ECUADOR
The way we see the world depends on where we place our focus.
Sometimes the most beautiful things are ordinary and right in front of us.
Not so subtle message against smoking, created by an Ecuadorian artist
Technically not on the equator, but pretty close. GPS says the true middle is just down the road.
Egg whites, lemons, spirits, and good company.
Not everything we see lacks brutality.
Just trying to assimilate (to the culture, of course).
Of all the places I saw stray dogs hanging out, this one seems to hold the most potential for a meal.
A beautiful retreat near the base of the Tungurahua volcano. Complete with vineyards, private cabanas, a pool, volleyball net, and huge acreage to explore.
A great place to host a party or for the property caretaker to catch a few z's one a break.
A robust spider with a sturdy web that withstood the strong, constant wind.
One of the many species of fragrant roses in Ecuador.
An advertisement for a winery that you can never enter. Trying to do so, gets the guard upset and ready to deploy the attack dogs. Not exactly the Sonoma Valley.
View of the resort from a hard bend in the road, several miles from the town of Patate.
Tasty, gelatinous fruit with plentiful, edible seeds. Also knows as "passionfruit."
Mural in the open-air museum that showcases the history of the town of Patate, before and after the big quake of 1949.
An artist can't do his job without the right equipment.
Eager students, rough-housing before being taught how to paint their school buildings - 1 hour outside of Riobamba. I left the expats and traveled by rickety truck through wilderness and past rabid dogs to a very remote village where I painted, feasted on boiled eggs and salt, made friends, and felt deep fear that the truck wouldn't return for me.
Why not enjoy happy hour in a beautiful beach town near Guayaquil.