Cousin This story you just wrote made me feel good. Its like you finally understood something I have been saying to you since I started to tell you to leave Houston. I told you to go out on a limb and challenge yourself, see what really is out there, and not be afraid. The world is a wonderful place and you don't know who you shall meet, just do it and don't be afraid, you won't die (I hope) and it really puts you in a special place on this planet. I am so proud of you for doing this, just relax and enjoy. There will be plenty of time to comprehend later on. Go out on that limb, but just don't let it break... Have fun and live life Maude and Joan

Robert Alexander Check this out. It's a heartfelt, though early observation of Columbia and her people.

toni robert, i TOTALLY get it. my trip are also filled with moments like that. my san diego days too : )

kelly it scares me everytime i look on here and wonder when the other shoe is going to fall...again!!! i do hope there are no more problems with that f***ing card! oh, and by the way when we were doing the skype thing...they have some kinda of international fee or tax for those transactions as well...50 cents for one 30 cents for another...rediculous! anyway hope all is going well and with all the bs, you are having the time of your life.

Sandy I loved this post Robert. very very touching.

toni hey my man, take care of you. and remember, it's ALL good. everything is part of the journey and the adventure - even the down time. there are plenty of gifts to savor and appreciate when we slow down. i'm sure it feels fantastic to have some finacial mobility now ! thanks to KELLY !!! : )

Jim Nice pictures, we used to make a small hot air baloon out of a close hanger, plastic grocery bag, and a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol. You light the cotton ball and hold the bag full of air until the air gets hot enough to lift out of your hands, great fun, a bit of a fire hazard as they are in the wind as soon as you let them go and if they come down before the cotton ball is completely burned. By the way we learned that at church camp. Awsome statue I bet it's more impressive in reality. Was that last picture of the statue or the guy, OK both. Jim

Jim I Thought it might be a little warmer in southern Ecuador arround Vilcabamba which is 4000 feet lower. It might be a little easier to breath considering a heart like mine. Have a good week, Jim

Jim Hi Robert, glad to hear you finally got your debit card replaced, that should reduce some of your WU transaction costs. I couldn't find any new pictures. My brother called and told me my book arrived 15 minutes after I left so I'll be reading that tomorrow. Is it cool enough for a fire there in the evening? Take care and have fun, Jim Well, enjoy the book. I know you will. Yea, tension has really subsided. ...and no, they light the fire to roast unruly American Tourists. hehe- Yes, it gets down to the 40's at night.

mikesullivan Loved the story of the Quito map for your innkeeper. Are you sure you're not CIA winning the hearts and minds of Latin Americans? Hope all is well and whenever I read your blog I start craving empanadas for some reason. Love you, hope all is well.