Somewhere Out There

Moving On...

2010-02-23T18:53:00.000-08:00

I have moved my blog to www.averytv.com

Come on over and see what happening there, it still a little rough but its coming along.

We have been warned...

2009-09-11T13:33:00.000-07:00

Do you consider your self as a person with an open mind?

Do you?

Really?

Watch this short video. The words you hear are from past and present leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the Mormons.

Regardless of your opinion of the LDS Church, Please watch this video. With an open mind and I promise you will gain insight on what is happening to us right before our eyes.

Truth, my version, your version or Gods version? You decide.

2009-09-08T15:40:00.000-07:00

Where do you turn for truth? Not to this guy, I hope...

So many derisive voices, so very many opinions, unmitigated clamoring, finger pointing, fault finding and tongue wagging.

Who is right, Who is wrong?

Who is telling the truth?

What should YOU do?

If your interested I could offer my opinion but please understand that I would never assume to tell anybody what they should do. And besides, it is a fact that truth is best discovered by the individual seeker.

Why? Because:

“Who am I, to tell anybody what to do?

Secondly, and most importantly, if you do not take the time and put in the effort to learn truth for yourself then you might accept somebody else’s version, which usually ends in heartache for the individual and false and wrong traditions for entire generations to suffer.

My kids will tell you that although I have strong opinions, my wife and I do not force them upon them. We try to lead by example (my wife being the better example by quite a large margin).

They are expected to respect others, look for opportunities to serve others and be self reliant as they can at the various stages of their young lives and oh yes, to fight their own battles.

We teach them to love God, their Country and understand that the family is basis for happiness in this life. Don’t let me give the impression we are a well oiled and perfect parental machine, we are far from it. But, in a large measure we try to teach true principles and let them decide for themselves.

The principles we try to instill are based on the Principles and Commandments that God has established. We have learned these principles by diligently seeking them over time and applying what we have learned.

Sorry if that offends you or causes you to judge me as some sort of zealot but just so you understand, I believe the most ardent agnostic or atheist, deep in there heart of hearts knows of the reality of God. How can they not? EVERYTHING testifies of His existence. What else can I say, truth is truth.

I have spent a few long, hard years “kicking against the pricks” that our Creator offers, which he offers to ALL mankind, by way of little glimpses, sweet little invitations of light and knowledge to learn more of Him and His ways. This light can be discerned by our Spirits. It is directed to our spirit for the purposes of ultimately guiding us back to where He is.

These pricks, will allow us to learn of Him and His Truth. We can learn how to protect our families our freedoms and experience a true and lasting joy in this life and the life to come. Its universal and is available to anyone and everyone who cares to open their heart and let the seeds of truth be planted.

So many things can snuff this light out of our lives. Pride, fear, doubt, unbelief are all things that can cause a person to reject this light, Its a choice to be sure, our Heavenly Father will never force his will on us but I am here to tell you that if you experiment with the word and nourish the seed you will know beyond any doubt that what you come to know is indeed from God and you will learn His truth. Thats the way it works, thats the way it is.

So, that in a nutshell is what, in my opinion, you and anybody concerned about what is happening in this County and the world in general should do.

Seek the Truth!

Do not accept anyone else's version of the truth.

Go to the source, go directly to the author! He has made provisions for you to receive the answers you desire if you truly want to know.

Like is says is James, Chapter 1 verse 5:

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

By the way, you have already chosen Gods way once. Your being here in this life with a flesh and bone body is proof of the choice you made when we all lived with our Heavenly Father before we came to this life. You may have heard about “The war in heaven”? One third of those who were with us in this pre earth life chose another way, Lucifers way, and that battle is still raging.

Next, "Peeling the Onion".

Let's talk about Obamacare, or in other words Socialism.

2009-09-04T16:01:00.000-07:00

Mr. Obama likes to point to the Veterans’ Administration as a shining example of how efficient the Government can be at medical care.

Right off the bat you get the sense that Government administrative efficiency may be in the eye of the beholder. You don’t have to think very hard and a horror story regarding the VA hospital will come to mind. Do you remember not that long ago some VA administrator had his lap top stolen with the name, address and social security numbers of millions of Veterans?

What program has our Government put in place that has worked out all that well? Let's review:

The U.S. Post Office. Initiated in 1775, Government has had over 230 years to get it right but now we hear it’s about to fold. In fact “Our Dear Leader” Mr. O says UPS and Fedex, private companies, are the model that should be followed because they are thriving. Notice the Gov. doesn’t run UPS and Fedex? Hmmm.
Social Security. Initiated in the mid 30’s. How we doing there? Oh,yeah, it's not going to make it either. Our Government has had 70 plus years to get it straightened out and sira-narah baby, the money is gone.
Fannie Mae. A quick Google search says this program was started in 1938. 71 years to perfect that program and oops, broke’s-ville. Dang, I hope this isn’t a trend because I was sure hoping I could trust the Dems when they said Obama care would be so good for us.
The War on Poverty. LBJ’s big idea that was going to end poverty once and for all. Yeah, that went well and poverty has been eliminated! Oh wait, that one started in 1964 and well basically fizzled out not doing a darn thing but causing more and more of a welfare state and gave lame-brain politicians the great idea to start other programs like Head Start and Job Corps, both stellar examples of failure. They had 45 years to make “The War on Poverty” work but just can’t seem to make it happen.
Medicare and Medicaid. Oh boy, do I really even need to point out how this one is going after 44 years? Initiated in 1965 it looks to be in shambles. Mr. Bush tired to wave his Government magic wand and fix these programs and it’s still broke and has just confused the heck out of my mom. Nope, can point to this one as a Government ran program that has lived up to the hype.

