[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by MartinSE

Well, one way, is a vacation to Ecuador.

I recommend going to Quito the capital and Cuenca. Both are big cities, from the let you imagination run free. The Galápagos Islands are nearby and a favorite spot. It is Avery poor country, but the people are incredibly happy and friendly. One memory I will have forever was watching parents walking their children home from the school bus stop laughing and playing. So different than so many places here where the parents are constantly mad and yelling at their kids. It does the heart good.

It is not much to fly, and if you want to try out being "native" and not gringo, it is very inexpensive. Imagine a 4 course lunch for $3.00 each. Of awesome home cooking with local grown fruits and vegetables .

Well if you told me this say 20 years ago would have seriously considered it. Now my favorite wife has other ideas as to vacations.