baños de Santa Agua, my next base for a week.もっと詳しく
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Sounds like your having a great time 😀 and experiences xx
2023/06/23返信する翻訳する
旅行者 Yes I can hardly believe it's less that 3 weeks since I left home xx
2023/06/23返信する翻訳する
You've seen and done so much already 😉 xx
2023/06/23返信する翻訳する
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旅行者 Turtles and cowboys
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- 2023/06/23 17:58
- ☁️ 17 °C
- 海抜: 5,896 フィート
- エクアドル Provincia del Tungurahua Ulba Río Ulba -1.401667, -78.4016671°24’6” S 78°24’6” W
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日19
Baños de Santa Agua - well, almost.
2023年6月23日, エクアドル ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C
Far from the madding crowd, I have arrived in another gorgeous yet deserted hostel, Mama Tungu, near Baños de Santa Agua. More staff than guests. It is truly beautiful. Feels like a lodge in the jungle; complete with jacuzzi and hammocks. I was lured in by the reviews and cheap room rates but realised you are captive to their restaurant as there are no shops nearby or anywhere to prepare or store your own food. I am actually in a village called Ulba outside of Baños (didn't realise that till I arrived). They have 5 dogs as pets who have free reign of the place :-)

After a rest day, I went ziplining again and managed to assume the superman position (after some coaxing!) I then walked around Baños soaking up the party atmosphere; it's where tourists and Ecuadorians alike come to have fun at weekends. I ate in a market and watched the world go by. A veggie meal, by which I mean a meat dish without the meat. OMG I have never craved vegetables so much. They like their smoothies and juices here.

Next day, waterfalls.....slow walking for me because I am bad with downhill and everything slippery as been raining so much. Worth the views though, although far too fast and powerful to swim in.

Randomly, and this has never happened to me before, 2 separate people left the dormitory after meeting me. First, a young Dutch guy and about 2 hours later, a young German girl. Most of me doesn't care but at same time, it's not a nice feeling. Haha but I got the room to myself for another night so that's a bonus :-)もっと詳しく
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Good morning 🌞 loving the lack of hair I think you should keep it ,and I know you like the low maintenance 🤣 love the way you've been telling your stories,I think you should write a book 📖 safe travels 🥾🥾 xx
2023/06/26返信する翻訳する
旅行者 Great to hear from you, K. No gray hairs poking through yet which is a surprise as I had a few before. Maybe they will sprout from my toes!
2023/06/26返信する翻訳する
旅行者 Amazing!! So good to see you looking well and happy. Such an adventure in such a different world. Take care xx
2023/06/26返信する翻訳する
旅行者 Hey Sue, thanks for staying in touch. It's a different world for sure. Yesterday in the waterfalls walk, I could have been back in Uganda - it's also on the Equator. Watching 2 kids walk their llamas like we walk dogs was a funny difference.
2023/06/26返信する翻訳する
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