I don’t think this is productive and besides it is really kind of depressing that all of these programs will either become absolutely broke, if they aren’t already or some more huge tax will have to be put into place to allow our Government to run them as “efficiently” as they have thus far.

Maybe a closer look at the programs that the current President has put into place will reveal a brighter picture that will show we should trust them with the Health Care program.

The TARP Bill of 2009. In Mr. Obama’s own words the TARP money was going to “immediately” put money into pockets of Americans and stave off higher unemployment numbers. How we doing? If I remember right unemployment was around 6% and what is it now? 9.7%! Holy Guacamole! What exactly did that almost 800 Trillion do for us any way? Apparently made it possible to give a few bankers some nice bonus’s. Oh, I heard some Senator had a beautiful airport upgraded and put some folks to work but when the project is over all the workers will be in the unemployment line and the upgraded airport will not get very much use because its out in the sticks.
Cash for Clunkers. Did you buy your new Toyota while that program was in effect? Maybe you went with a brand new Honda instead. America didn’t make out so good on that deal but Japan is mighty grateful. I am not sure, did that program cost us 2 or 4 Billion? Whatever the amount the moneys gone and we can’t say it did much for either pollution or the economy, another nice job by our Government, thanks guys!

There is a line from my favorite movie (The Outlaw Jose Wells):

“Senator, don’t piss down my back and tell me it’s raining”

Every time I hear Obama and his cronies/czars open their mouth's they are basically telling us “don’t worry it’s just a little rain” and “Oh, by the way, we need the moisture”.

Mr. Obama, quit pissing down my back, its just stinking socialist urine!

Stand up my friends, take to the streets and bring your neighbor with you. We are about to loose our Freedoms at the hands of evil (yes, I said evil and I mean evil), misguided, freedom hating, socialists that think they know better than God Himself what this Country needs.

Remember these words:

”No Nation which has kept the Commandments of God has ever perished, but I say to you that once Freedom is lost, only blood- human blood will win it back”

-Ezra Taft Benson 1979

Let's act now before blood needs to be spilled.

Complacent for too long…

2009-08-30T18:45:00.000-07:00

Complacent for too long…

Sometimes, you have to take the long way around to get where you want to go or you may not appreciate the destination as much.

It came to me in a small, dank somewhat smelly hotel room the darkness of night. I was actually jolted awake by these thoughts: “Why would you want to move to a Country that is well down the path of Socialism?” “It’s time to take a stand and you need to do it at home!”

Hmm, why couldn’t I have these thoughts prior to getting on a plane and riding for over 3000 miles, I would have saved lots of money not to mention the indignity of have those friendly folks at TSA go through my underwear at the airport?

Ecuador has an almost magical quality to it. Everywhere you turn your to look is like a picture that needs to be taken. I found the people friendly and engaging, someone is always willing to point the way or offer advice as to where to find “the best” place for lunch or some spectacular attraction. You do need to be aware of who is in close proximity because you will find out quickly that relieving you of your valuable is a favorite sport here.

The soil is rich and fertile the temperature is moderate for most of the Country. I could love it here and I know my family would too. There is only one glaring issue for me, the Government.

The President here recently got re-elected to office. He was, apparently pretty moderate during his first term but now that he has a second go at it he seems to be stepping up and cozying up to the likes of Cuba’s Castro and every freedom lovers favorite, Hugo Chaves. Ecuador’s President is initiating some “programs” that sound just like they came from the commie play book.

Stuff like: Taking control of all media or how about “community councils”? Community councils sound like Hitler’s brown shirts all over again. You better only have good things to say the Government or that crash you hear in the middle of the night may be your door getting kick in. I love this one; if you own any “unused ground” the Government will take it off your hands and give it to the “people”. These are not instituted yet but they are talking pretty seriously putting them into effect.

Now what?

I caught a flight and came home last night. (Sept. 1st)

And now, I have a “fire in my belly”!

No, nothing to do with the diarrhea I have been experiencing for the last few days.

It’s the kind of fire that motivates a guy to action. No longer will I be silent and just grumble under my breath about the direction our County is going. No longer will I grumble to my family and close friends about the sad state of affairs we are now in and how I wish somebody would do “something”.

We are under attack!

Our God, our Families, our Country are under attack!

Who is attacking us you ask? Evil scheming men in high Government positions that want to ultimately control every aspect of our lives. This is nothing new, since the time of Adam there have been those who plot to take away freedom and choice.

Do I sound like some anti-Government nut job to you? I’ve been accused of worse but please know that I love the Constitution and the Government that our founding fathers were inspired by God to put into place.

If you can’t see what is happening then right before your own eyes then roll over and go back to sleep. Me, I am getting involved!

How did it come to this?

