Discoverymundo Blog

Author: Marion Lee

Spend the Best Christmas eve in Toronto

The holidays are almost here and you are probably looking a place to relax and have fun with your family and friends, planning the gifts, the games and the dinners with your friends from highschool. If you are looking for something different, here are some good reasons to get out of the house over this 2015 holiday season in Toronto, CA.

A Toronto tradition for more than 100 years, The Santa Claus Parade returns to put smiles on the faces of families all across the city. From children to adults, thousands of Canadians and people from other countries line the streets to look Santa, while he leave a big smile on their faces. The celebration consists of more than 25 different-themed floats, 22 bands, 100 celebrity clowns, more than 1,500 volunteers, and the big man himself, Santa.

This year’s Santa Claus Parade begins at the Christie Pits Park at 12:30 p.m. It travels past the ROM and the Eaton Centre, before ending at St. Lawrence Market. Click here to see the Map of the Route

Tips: Make sure to arrive early for a good spot as space fills up fast. It’s also always a good idea to bundle up and bring a hot drink in a reusable mug to stay warm waiting for St. Nick. Bring your camera for pictures and if you want you can dress yourself of a christmas character.

More Toronto Christmas Market Photos

Prepare yourself for an authentic European-style Christmas Market. Local vendors and craftsmen sell their wares in stalls while carolers sing and kids play on the Ferris Wheel and carousel.
Entertainers at the market include a daily sing-along with Santa’s elves, daily caroling and a world caroling championship. There’s a life-sized gingerbread house, carousel, ferris wheel and of course, Santa and his reindeer.
You can find handmade or imported goods like Christmas ornaments and scarves, or delicious food like Belgian waffles, Bavarian nuts, poutine and corned beef sandwiches. The Beer Garden (19+ open at night) serves beer, cider, mulled wine and other holiday cocktails.

If you love Christmas shopping shows, you can´t miss The One of a Kind Christmas Show to spend the best Christmas eve in Toronto, you will find featuring unique products for everyone.

Shop for hand-crafted ceramics, jewellery, furniture, clothing and accessories, browse through art galleries, watch a fashion show and take part in artistic holiday activities. Since 1975, it has become the largest consumer craft show in North America.
There are also hands-on workshops where you can make unique gifts. Each includes breakfast and admission to the show.

November 26, 2015 – December 06, 2015
At Enercare Centre
Adult: $13, Senior/Youth: $7.50, Children under 12: Free

Definitely DJ Skate Nights can be more fun than dancing on the floor.

One of the city’s most scenic rinks brings the party outdoors with a series of weekly events that brings the best of Toronto’s nightlife to the cold winter nights. Free Admission

December 13
DJ Skate Launch with DJ Jellybean Benitez/30th Anniversary of House
December 20
1 LOVE T.O. Holiday Skate Party
DJs Dlux and Lissa Monet.

December 27
Ladies Night
DJs L’Oqenz and Mel Boogie play electronic, disco and dance around the rink.

The National Ballet of Canada presents its annual Christmas show, The Nutcracker, is one of the most recognizable ballets in the world.

You can also find performances at the Sony Centre, in Mississauga, plus the National Ballet’s at the Four Seasons Centre for Performing Arts. Plus, the TSO performs and evening of the Best of Tchaikovsky at Roy Thompson Hall. Click Here to See All Performances

Walk through the city with some friends, family or a special someone to watch the Christmas lights of Toronto, beautiful Christmas trees, festive store windows and displays.

Yorkville, the Distillery Historic District and Nathan Phillips Square are some of the best spots to stroll with a hot cocoa in hand.

The Toronto Symphony Orchestra perform George Frideric Handel’s Messiah, a staple of the holiday season for anyone who appreciates powerfully composed pieces of classical music.

The conductor for the night will be Sir Andrew Davis and he will be joined by soprano Erin Wall, mezzo-soprano Elizabeth DeShong, tenor Andrew Staples, bass-baritone John Relyea, and the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir.

