We eased into travel life with a 5 night stay at the wonderful Wantara Suites. (Found on VRBO.com) Knowing that the first week of our new nomadic lifestyle was going to be an adjustment both physically and emotionally, I thought a little splurge ($90/nt) on a super comfortable home base would make a big difference in our acclimation. We couldn’t have wished for more; The Estrella Suite, truly felt like a home away from home.
Zuki, entering the courtyard of Wantara Suites, caring our groceries from the market.
Our suite, Estrella, is the largest of several apartments, varying in size and price, in a restored colonial building, in the Historic District of Quito. The layout is perfect for a family. I am anticipating mostly finding one room accommodations for the four of us along our way, so it was such a treat to have two separate sleeping areas plus a full kitchen and separate dining room! Although not huge, the apartment’s thoughtful design enabled us to really feel like we each had our individual space.
Kiko was back in his comfort zone in the kitchen cooking with all the fresh, local ingredients.
Kiko was back in his comfort zone in the kitchen cooking with all the fresh, local ingredients.
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After exploring the city, the kids could relax and watch some Spanish cartoons by a warm fire, or play soccer in the yard. We played Go Fish and laughed a ton with our goofy kids.
The outside communal areas were a welcome repose from the hustle and bustle of the city.
These accommodations have played an integral role in creating a positive experience for our first week of our journey. To be honest, I had braced myself and my husband for a rough first week. Change is never easy. We have asked so much of our kids. This week they walked the streets for hours everyday, rode beyond-crowed buses, and tried many new foods. When we move, they carry all their belongs on their backs. No one speaks their language. And then there are the countless little adjustments, like the fact that in Ecuador they can't throw the toilet paper in the toilet (Because of a weak plumbing system, all paper goes in a trash can next to the toilet!) and remembering to brush their teeth with purified water.... And maybe the biggest adaptation is that they are now surrounded by their parents 24/7 rather then their friends at school and in the neighborhood. They have both done better then I ever dreamed. I believe this is due in part to the fact that kids adapt by nature and partly because they were physically comfortable while all these changes were thrust upon them. I know we have so much ahead of us but we will always think back to the beginning of our trip, to Quito, with very fond memories.