A man, I am sorry to admit that in the past, I have not paid much attention too, who, the more I read his words the more I am in awe of his grasp of what Governments is supposed to be and who was sounding the alarm over 40 years ago; A man who has served as in the Federal Government as the Secretary of Agriculture and as the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Ezra Taft Benson suggested who is to blame and how we have come to this, he said:

“The troubles of the world may largely be laid at the doors of those who are neither hot nor cold; who always follow the line of least resistance; whose timid hearts flutter at taking sides for truth.”

“I accept humbly this obligation and challenge and gratefully strive to do my duty without fear. In times as serious as these, we must not permit fear of criticism to keep us from doing our duty, even at the risk of our counsel being tabbed as political, as government becomes more and more entwined in our daily lives.

In the crisis through which we are now passing, we have been fully warned. This has brought forth some criticism. There are some of us who do not want to hear the message. It embarrasses us.

The things which are threatening our lives, our welfare, our freedoms are the very things some of us have been condoning. Many do not want to be disturbed as they continue to enjoy their comfortable complacency.”

--Ezra Taft Benson- 1973

Ouch! I have been comfortably complacent for most of my life… Time for a change, how about you?

Time to get Political

2009-08-30T13:46:00.000-07:00

>>>>Be Warned!<<<<

Ardent political view expressed below...

If you think the Country is going the right way- do not read...

If you think Mr. Obama is Deity on earth- do not read...

If you think socialism is the way to go- Please do not read...

...because you WILL be offended.

A friend of mine made the comment the other day that he thought I went to Ecuador to do a “walk about”. A walk about? Me? Not really.

You remember that guy from down under who said the line “Come on down to Australia and we’ll throw another shrimp on the barb’y for ya”. Paul Hogen, aka Crocodile Dundee is his name and he made a couple of movie that made the term “walk about” famous.

I suppose a walk about means to aimlessly go some place and tour around with no real objectives or plan, perhaps when you go on a walk about you are trying to learn more about yourself than anything at least that is my interpretation of the term.

If that is what it is intended to mean then nothing could be farther from the truth in my case.I’m here for several reasons and nothing about this trip is aimless, I have objectives and I certainly know who I am. So, a walk about is not accurate and my buddy is mistaken. (I still love ya Scott!)

I came on this trip because of what is going on back home. Maybe you missed it but our Republic is changing right before our eyes.

“We the People” now own a majority share of General Motors, a once PRIVATE all be it publicly owne company. How could this happen? And the President of the United States of America can somehow fire the CEO?

Watch this video regarding your Government taking over GM: http://tinyurl.com/kmggu3

Big banks have been handed our money with no accountability; go ahead request an accounting for where the money went from the Fed (Federal Reserve) and see how your request is handled.Prepare to be ignored.

If the Gov is running a little short of cash they will just print more right?

I will never be accused of being a great scholar but what happens when you print money that is basically worthless? Oh yeah, you will probably experience something called hyperinflation.Even I remember from Mr. Wells World History class at Mesa High, home of the bad A Jackrabbits, the photo of the woman with the wheel barrow full of money heading to the bakery to buy a loaf of bread. That’s where we are headed, better stock up on wheel borrows while you can.

This whole health care “debate” is unbelievable. The Government wants to take over health care? What the heck? Our Government couldn’t pour water out of a boot with the directions written on the heel! And they want to take over the health care system? Have you read what is contained in the Bill they want to pass? Probably not, if you are like most.

Oh yes, and the Department of Homeland Security wants to keep an eye on folks who own guns, believe in God and are dissatisfied with “Our Dear Leader”. According to DHS these types of folks should be considered extremists and not just extremists but “Right wing extremists”, the most EV-IL sort of extremist.

I could go on but maybe my reasoning for concern is a little clearer to you by now.

Maybe you think me a crank, thats OK. Maybe all is well in your happy place but maybe YOU have fallen asleep because you don’t feel like you are affected; don't worry, you will feel it soon enough.

Anyway, now that my blood pressure is at dangerously high levels I will calm down and explain why I came on this trip.

Basically, I wanted a palace to go to that I felt my family and I could escape the wholesale destruction of what once was the greatest County in the World.

Guess what? I'm not alone.

I have met at least 3 couples who feel the same way that I do in my travels here in Ecuador, they are looking for a place to weather the storm as it were. If I have met 3 couples sofar, could there be more? You bet! Lots of them.

The USA may still be the greatest but Mr. Obama is hell bent to see it no longer is; this the Country whose Constitution was inspired by God Himself and the Country which been the economic engine that has fought for and funded freedom and democracy around the word.

We are being cut off at the knees and will be paying taxes at levels that will reduce us to mere servents of the state. Just ask out friends in England how it feels to pay the kind of taxes they are now paying. Now, there is some change that you may not have counted on if you voted for B.O..

I wanted a place to run and hide with my family while trying to maintain some or most of those basic freedoms.

A place where arbitrary laws written by boneheaded bureaucrats/politicians based on junk science (Note: vague reference to Global Warming here) would not get in the way of living one’s life to its fullest and highest potential a place where political machinations’ by evil men would not exist. (Look up “machinations” it’s a good word to know these days)

Does this place exist?

Well frankly, NO.