September 16, 2015
Top Places to Celebrate the Independence Day of Mexico

We’re practically on national holidays and many want to plan an outing with the family, here you will find the most symbolic places with some tips for an unforgettable Independence Day of Mexico on this September 15 and 16.

Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato

This is a magical city and the top place to celebrate the Independence Day of Mexico because it is the city where the night of September 15, the father Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla called the people from the parish of Dolores to take up arms and began the struggle for Independence.

Nothing could be more symbolic, to celebrate outside the parish where this great event originally took place.

In this city you can take a tour in a bus to know the colonial city and the parish, also you can visit the Museo Casa Hidalgo is the house in which the priest lived and was declared a National Monument. Also visit the Museum of Independence, the Mexican author José Alfredo Jimenez Museum, the Mausoleum, La Hacienda de la Erre, House of visits (Baroque style, this is the place where leaders and officials stay) & Crafts (Here you can find potters and ceramists that are distinctive of Guanajuato).

Also you can eat delicious mexican food like mole or chiles rellenos. For dessert enjoy an ice cream of different flavors like exotic cactus, avocado, tequila or mezcal.

San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

This city retains a colonial style, in one of his old but elegant mansions born the right arm of Hidalgo: General Ignacio Allende.

At night on the Independence Day of Mexico, hundreds of visitors gather in the main square to hear (around 10:30) the “Independence scream” given by the mayor of the city.

Queretaro

In 1810, Doña Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez, wife of the mayor of the city, discovered the conspiracy against the colonial governor, and sent a letter to Father Miguel Hidalgo. Because of this, he rang the bells of the parish and took up arms early on September 16.

The tourist sites are: the house of the magistrate in the city center, the Aqueduct, the Cathedral (Temple of San Felipe Neri) and the Theatre of the Republic.

In Queretaro there are beautiful colonial hotels and exquisite cuisine. You can not miss the fireworks show projected from across the historic center for the Independence Day of Mexico.

Guanajuato

In this city, Miguel Hidalgo on September 28, 1810, sent a letter of intimidation to the mayor of the city to deliver the square. As he did not have an answer, he decided to conquer by force and start the first battle, known as “the taking of the Alhóndiga”.

The main tourist sites are: Juarez Theater, the Kiss Alley, the Plaza de la Paz, the Mummy Museum, La Valenciana (church), among others.

Being here, you can not miss the Museum of Independence, located in the center and take the opportunity to buy crafts typical of Guanajuato. The festivities take place in all the alleys of the city, but especially in the Jardin Union, the main rallying point.

Mexico City

During the celebrations for the Independence Day of Mexico in September, this city gets completely different, the main buildings around the Zocalo become a spectacle of lights and Paseo de la Reforma is illuminated with patriotic colors.

On September 15 the President gives “The Scream” from the balcony of the National Palace, accompanied by a festival of lights, fireworks and music with mariachi. All bars and restaurants in town join the celebration.

The next day the military parade performance starts from the Zocalo and ends at the National Auditorium.

The main tourist sites are: Historical Center, Chapultepec Park, Xochimilco and colonies Roma-Condesa, Polanco, More Info…

I recommend the Grand Hotel of Mexico, from there you can enjoy dinner while you watch the whole event from the unique view of the Zocalo restaurant. How to get there

Puebla, Puebla.

Beautiful hotels in Puebla are a reason to go for a few days and especially during the Independence Day of Mexico weekend bridge by its colonial style and the beautiful views of Popocatepetl. The historic center of the city has been declared a World Heritage Site for its architectural beauty.

Besides the Cathedral, you must know the Artist Quarter, which is surrounded by a creative magic

Las Vegas, United States

If you prefer to take your national pride abroad, then Las Vegas, Nevada is the perfect choice for you!

Go to Las Vegas for the Independence Day of Mexico is tradition for many Mexicans who manage this city put on the national colors during the weekend. In addition, Mexican music is well represented with Mexican artists like Alejandro Fernandez, Carlos Santana, Lila Downs, Marco Antonio Solis, Luis Miguel and there is even an international mariachi festival.

On the other hand, it is a tradition that at this time, or even the same September 15, a boxing match in which a Mexican defends the sport is held.

