Mindo Hostal/Hotel Recommendations

thanks to David Sasaki for this list Dragonfly Inn http://www.dragonflyinn-mindo.com/ El Descanso hostal http://www.eldescanso.net/ El Septimo Paraiso Hotel http://www.septimoparaiso.com/ La Casa del Camino http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g609138-d2212920-Reviews-La_Casa_del_Camino_Mindo-Mindo_Pichincha_Province.html Sachatamia Lodge http://www.sachatamia.com/ Mindo Gardens http://www.mindogardens.com/ Cabañas Bambu http://www.hotelbambuecuador.com/pages/mindo.html El Abrazo del Árbol http://www.elabrazodelarbol.com/ Just an FYI, CasKaffeSu no longer offers rooms or a full restaurant. They just have coffee, desserts, cocktails and live

Crafts & Craftsmanship in Ecuador

with thanks to David Sasaki for this list WEAVING Agato – Miguel Andrango (backstrap weaver) https://www.facebook.com/groups/EcuadorExpats/permalink/10152309661761140/ http://abyayala.nativeweb.org/ecuador/otavalo/andrango/ Peguche – Jose Cotacachi, Artesania El Gran Condor http://www.josecotacachi.com/ http://artesaniaelgrancondor.com/quienes.html Gualaceo – José Jiménez (IKAT weaver) https://patomiller.wordpress.com/category/artesano-sr-jose-jimenez-macanas/ Salasaka (Tungurahua Province) http://www.thisisecuador.com/contents/handmade-in-ecuador/117-salasaca-tapestries-talent-portrayed-in-textiles.html Cañar – Juan Tenezaca http://www.elmercurio.com.ec/392972-juan-tenezaca-es-el-ultimo-tejedor-canari/ PANAMA HATS Montecrist http://www.montecristihats.com/ Sigsig http://www.cuencahighlife.com/post/2013/03/24/Although-Panama-hat-are-finished-and-exported-from-Cuenca-they-are-woven-in-dozen-of-small-villages.aspx CERAMICS/POTTERY Cuenca – Eduardo Vega, Eduardo Segovia http://www.ceramicavega.com/ http://www.artcuenca.com/artists/eduardo-segovia La Pila (Manabí… Read More

Canadian Passport Renewal – Photos

Forms & Info | Ready So today – I opted to get my Canadian passport photos done so I can get my passport renewal off to Quito. We were told there was a Photographer in the main square, so off we went (today is Saturday). We wait patiently across the street for about 25 minutes until almost 10:30 – nothing… Read More

Canadian Passport Renewal

Photos | Ready Yes it is about time to renew my Canadian Passport – so I sent a message off to the embassy – it can be done here! Dear Patrice,   Thank you for your email. Please note you will need 20 working days to have a new regular passport issued. To apply for a new Canadian Passport in… Read More

US Passport Renewal

Message for U.S. Citizens No Appointment Needed for Adult Passport Renewals Providing excellent customer service is one of the goals of U.S. Mission Ecuador Consular Sections. Effective immediately, no appointment is necessary at the U.S. Embassy in Quito or the U.S. Consulate General in Guayaquil for adult passport renewals adhering to certain criteria. Passport applications that do not adhere to… Read More

Argentine Beef in Ecuador

So dear friend Daphna has found a butcher in Quito stay tuned as we are planning our first visit this week http://www.carneselcordobes.com/ We purchased a nice sample of meats & some fabulous wine 🙂 So far we have tasted these – would buy again! Ancho de Res (cut into steaks) Salsicos Parrillieras Albaca y Queso (sausage stuffed with basil &… Read More

Carma Gourmet – Quito

Last trip to Qutio found this little gem of a shop (thanks to Becky & Leslie). Found these great items: real Argentine beef steaks – thin, pricey but delish large jar of small capers (think costco size) hosin sauce liquid smoke truffles Sriracha sauce They have specialty cheeses (including Feta, blue cheese), lovely teas, dijon mustards etc! Carma Gourmet Quito:… Read More

Teeth Cleaning – an observation

So the unthinkable happened on Saturday one of my veneers came loose. What to do? First put it back in place and don’t touch it! (yes this actually worked for about 48 hours). Step two email Bayardo Bolanos at Serway advising what happened and if he can help. He returns my email and asked if I can be at the… Read More

Stain Remover – Super Maxi

thanks to J Norwood for the tip Stubborn Stains? A friend recommended this as a stain remover. Wow! I had a green t-shirt with a set in grease stain. Had washed and dried it without noticing the quarter-sized stain on the front. I tried a number of things without success and then resigned myself to it being an “at home”… Read More