There is no place that is a utopia, not yet anyway but I thought even with all its warts, it's left leaning President and the murderous revolutionary Che Guevara loving people, (not all ecuadorians like Che but enough of them do) Ecuador might be as close as it gets. (Che Guevara, the guy’s image you see wearing a beret, usually warn on T-shirts by miss-guided Idiots)

So, what have I discovered?

That my friend is the rest of the “Why did I come to Ecuador” story, stay tuned and stand up for Freedom!

P.S. I have recently learned the Ted Kennedy has left this mortal realm. At this time of remembrance of the life of Mr. Kennedy I would just like to take note and say: “This is the best thing he has ever done.” Adieu, Chappaquiddick Ted, Adieu. Che, Murderous Revolutionary>>>

Been there, seen that…

2009-08-29T13:43:00.000-07:00

I have covered some ground lately. I left Banos and hired a guy to drive me to Cuenca. Cuenca is pretty far South of Quito in the lower third of Ecuador.

Let me just say that Danny, my driver is a heck of a nice guy but crazy as a loon when it comes to driving. We left at 10:00 am on Tuesday (I think it was Tuesday anyway) and arrived in Cuenca at about 5:30pm. When I got into Dannys truck he pointed out that it was a new truck and was very proud of that fact. It was a fairly new 4 door Chevrolet diesel LUV pickup but what caught my eye was the baldness or lack of tread of the back tires. I remarked in my pigeon Spanish, “Neccata Nuevo Yantas, Danny” (necessary for new tires Danny, I think that’s what it means).

He just smiled and helped me put my bags in the back seat. If you have spent any time in Latin America you will know what machismo is. Bear with me while I release a little of my own machismo: If know me, you know I don’t scare that easy especially when it comes to driving (there, machismo released).

All I can say is “OH-MY-GOODNESS!!!” Apparently, if Danny was going to make good money that day he had to get me to Cuenca in a hurry. Are you familiar with the term “Pucker factor”? I don’t feel the need to explain it if you don’t but let’s just say I may have created little round holes in Danny’s passenger seat as a result of Pucker Factor.

He drove like a man possessed by the spirit of the late great NASCAR legend Dale Earnheart and nothing I could say would slow him down. Now, this wouldn’t have really been all that bad on U.S. roads. The interstates back home are something to behold compared to a lot of what they consider interstate here. Ecuador is really trying to improve the interstates but they aren’t quite there just yet.

The road condition being what it is, seems to magnify the fact that these roads are some of the most hair pin, tire squealing, gut wrenching-no guard rail, sheer cliff drop offs, I have ever experienced. If the driver miss calculates the turn he can expect to know what it feels like to fly because it will be quite a few seconds before impact. Judging some of the drop-offs, I’d say it may take a full 15-25 seconds to hit bottom if you go off the edge at speed.

Remember I mentioned the fact that Danny’s truck had no tread on the rear tires? I guarantee that little fact was never very far from my thoughts especially in the midsts of rounding the many hair pins on the crappy roads. “Danny, slow down!” was uttered by me more than a few times. Danny would always ask for forgiveness and slow down for at least 3 minutes and the cycle would repeat.

I really don’t know why I was such a nervous-nellie, I mean the site of a huge bus on its side just a few feet away from the long plunge into the abyss and the constant passing in the turns by Danny and those coming the other direction just made for a memorable trip, a long sphincter clamping trip.

Cuenca is a beautiful city. Narrow cobble stone streets, old Spanish architecture, big Churches, It was easier to walk to your destination than take a taxi due to the large volume of traffic. Cuenca even seemed more metropolitan than Quito. I hated it. Well, maybe not hated it but couldn’t wait to vamoose. I caught a $60 flight to Quito the next day. Seems that Northern Ecuador has more of what I’m after.

And what am I after? I’ll tell you tomorrow.

By the way, as perhaps a point of interest or even more accurate the nasty reality; I am experiencing something worse than explosive diarrhea. My oldest son Abe coined a phrase that is accurate in describing this condition. He experienced the samething in Guatemala while he was on his mission for the Church (LDS Church) but is too course to write here. It has to do with “spray” coming from a place where a “spray” shouldn't come from. I have already written too much but I wanted to add that I threw a perfectly good pair of socks away as a result of my gastronomic malty.

Lesson learned: “NEVER trust a fart”. (Abe pointed that phrase out to me also, thanks Abe. You have a lot of couth and it's all UN-)

Moving South

2009-08-25T13:56:00.000-07:00

The view from my $8.50 a night room.

The bus trip down to Banos was uneventful and that is generally how I like my bus trips in Latin America. The way bus drivers maneuver those huge rolling bricks always amazes me. It’s a quirk of nature that the death toll for bus accidents isn’t off the chart but somehow, most of the time the bus and passengers arrive unscathed.

Banos is about 1/3 of the way south of the Ecuador and Columbian border. So far, my little short glimpse of Banos isn’t all that favorable at least for my purposes. It strikes me here as a party town, lots of foreigners looking to get sloshed (yes, I mean drink and get looped) and then run rapids on one of the nearby rivers and bike or hike up one of the many surrounding mountains. Nothing wrong with those activities but I don’t much care for the riffraff that is attracted to that stuff. Do I sound like an old grumpy conger or what? Sheese, my kids may be right… I AM an old fart.