Therefore, the Independence Day of Mexico is to Las Vegas and its visitors the opportunity to celebrate and honor the cultural heritage of Mexico in a dynamic and fun way.

Xcaret, Quintana Roo.

If you have decided that Cancun and the Riviera Maya is your destination for the Independence Day of Mexico, we recommend that you spend a whole day and enjoy a park with water activities in addition to its main theme the traditions of our country. September is the cheapest month to visit Cancun, so get advantage of it!

You do not want miss the spectacular show that will beat Mexico pride to your heart.

September 4, 2015
Spectacular Weekend in Cuenca, Ecuador!

Knowing Cuenca, it is possible with wit and patience. Cuenca, a World Heritage Site, is one of the most tourist cities of Ecuador. The basic recommendation for any visitor who wants to have a Spectacular Weekend in Cuenca, Ecuador! Is being informed about the things to do in Cuenca and the main attractions and be clear about what to do in Cuenca.

Cuenca offers a multitude of options for a good weekend: art, history, nightlife, adventure sports and incredible contact with nature … and more!

On the way to Cuenca one of the main attractions is the Cajas National Park, 30 minutes from Cuenca. There’s the Toreadora lagoon, is one of busiest in the area, ease of access, it is entered by the kilometer 31 of the Sayausí-Molleturo route. In that place there is a shelter with laundry service ranger, information point and an interpretive center that guide visitors on this journey of three hours, with two paths:
– The first runs through a forest of Polylepis (paper tree) through the San Luis to the United Nations and the Toreadora gaps.
– The second Totoras gaps and Potoquinuas. Both spots show their natural beauty and is home to deer.



CUENCA, ECUADOR, Laguna La Toreadora in the National Park of Cajas in Cuenca, Azuay.

On the way you will find 15 restaurants serving trout. The signature dish is the ceviche of trout, whose preparation is bittersweet and is accompanied by fried plantains. Worth USD 4.50. The park has 235 lakes, 152 birds and 145 species of flora. Access is free. You’ll find hostels, restaurants, bars and cabins. You can camp and go fishing, make bird watching, extreme sports, among other things.

The road to Cuenca are many curves in mountains with mist if it is cold, with a beautiful landscape. The average trip lasts about 3 hours.

To explore the city on your arrival, I recommend you visit:
– The impressive Cathedral of the Immaculate (New Cathedral)

– The Rio Tomebamba, great place to walk, run and enjoy.

– The Plaza Abdon Calderon, is located in the center of the city.

– Del Sagrario (Old Cathedral Beautiful), I really like the paintings of the Old Cathedral. Outside the cathedral you can take a double floor bus Where can you do see the Most Important places of the city of Cuenca.

– Mirador de Turi, a place that can not miss on your visit to Cuenca, allows a panoramic view of the whole city, its churches and its colonial beauty! Also you can enjoy different adventure activities, only for $1 dollar per person.


– The ruins of All Saints, is a very interesting place to visit as it is by the river where you can stroll and enjoy the story. A highly recommended place!

I recommend you to try, some delicious typical ice cream of Cuenca (Mixx Gourmet Ice Cream), located in a place near the central park in San Blas. The park itself is worth visiting, right, is where this traditional ice cream parlor is located. The ice creams are prepared in a gourmet – handmade, very original and quirky flavors; flavored liqueurs and great cocktails. The place is a bit small, lacking tables and the service a little slow, but very good!
Also, you get options to add more ingredients such as nuts, chocolate, etc … of course with an additional cost of 0.50 cents each extra ingredient, ice cream start at $ 1.50 a simple cone, increasing in cost if you want to cup or want more flavors.



If you like dancing, the night life in Cuenca starts at 10pm and ends at 2am, early compared to other places. On my visit, I went with some friends to a place called LAOS. The music is super good, with a drink and entry into full pay $ 15, you can order something else clear, it depends on you. I highly recommend to conclude your Spectacular Weekend in Cuenca, Ecuador!

Tips if you travel to Cuenca:
– Take your camera with you at all times, the best of Cuenca are the beautiful scenery!

