Merry Christmas #2

Before I even got this job I heard about this place and then anytime I mentioned moving to Ecuador people who had been here mentioned this place. Beautiful location, all prepared for you veggie meals, completely Eco friendly, it is just as I imagined.

Yummy veggie dinner!

A very different place than last weekend, definitely not as tropical but certainly as beautiful, love my last Christmas present (of 2013 of course!).

My Last Dinner Party

In my old flat! From next week, guests will enjoy dinner from my (or should I say our) not too far away new flat. I think I gave a nice send off with, my old fall to meal, Mexican, and plenty of rum and bubbles.

 Going to miss this patio!

Chicken, pork, shrimp, quinoa, soya...
We gave the place a proper send off and now looking forward to our first dinner party upstairs.

Arasha Resort and Spa

Looking on trip advisor before coming here, there were loads of mixed reviews about the place. Most were a bit over the top, complaining of bugs and such on site (fairly ridiculous considering where we were), some were upset about a recent housing development (which was also ridiculous and we were totally unaffected), ok the place could use a bit of updating and maybe a bit more on the menu but I thought it was beautiful. The surrounding nature, the birds, the river, pool, spa and flowers. I think sometimes people feel the need to be nit picky, or maybe I am wrong, but really I thought for a weekend get away Arasha was perfect.

A few shots of our last, sunny lovely day before heading home to Quito. I love when Christmas gifts last so long!

River, Mini Putt, Forrest

Today we took total advantage of what Arasha has to offer, proper getting into the holiday spirit. We started with a lovely river walk...

Then headed for an 18 round mini putt, no guesses for who the winner was (but just in case, I did).

And then we did the night time guided walk through the Forrest.

It has been a great day, that has not finished yet, time for the night time swim and hot tub :)

Merry Christmas #1

This weekend is my first Christmas present weekend of two. We are in Arasha in a beautiful tropical Forrest, a place I have wanted to come too since arriving. It is stunning.

The entrance

View from our hut

A welcome drink

The pool

and at night.

But by far the best thing about my weekend so far, is beating Lucho not once but twice in pool (which he claimed would never happen again after beating him in a pub).

My Firsr Ecuadorian Bribe

To be fair I was just the passenger but did think we were probably going to end up in jail. We got pulled over for doing 94km/hr in a 90. Luis started with 10 dollars handed over with my papers, as I was totally sweating beside him (I still do not officially own my car). He did not look impressed and walked away to discuss with his boss and told Luis to think things over. Came back and a 20 did the trick, no big fine, no jail time, and back on the road for our first weekend of three out of Quito.

We get to keep going, he has a little extra cash for the weekend, guess everyone is a winner :/

Dad and Nicola

I have some indication on how many people read this blog and when. Mostly I think they look because they want to see pictures that I have posted, largely when they are in it, or probably a bit bored at work!
I am pretty confident that when I have no pictures people do not look or read so much. I am kinda counting on this now. One day I want to look back on this, hopefully in forty years and remember what I was doing or thinking. I pretty much post the lovely things and ninety percent of the time things are wonderful and I know I am a lucky girl.
It is funny how one silly movie, not even a highly rated one can make you reflect. As I get older I recognise more the importance of family and the ones I love. I often feel sad to be so far away from many of these people but I guess this is the life that I have chosen. I look back on a childhood with my beautiful parents and sister and feel so thankful for those times and all that my parents did to make it special. Defintely not said enough, but Dad and Nicola I dream of times of us camping at Lake Huron, summer parties, Christmas mornings and many more special moments.  Even if we do not see each other or speak as much as we should, know that I love you both and blinking heck how I miss mum.

Facebook Status

I have always secretly giggled (and sometimes not so secretly, sorry Dave) at people my age who change their Facebook status with new relationships and break ups, like really it is one thing to put some 'bragging, look at me' photos but to put your personal life up too is a bit much.  And now I have to take it all back, I now have the status of 'being in a relationship'.  I am not sure if people are more surprised that I changed my status or that I am actually in a relationship!  Either way, I am over the 'tagging', I am happy for my Facebook world to know and hope that this encourages all my friends and family to visit and vet my new (well newish) beau.

For non Facebook users, these are the pictures to go along with 'our new status', I guess I need to think of it not as childish but that I am more hip with the times!
Oh and Lola is over the moon too, and really should be tagged in this too!

Mucho Comida

I definitely need to find another form of entertainment, as found myself again out for dinner all weekend. If not for concern for my waistline at the very least to spruce up my blog. Luckily, I have some fairly exciting weekends coming up, so watch this space.

Ecuadorian Thai

For years and years, I have tried to be a better cook. Fact of the matter is I am just not all that good at it, even when I follow a recipe I am too lazy to get it right, skipping steps and using half the ingredients. And as I love entertaining my poor friends have suffered through many barely edible meals, but this ends now. Luckily for me (and all my friends), Luis is a fantastic cook and as long as he sticks around my friends will want seconds and not have to go home hungry!
As usual good people and loads of laughs!