Anyway, speaking of riffraff there is a hot springs in town and that may explain the many massage facilities that are evident on some of the streets. I think they are legitimate massage places but I will never know for sure. I have this thing about people touching me. A handshake is about the limit of my comfort zone so there is no chance of me getting a message but I just might try out the hot springs.

I am supposed to contact a guy about some property he has for sale here but then again I may pass on that too. It’s hard to get to Banos. The bus trip was a 4 hour ride and they don’t have an airport for commercial aircraft. I did meet a nice couple from the States they found a place to rent here. They were excited that it only cost them 150 per month which aint too bad, especially since it overlooks a river.

Perhaps I am just tired and I will fall in love with it here tomorrow, it really is beautiful here. We will see but whatever happens, happens.

The view from the back of the building I'm staying at in Banos.

Have a head ache? Maybe you just lack oxygen.

2009-08-23T13:36:00.000-07:00

Three bucks will get your pretty much anywhere around Quito via taxi. If you have a plan and know what you want to do, taking a taxi is a bargain. It sure beats walking in my out of shape opinion. I did walk to Church this morning; it was only 4 blocks away, I can handle that.

Church was scheduled to start at 9:00 am and I was starring at a locked gate being the only one around at 8:45. Was I concerned? Not really, because this is Latin America and that’s the way it works here. Starting times are pretty much a suggestion of when something should begin. I love it.

Church went well; I was greeted and welcomed by most of the good folks who were flying in the door at the last minute so the service could begin. It’s interesting attending Church where you don’t understand anything but I knew when to say amen and recognized most of the hymns which I “sang” in English. The Spirit is all that is important and It was in attendance.

I bailed after Sacrament Service and had the whole day in front of me. There is this cable car gondola thingy that I heard about. What a great way to spend some time I thought and for the most part it was.

Flagging down the taxi I leaned in the passenger window and asked “Taxi metro?” He indicated that he not only had a meter but would actually use it. I got nicked the other day by a taxi driver who didn’t use a meter and I didn’t negotiate the cost of the ride prior to getting in. Lesson learned.

The taxi ride to the Teleferiqo (the cable car to the top of the world) was uneventful until the last quarter mile. The hill we were going up was extremely steep and the taxi just gave out. I mean it wouldn’t go another inch up the hill with me in the back. The driver was embarrassed and so was I. You know it’s time to lose weight when the car you’re riding in knocks’ out because it can’t handle the load.

Finally arriving at the place where you buy tickets for the cable gondola I spotted a sign that says Adults $4.50, Foreigners $8.00. “What the heck is this?” Why would they almost double the price for tourists? I thought. If I spoke the lango better than my current 1 year old level of Spanish I would give somebody a piece of my mind. After a few minutes of fuming I glance back up at the sign and it says something about “express service”. Hmm, could I get to the head of the line and bypass the hoards waiting to purchase a ticket?

Being a foreigner has its advantages. I would have been waiting in lines for 2 hours, at least, but because I am a foreigner and was willing to cough up 8 bucks for the privilege, I was ushered to the front of the line.

My gondola was waiting to transport me to head throbbing and lung burning hell. Once again I didn’t think about the effect of high altitudes and what it can to do the body.

For a couple of days after arriving in Quito I felt the effects of altitude sickness. Nothing major, just slight dizziness, headaches and the ever present mouth agape drawing in as much air as my lungs could suck in.

The gondola ride was absolutely beautiful. It was so wonderful I barely noticed the non-stop jabbering of the teeny boppers from Germany (I’m guessing). Nope, the ride was sptacular, awe inspiring in fact.

There are several platforms you can choose to go when you exit the gondola. After looking around I decide to go to the one that is up about 200 steps or so. I didn’t count the steps, there could have been more or less but who cares, I was feeling good!

Finally at the 10,000^th step or at least it felt like the 10,000^th step I was at my chosen destination. I didn’t know my heart could beat that fast or that I could suck in bugs from 10 feet away and why did everything look like I was looking down a narrow tube? At least I didn’t quit like that little wiener of a taxi that couldn’t get me up the hill. I had made it.

Snapping pictures almost faster than my camera could record them to the SD card I noticed a throbbing in my head. My heart rate was recovering and my vision was getting back to normal but the throbbing was just beginning. Ignore it; it will go away, right?

I visited other platforms and kept snapping pictures. Looking down at Quito from +13,000 is truly breath taking, figuratively and literally. After a couple of hours I was ready to make like a sea gull and get the flock out of there. My head hurt.

Turns out that Quito Ecuador is the second highest capitol city in the world following Lima Peru. I almost doubled that altitude buy going up to near the top of this huge mountain and now I know what altitude sickness is really all about. Not fun but what are you going to do? I got places to see and capillaries to burst.

Moving on. I’m done with Quito.

Mi grande cabasa is hurting.

Guinea pig: Furry Little Pet or Another White Meat?

2009-08-22T17:13:00.000-07:00

What a day, what a day! I signed up for a tour of the Otavato market today. Not sure if this has anything to do with my hygiene but I was the only one to go. The trip itself was great but it was really nice to have the owner ofthe Travelers Inn as my guide and translator.

Anyway, from a guinea pig taste test to an incredible market to the finest leather craft I have ever seen. Oh, did I mention the scenery? Seldom have I seen such fantastic sites, if ever. This place is truly unbelievable and I have just barely scratched the surface.

