Visiting a foreign country is always a wake up. Witnessing the beauty of pure nature, breathing really fresh air and living simply is all a joy. But it’s not all roses. There are cities too, Americanized into a funny form of our culture, with materialism screaming ‘give me more’.
Ecuador is a mountainous country, filled with beautiful people, with a conservative nature and lots of smiles. Flying into the city was not the best experience ever though. The city is dirty from car exhaust, and it is difficult to find good clean food, breathe fresh air, or feel like there aren’t a bazillion electronic devices whirling around your body. Not a great way to be acclimatized.
Stepping out of that madness, there is a wonderful place. Spanish is highly recommended too! I will be more prepared next time. As soon as we left the city, I felt a serene body, clear mind, and was in high spirits again! Vilcabamba, Ecuador was where we landed for almost three full weeks. That is truly a beautiful place.
It’s so easy to learn about yourself when you are placed outside your comfort zone, that is where I found myself when in Ecuador. There is still a hint of materialism that lies within the small towns of Ecuador, where you have little clothing shops with jeans and plastic toys. But the people there are chill, really chill.
Now, no more health food stores, there are only little places that have fresh fruits and veggies, and you are lucky to find nuts. There is a blessing in Vilcabamba though, a juice bar. The owner, Dennis, is pretty awesome too. They have delicious smoothies and some yummy little treats, then superfoods available in the back. So, at least there was one place that had a familiar touch, much needed for me. It is a ‘gringo’ hangout though, so be aware, and mingle in the other spots too, to get a taste for the real culture there, the people, and the calm.
What I saw in myself the first few days being there, was a very spoiled girl. I can always get what I want here in the states, in terms of food, and it is so easy. Going to a health food store doesn’t require any work, and there are so many amazing organic products available. That was a minor shock, but very effective in opening up my mind. You must let go of always getting what you want to thrive in Ecuador. Having your own farm, you can produce all organic and delicious foods. But just visiting, that is another story, and organic veggies and fruits are not the norm, sadly.
With that said I did have my share of delicious foods, but much unlike what is here. I enjoyed criollo (heirloom) eggs, plantains, beans, lentils, even a little meat I tried. It was all so delicious, and unlike anything I had eaten in the US. The food is so clean when compared to the states though. The soil is lush, the animals graze on grass and bugs, and the food is largely grown in very clean areas with amazing waters.
Some of my favorite dishes were the most simple. A cabbage salad, sliced super fine with radishes, red onion, tomato, apple cider vinegar and lime with Andean salt to round it out, was divine. This is the form of salad you find in Ecuador, one more like a condiment, but very tasty, crunchy and fresh, lots of radishes and onion are used. I really loved the beans too, so amazing. I hadn’t had beans for probably a couple years in fear of having bad digestion as a result, but this was not the case. It was delicious, creamy and full of flavor. Some type of red bean is what we ate, and they would be cooked by boiling for hours with lots of water, along with onions and salt. Then somehow they start to form a thickness, when they are cooked a second time with spices, more onion, more salt and olive oil. Sometimes we had them with plantain or potatoes added in for more texture and body. This dish had me feeling grounded the whole trip, thankfully. Another great treat were these plantain cakes made with cooked mashed ripe plantains, raw queso (cheese), Andean salt, and sautéed in olive oil. We used a lot of olive oil there. Many of the dishes we had were Colombian influenced too and so good.
Otherwise, eating was really non-eventful. Using local ingredients is the key, because that is all that makes sense. Eggs in the morning, sometimes with plantain, sometimes with beans, then a small cabbage salad. Or we would go to the juice bar and get a green smoothie. Lunch was similar, or had soup, fresh fruits, quiona. Then for dinner we would have more beans, some salad, avocado, and some raw chocolate or cookies later. I ate pretty light compared to normal when I was there.
I did make a few pies though. I love to share the alchemy of desserts with the people I am around. Also lots of chocolate treats, made with the best ingredients on earth. raw cacao paste, cane juice crystals, vanilla, Andean salt and LOVE.
Another aspect of Ecuadorian life I love is walking. Wherever you go, you walk. Even with all the taxis available, you need to always walk somewhere, every day, if you like to get out and explore. The weather was mostly good, very mild, sunny and without rain for much of the days, until the evening. Hiking on trails is great too, with all the greenness, butterflies, hills, rivers it is a wonder to witness. Life is good in Ecuador. Simple, beautiful, and relaxed. But it’s all how your perspective shapes your world, is what you see beautiful? It can be anything you want it to be.
Every time I venture to a new place, I feel I gain a fresh perspective on life. Anything you dream is possible. The choice is in your mind. Once you clear the clutter, you can move into a new state, one that can witness true beauty and even participate in it. Happy travels.
Monday, May 7, 2012 at 02:54PM 
Here is a new cookie recipe I just whipped up. I love coming up with new recipes and keep the creativity flowing! There are many more raw cookie recipes in my Raw Cookie Book which will be released in only two weeks, can't wait!
