Month: August 2019

Thought I would update my latest. A few people have inquired about my dental experience.

I have not had such a pleasant dental experience ever. I was recommended Dental Solutions by an expat that lives here in Quito. It took longer to get an appointment than other places and it was worth it. Also I had to go back 4 times because they are very busy but did fit me in as soon as they could.

A little background. Before I left California I went to a very nice dental office in Auburn. They said I had 9 cavities that needed repair and needed 2 crowns. Quoted me $8000.00.

When I first met Talin Fernanda I thought wow she is so young and she’s still wearing braces. That did not last long as she was very professional and got down to my examination. When done she had found 9 cavities but said it was best to work on only 7 and explained that the other 2 would end up being more problematic later if done. When I asked her if I needed any crowns she got a puzzled look on her face. I told her the dentist in America said I needed 2. Her answer was that if she thought I needed crowns she would have said so. Then in detail explained how a crown works and said I had plenty of tooth to work with.

Her work was amazing. I never got any type of pain medication while she did her thing and more than once she laughed because I feel asleep in the chair. She did such a great job with the fillings I have to remind myself I had dental work done. It feels that natural. I consider her an artist in her profession. If you haven’t figured it out I was impressed. The added bonus it costs $330.00.

When booking an appointment she had an appointment book no computer. When I went to my appointment at 8am Saturday morning we were the only ones there when she started on me. How many dentist give you their cell phone numbers in the states. The service was first class. THANK YOU TALIN!

So heading to coast to do some exploring this next week. This last week in Quito I was just trying to learn about the people and what’s it like living here. You hear the expat side of life here but I am getting a Ecuadorian side also. Really opens your eyes. Even spent an evening with Venezuelan refuge that spoke good english. Her story was very interesting. Between the locals and the refuges it makes our lives in the states sound so easy.

Tell next time. Ya’all take care now ya hear!

I know this has nothing to do with my trip but I have to give a plug for my buds store that has just opened. If you are in Colfax, California stop in at the soon to be world famous general store. Say hi to Bob and if he’s in a good mood maybe he’ll sing you a song. Helps to take cold Heinekens with you!

Thanks everyone for the emails, text, and comments on the site. Great to hear from you.

Ecuador is very beautiful country and I have seen so little. The people have been wonderful. Currently I am staying near old town Quito in the Chakana Hotel. The location is great, the rooms are nice, the restaurant serves great food at a fair price and the staff has been excellent. They are friendly and go out of the way to help you when they can. This is my go to place when visiting Quito.

Picture is a morning shot out my room window. I really didn’t plan on being around Quito for a couple of weeks. Truthfully I didn’t plan anything but to show up to the IL conference then go from there. Met some great people there, a few I hope to be good friends with for along time. They are either home now or spread about Ecuador.

Quito is a huge busy city. The altitude can really kick your butt. I watch some of the people just chug up these hills like a diesel truck in low gear. Carrying packages and wearing wool jackets not even breaking a sweat. I have been taking free walking tours in different areas in the town and appreciate the flat spots. I have been sleeping like a happy dog that has been chasing a ball all day.

I have my dental appointment today. Hoping it’s painless haha. Booked a trip for 7 nights on a boat in the Galapagos visiting a few different islands from the 9th to the 16th of September. Works out because I fly back to the states on the 17th so I’ll just sleep in the airport over night. Before the island trip I think I may spend 3 nights in Tambuca. Elesa and her family have a small B&B there. Figure to spend the time walking around the community hanging with the locals.

So in Quito until at least the 27th then I need to figure the next couple weeks. Turned off my U.S. phone. I brought an unlocked phone with me and a friend gave me a SIM card so I have a local number. I still get emails and text on my pad if I’m around Wi-Fi. I haven’t figured out how to send pictures from the camera to the tablet but will play with it in time.

So far it’s been a good adventure. Can’t say enough about the food. So good! Half the time I have no idea what I am getting until I taste it. A full meal can cost a 1.50 if you eat at a mercado for lunch. That is the budget meal. In a small resteraunte you get rice, beans, fried banana or planta with seafood or your choice of meat for 3 to 4 dollars. Burgers and fries for 5 dollars. I guess a big mac is 5 dollars but I have not been to McDonalds here. KFC is the big American food chain and I am curious how it tastes so will try it if I get a chance. The fresh fruits and vegetables are amazing and the choices are many in the markets. I was told there are over 200 kinds of potatoes. They love their starches here. Surprisingly not many vegetables make it to the plate. I can’t wait for the fresh seafood on the coast.

Spent a couple hours people watching at the park yesterday (really catching my breath). It was fun. The city workers played football during their lunch break using hard hats for goal posts. There were three children by themselves that caught my eye. The oldest around 6 watching her two brothers maybe 4 and 3. One of the city workers sat with them a while then went back to work. About a half hour later another sister showed up that was maybe 8 or 9. She brought the 3 smaller kids over next to me on the grass. She gave them some cookies and gave instructions to her sister to keep her brothers there until she came back. She grabbed a bag that she had brought with her and took off for the bus stop behind us. The two boys gave their sister who was watching them a hard time, poking her with sticks and making her cry. The oldest boy came up behind me to poke me and when I said no went back to poking his sister. I watched what the oldest was doing. Trying to sell bottled water at the bus stop. It dawned on me, they couldn’t go home until the older sister sold the water.

Two things. It is very safe for children or so it seems. Secondly people have to do many things here to get by. One job does not hack it for most families.

Well I wrote enough to bore most of you.

Hasta la proxima mi querida familia y amigos. Gracias forma los amables pensamientos. Randy

View from balcony outside my room. This week I plan on getting dental work done.