Let's go to Church!

2009-08-21T17:42:00.000-07:00

If you are going to see the sites of old town Quito (Ecuador) you will undoubtedly be looking at Churches. I don’t think it’s too much of an understatement to say the Churches here in Quito are rather ornate.

You may be the sort that prefers your alter wrapped in gold leaf, If so, this is the place for you. I visited 3 of the larger Churches and only got away with taking pictures in one but the one I did get photos of will give you at taste of how the houses of worship are done in this part of the world.

The rest of old town is pretty hilly with narrow streets typical of colonial architecture. It is a vibrant place bustling with activity. Some might say it has a certain charm. I say get me one of those 2 wheeled segway scooters to run around on and then I may notice the “charm”. Walking for most of the day at around 9000 feet altitude on hilly ground has the tendency to suck any high fluting fancy ideas regarding the appeal of any given place right out of me.

Here are some pictures:

I have straddled the equator! (And I liked it.)

2009-08-20T18:08:00.000-07:00

Met a great family from London and overheard them talking about a little trip to the center of the world they were planning on taking. Being the shy type I naturally kind of invited myself and tagged along.

For 12 bucks you can’t beat this type of outing. If that is all I would have spent that would have been great but of course I had to buy a new finely crafted wool shoulder bag. The Indian lady who sold me the bag was a master negotiator.

She started out at $12 dollars but that was just a ploy, she wanted $10 and she knew I would pay it. She toyed with me allowing me to think I could come out on top of this deal but my feeble attempts to get her down proved futile. Her confident expression and unyielding manner made me cave in early on. But now I can ditch my militaristic looking gringo bag and hopefully attract less attention of would be bad guys- but I digress.

First stop on the 12 buck tour was the outlook for the Pululaua valley. This just happens to be the largest volcano crater containing no water in South America and maybe the world. Very pretty, hopefully the picture will load and you can judge for yourself.

Then we stopped at a “museum” that explained many of the mysteries of life. For instance maybe you saw my videos in another post showing how water spins counter clockwise and or clock wise depending on which side of the equator you are on. Not only that but water won’t spin at all when you are standing directly on the equator. And by spin I mean like when you flush the toilet and the water spins, got it?

Not only did we learn about the Coriolis effect (the water spinning stuff) but also why certain Indian tribes go pretty much buck necked and tie there privy member up to keep it secure. They had a life sized anatomically correct statue for illustration purposes. That’s something a guy just won’t forget any time soon and that’s all I want say about that.

As if that wasn’t enough we also saw a real shrunken head and even learned how to shrink the heads of anyone we vanquish, if of course, the need arises.

Oh, least I forget our last stop of the day was the French made Center of the World Monument. Why did the French make it? I missed that part but it seems the French thought they would make a huge monument to exactly mark where the equator ran through. The only problem was they were off a few miles… but it’s the thought that counts right? Leave it to the French to mess up something like that up. Viva La Fenchies!

I don’t want to put too sharp a point on the whole fiasco but not too far from that monument is the ruins of a pre-Inca culture that made their own monument and they were only off less than 100 feet! (According to Google Earth)

What a day it was, I made new friends, learned some “stuff” and straddled the Equator all on a 12 dollar tour, what a deal.

Did you know...?

2009-08-20T16:16:00.000-07:00

Did you know that depending on which side of the equator you are on will determine the direction water will spin when you flush the toilet?

This and other semi nonsensical facts are just waiting for any traveler who will take the time to learn.

Here is the dramatic Proof:

This one is showing water drainging on the North side of the equator (by just a few feet)

This on is directly ON the equator, its the real "NO SPIN ZONE" (sorry Mr. O'Rilley)

And the last video showing the South side of the equator you will just have to take my word for it because I cant get it to up load but rest assured it spins the other way than on the North side of the equator.

For Your Viewing Pleasure (or not)

2009-08-19T16:19:00.000-07:00

You may be wondering, "will this video be corney?" Undoubttedly it will but what the heck to you expect?

Please know any opinions on the Kallari Chocolate are purley mine and mine alone. I gave others a taste and they loved it. These taste testers were from Europe and obviously have a more refined palet.

I think that I am just used to the American "caca" they pass off as Chocolate. Who knows?

In Country

2009-08-19T09:45:00.000-07:00

Arriving in a foreign country always carries a little of apprehension for me. Did I fill the visa forms out properly? Did I bring the correct papers, do I look like a smuggler or some undesirable and will suffer extra scrutiny from the immigration officials?

It didn’t help that the good folks at Continental Airlines put the bug in my ear about my passport being messed up. When I got to Houston I was told to ask for a supervisor and have them inspect my passport. I even had an appointment with the passport office in Houston to get a new one if necessary.

Mr. Brooks looked at my ratty PP and said “you know they have zip lock bags you can keep these in”. Thanks, for the lecture but can I fly with this one or do I need a new one? “It looks good enough to me and I will add to your file that I gave approval”. “Oh, by the way, this doesn’t mean that the officials in Ecuador will accept it, have good day” Nothing happens and I breezed right on in to Quito.