Teeth and Boobs, Ecuador

Before moving here I had read that Ecuador was the place, this side of the world, to get your teeth and boobs done.  In fact our teacher hand book not only had numbers for doctors and dentists but also recommended plastic surgeons.  So I decided that it was high time to go to the dentist, considering I have not been in many different country moves (we are talking a very long time).  I have been highly impressed, $640 to get wisdom teeth pulled, teeth cleaned, old fillings fixed and a not so nice tooth fixed.  And they do not waste much time having back to back appointments to get it done.  However, this means I am a bit out of action as eating is slightly painful and my face is slightly swollen (going to get worse when they pull the wisdom I suspect). 

(this is where I was going to post a very flattering picture that Luis took of dentists all examining my mouth but thought better of it)

So if anyone needs some serious teeth work, suspect this is the place to visit.  Not sure about the boobs yet, but think I am just going to be sticking to the teeth work.

First Weekend Back

First weekend back in Quito was full of catch ups and meals. Friday the girls went out for Kristi's birthday. We had Lebanese, which was ok, better if you were a meat eater as veggies usually get screwed when it comes to sharing. In fact, it is big bug bear of mine, as people think I am being difficult when actually I just want to eat! 

Saturday I went with neighbours and Jimmy for a fabulous Indian, even better as we all shared as we only ordered veggie :)  The best meal out I have had since being here was the Indian on Saturday, mucho mucho yummy! I even went out for Italian yesterday, but it was definitely not worth a picture! So now that I am all caught up, no more meals out for a while!

Forgiven

It has taken several long walks, treats and cuddles but looks like Lola has forgiven me. Or it could be that she is just so thrilled with the beautiful weather, lack of fire works and thunder storms, that she cannot help but be happy. Either way I will take it and happy all is right between us again (she is back lying on my lap!).

In our park..

...just behind our flat. The weather has been amazing this week, definitely helped with post holiday blues and Lola make up time. Let's hope it continues :)

Loyal Lola

Yeah right! Two weeks away and she seems to have forgotten the last nine years of walks, trips, parties and complete spoiling. It is one thing to give me the cold shoulder for a day or two and another to totally reject me!
I mean honestly, I am feeling a bit low, missing all my family and friends around the world (some serious post Christmas blues) and she lies here during a film! For the entire film (usually on my lap)! I mean really Lola, it was just two weeks!

Back to Quito

I guess all good things, or in this case, great things must come to an end.  With reluctance, I left Barbados on Saturday and arrived back in Quito early Sunday morning.  It was actually amazing I arrived here at all, I had some big delays that made it a very close call with connections.  If it were not for some lovely Copa airline employee I am pretty sure I would still be in Trinidad.  But I have made it back, to a very annoyed Lola and a busy start to school.  I am sure it was pretty clear that I had an amazing time, but I am happy to be back and looking forward to an exciting 2015.

 The usual sad farewell at Grantley Adams

The flight back I was greeted by a beautiful rainbow, I think it is a sign of things to come.

Too Fast...As Usual

It may seem strange but the minute I arrive in the island I get a bit sad, as I will have been counting the days to get here and once I do I know it will pass so fast.  And I know I sound like a broken record but just feel so lucky to have the friends and family I do.  The last few days have been full with special time with all of them, a New Years Day party and last night a 'see you next time' bash at my favourite place, Blakey's.

Me and Julianne on New Years Day

Last day at Accra for this trip

Family party at Blakey's

Nadia, an honourery member

The Peirce family

Vicki and Nicholas

Me and Vics

Let the dancing begin!

Beautiful Natalie

 I am now trying to put myself together and get ready for my million flights back to Quito.  I will try and be brave at the airport but suspect I will be full of tears as usual.  I have had he best holiday, with a million people to thank.  I do not intend to stay away for long, so you will have to suffer through my gushing posts again in hopefully no time at all!

Happy New Year 2015

Happy New Year to all my friends and family (and anyone else who comes across this blog from time to time) around the world, wishing you all happiness and good health in 2015.  I had an amazing 2014, I cannot believe how much actually happened, my beautiful sister got married, I moved to an amazing new country (leaving behind an equally amazing one), and Lola even learnt to swim!  I am not sure how I can top the previous year but I have a few ideas!
Last night I ended 2014 with my loved ones here and we obviously had an amazing time. Although, it is certainly another occasion I find myself missing all my loved ones in Canada, Basel, the UK and now Ecuador. So once again I would like to wish all a Happy and prosperous 2015!

 Mexican (which was not the cleverest thing to eat when all dressed up) dinner first with Aunty Andy and kiddies, then off to Blakey's to ring in the new year, and then off to the main event.