I’m staying at a Hostel that costs $20 bucks a night. When I arrived at the Travelers Inn at 11:30pm Diego was waiting for me. He took me directly to my private room and asked if I need anything else. “Nope, not a thing, see you in the morning”. I was tired and didn’t waste any time spreading my silk sheet out on top of the bedding and passing out. It must have been 2 o’clock or so and I woke up freezing. It was time to get over my weirdness of letting hotel bedding touch me and I piled on the covers.

Sleeping in until 8:30 was a great treat but time is a’wasting; only have a month here and I got ground to cover. Shower then out the door. Diego was good enough to give me a city map and pointed out some interesting places to see and I was on my way. I felt slightly dizzy walking down the streets. Some of you may think that me being dizzy is not all that unusual and I can’t disagree but this was different.

Turns out Quito elevation is around 8000 feet or so I’m told. If true, it would explain my being out of breath and dizziness. If it’s not true then I am stroking out or something. I think it’s the altitude.

After my mid morning hour nap I was more coherent and made a plan. I wanted to see the Plaza Grande and the Basilica, two touristy things to do for sure. It was time to travel like a local also. The map says they have a trolley and it goes right past my intended targets (more or less).

On my way to the trolley I spy a sign that got me excited. “Trout Pro Shop” Hot Dog! Could it be possible I could wet a hood on this trip? Entering the store I somehow, in spite of my miserable Spanish skills I sealed the deal; I had a pack rod and reel, 3 spinners and a map to trout streams and lakes supposedly full of fatties (I’m talking fish here), all of this for under $22 dollars. A two hour bus ride and I can release my inner “EL PESQUADOR” (The fisherman, for you none Spanish speakers). Did I mention this fishing area is in very close proximity to hot springs?

The trolley trip was short due to some bonehead trying to get into my back vest pocket. I noticed him looking at me and my bag while waiting to get on the trolley and when I jammed on he followed me on and positioned himself behind me. He wasn’t a very good pickpocket because I felt him tugging on the zipper. I just turned around knocking his hand away and got off at the next station. Taking a taxi is safer and that is what I did.

Just got through talking to a guy who was robbed at gun point, he was walking to the hostel at about 8:00pm and got jacked. So much for carrying my mono pod around thinking I could beat a robber with a knife. Apparently they look for foreigners with back packs or bags assuming they have a lap top and a camera. The lessons to learn here is don’t walk at night and if you are out and about take a taxi.

Anyway this is my first post while in Country. Time to move along and get down the road.

1st Rule of Travel, know what gate you are supposed to be at.

2009-08-14T15:24:00.000-07:00

Oh the joy of being me. You know the saying: "If things can go wrong; they will"? Yeah, I can relate.

What a day it has been. Ecuador has been postponed until this coming Monday due to severe case of A.I.S. (Avery Inattention Syndrome) and "Mutilated" PassPort Issues.

Watch this latest edition and find out some important issues that one should pay attention to when traveling.

Oh yeah, I checked a bag all the way to Ecuador this morning. It should make it OK and I hope to be reunited with it some time in the future.

So, why Ecuador?

2009-08-09T19:55:00.000-07:00

Are you kidding me? Do you really have to ask?

OK, here is some of my reasoning.

---In no particular order---

It is a Banana Republic, in the truest sense. They used to export more Bananas than any Country, a great thing if you like bananas. Why else do I consider that a good thing? Well lets just say you can still get out of a traffic ticket with Mr. Jefferson's help. I believe its called mordita, payola or if you are somewhat uncultured, a bribe. I got out of a traffic infraction one time for a bottle of ice cold Coca-Cola. Truly a win-win for all parties involved.

The Government is reasonably stable. They lean pretty left for my taste but with what is going on here I dont think its a big issue.

The geography is very...varied. You have your Pacific Cost and your cool, as in cold, Andes mountains. All climes can be found in between. Me, I think I prefer a little bit of altitude, less bugs and less riffraff or so Im told.

The people. Not only are the people friendly they even like gringos. They probably still like gringos because they havent had a chance to really get to know them but for the most part they like foringers.

Proximity to the USA. Close but yet far enough. This will come in handy the Mrs. wants to hug grand kids. Don’t get me wrong, I like to hug grandkids

but a simple photograph goes along ways to reduce the hugging urge with me.

In and of itself, Ecuador has many great places to explore but think about a whole South American Continent to explore, right in my own back yard!

Opportunity to serve others. This is really important to my wife and me. I understand there are plenty of service opportunities here but... Oh, I will just leave it at that.

Land is still very affordable. Really. Not only can you afford a chunk but chances are it will be drop dead gorgeous. The dream is to grow avocados, ginny pigs (yes, they eat ginny pigs) and tomatoes, a gentleman farmer of sorts.

I could go on and on but this will have to suffice for now. Besides, I gotta start thinking about packing my stuff.

“Calm seas never make skillful sailors”

2009-08-07T16:03:00.000-07:00

Looking back on my 51 years of earthly existence, It is amazing how “good” I have had it.

The biggest bump in my childhood was when my parents divorced. School required zero effort to get through. I was too young to go to Vietnam and the U.S. was the world leader in most everything. Politics were reasonably civil except for that nasty JFK incident. Prosperity and smooth sailing, for the most part was all I knew.

There were no major wars, plagues, economic disasters that could be classified as globally harrowing. Good times...

Was this a blessing?

Sure it was!

uh, well, wait I... let me get back to you on that.

Why do I have this nagging feeling that storms are brewing?

Merl Haggard sang a song:

“Are the good time really over for good?”

I wish a buck was still silver.

It was back when the country was strong.

Back before Elvis; before the Vietnam war came along.

Before The Beatles and "Yesterday",

When a man could still work, and still would.

Is the best of the free life behind us now?

Are the good times really over for good?

Are we rolling down hill like a snowball headed for hell?

With no kind of chance for the Flag or the Liberty bell.

Wish a Ford and a Chevy,

Could still last ten years, like they should.

Is the best of the free life behind us now?

Are the good times really over for good?

I wish coke was still cola,

And a joint was a bad place to be.

And it was back before Nixon lied to us all on TV.

Before microwave ovens,

When a girl could still cook and still would.

Is the best of the free life behind us now?

Are the good times really over for good?

Are we rolling down hill like a snowball headed for hell?

With no kind of chance for the Flag or the Liberty bell.

Wish a Ford and a Chevy,

Could still last ten years, like they should.

Is the best of the free life behind us now?

Are the good times really over for good?

Stop rolling down hill like a snowball headed for hell.

Stand up for the Flag and let's all ring the Liberty bell.

Let's make a Ford and a Chevy,

Still last ten years, like they should.

The best of the free life is still yet to come,

The good times ain't over for good.

It was a good message back when Merl first recorded it but. It seems even more poignant now.

In the last Presidential election the people spoke up and asked for change. We are getting some change all-right, the winds of change are really starting to howl in fact.

I’m reasonably sure that a small craft advisory has been issued and we are in for a bit of a blow.

It could get ugly.

A guy, if he let himself, could get nervous thinking about navigating in heavy seas especially if he acknowledges the relative calm that he has grown accustom.

Flying seems like a much better option.

"Are you out of your freaking mind!"

2009-08-05T19:25:00.000-07:00

The case, I suppose, could be made that yes, I am out of my freaking mind. It really doesn't sound rational that I am moving ahead and trying to figure out how to jump ship and move out of the Country.

How do you explain wanting to up-root your family and move them to a foreign land?

Most people, when they hear that I want live somewhere else blink vacuously a couple of times and quickly dismiss the idea as poppycock.

Who can blame them?

Besides, this is the gall’durn United States of America! Land of the “free” and home of the brave, a “choice land above all others”. Its the First World baby! Not some banana republic-third world crap hole like... (place the Country of your choice here)

Thats the predominate perception, I think.

If that's your perception then I doubt you are really going to understand anyway.

Best move along at this juncture and maybe check out what is going to be on TV tonight.

Still here? I'm surprised.

The truth is, I really don’t understand it myself. I love the USA but things are changing in a way that is not good from my point of view. Additionally and even more hard to dismiss is the fact that I have had for most of my adult life the desire, a pull, if you will, to live somewhere in Latin America.

What can I say?

When I look up at the night sky from my back yard the stars don’t look right to me. I want to be in a place where the stars look right. Not sure if it is a blessing or curse but it is what it is and I have repressed it for way too long NOW.

For me, NOW, is not such great time to make this happen. A couple of years ago yes, things were really good.

Remember?

It seems like it was so long ago. You know, back when everyone was a genius and making boat loads of money. THAT would have been THE time to go.

I told myself. "This high rolling, money pumping, hot diggitty dog good time wham-bam-slam market will last a while longer".

Green was the shade my sunglasses were tinted. Its no coincidence that green happens to be the color I associate with greed.

I had the means, I hesitated, and BAM! Missed opportunity.

The market didn't last and clinging on to a sinking ship can have the effect of pulling you under. Just ask Jack and Rose of Titanic fame, they’ll tell ya- it will suck you down fast and deep.

I didn’t have the courage to let go of my sinking ship. Should have let her slip beneath the waves while clinging to a piece of flotsam.

I would have made it, hell, I would would have thrived. But that, as they say, was then and this is NOW.

Move forward.

The first video blog entry ever attempted by Yours Truly...

2009-08-04T19:07:00.000-07:00

In this video you will learn the following:

1. I have a great face for radio.

2. How I intend to use the Flip Mino HD Camera.

Amazon and Cosco sells them but check out your local craigslist and get a deal on one.

3. Clothes may not make the man but good travel clothes can make the man happy and Scottevest makes good clothes. Check 'em out at www.scottevest.com

Honey? I'm going to Ecuador for a month, OK?

2009-08-03T17:56:00.000-07:00

"Honey, I'm going to go to Ecuador, for a month, OK?"

Having been married for over 29 years to the same woman, I pretty much knew what to expect.

"And how are we going to afford that?" Was the anticipated response.

"Well, I'm going to sell a few things..."

And that was pretty much how it went. Its funny, my friends stare at me in disbelief and then shake their heads in amazement that my wife is the way she is. What can I say? I know a good thing when I see it and all it took was a bit of deceit on my part to win her over all those years ago.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not proud that I had to resort to deceiving her into believing that I was worth marring, but as the boys from Brooklyn are fond of saying "You's gotta do what you's gotta do".

A few days later she got around to asking me "Why Ecuador?" and "What are you going to do there?" Questions that took a lot more explaining and in fact, will take a few more blog posts to really understand.

Until then.