– A tourist map of the city, can be useful to get safely to the different attractions. There are areas like Long Street and the La Merced, where cheaper accommodation centers are located. These spaces are located near the historic center.

– To reach the tourist sites, which are at the center of the city, you can do it by bus. If you prefer a taxi, tell the driver to use the meter. The minimum fare is worth USD 1.14.

– Be sure to wear comfortable and warm clothes. Also comfortable for walking shoes. The climate in Cuenca variates: sunny days and cool night. If you’re planning on camping, be sure to bring everything you need for the trip, extra money and remembers going early in the mist.

July 10, 2015
Day of the Dead in Mexico

The Day of the Dead in Mexico is a holiday celebrated in every corner of this beautiful country. It is celebrated from the evening of November first, this day, Mexico is decorated with orange flowers, marigold flower is one of the main symbols of this famous festival.
According to the belief, on November 2, the dead return to the underworld, to live with their families and enjoy everything they enjoyed in life: food, beverages, personal belongings, among other things. This celebration, blending elements of traditional, indigenous and Catholic religion.

On Day of the Dead in Mexico people join and celebrate with their loved ones of the dead who have left the earth physically and guide them in their spiritual journey, bringing his favorite food, flowers, ornaments, incense, the famous skulls made of sugar and chocolate, decorated with different colors and stamps golden glow.

People also dress up as skeletons with mexican hats, decorated with colored ribbons, paint their faces or masks made of corn cane paste, wood or clay are also made; which it is carved with gestures smiling toothless elderly, rosy, rosy skin.

The famous wooden horses that will “ride” on the offerings and the altars of the houses, which are known as “ketzitakua”, dedicated to those who died in that year.

The parades are made by the same people and disguise carts altar with colorful flowers, candles, skulls made of sugar and many ornaments of this particular date.

The dances are performed by people dressed in masks of old men, known as “The Dance of the Elderly” (T’arche Uarakua) their movements in an explosion of force and agility, footwork and jumps performed thunderous contrast with coughing and tremors that cause falls and humorous attempts to revive his colleagues affected.

Viejitos, costumed dancers in Patzcuaro, Michoacan

Traditional food for the Day of the Dead in Mexico offering is used, which is placed on the sides of the altar as fruit punch, tamales, pan de muerto, gruel, fresh water, tequila, bread of hojaldras toasted with sesame, mole and sweets made with pumpkin.

The favorite foods of our loved ones, or any recipe that reminds us of them are also prepared.

Day of the Dead in Mexico is not a sad day, it is a celebration of the lives of our loved ones. Meals are left at the altar, the candles are lit and music is played until midnight, when it is said that the souls of loved ones return. It is a tradition that is passed from generation to generation, and is full of pride and honor.

If you are in Cancun, México and you are looking for things to do in Cancun on this holidays, don´t forget to buy your tickets to Xcaret and celebrate the traditional Day of the Dead in Mexico like never before!

June 27, 2015
The most typical dishes of Guayaquil

I have lived several years in Ecuador and discovered that Guayaquil is characterized by the warmth of its people and its delicious food. First I will start with the dishes they eat for breakfast.

Having breakfast in Guayaquil?
In Guayaquil, people tend to breakfast entrees. As the famous “Recalentado” is rice and beans from the previous day. (Here they call “Menestra” to beans)
Usually they accompany breakfast with black coffee, fruit juices or a coke.
Serve something light is off the daily menu of Guayaquil…

For the weekends, it is the typical Ecuadorian dish “Bolón de verde” with cheese or pork rind, juice or coffee; “Bollo de pescado” (alone or with rice) and coke. It is not just the bolón, it is also eaten with liver and eggs.

There is also the famous “Tigrillo” which is a combination of green banana with eggs, cheese and cracklings.

The most famous place for all these dishes is “Café de Tere” this is your site, you can now ask for delivery, it usually takes about 30 minutes to get https://www.elcafedetere.com/

On Sundays, to remove a hangover from the previous day or a departure milia, eat “Encebollado” with green plantain banana chips. The onions is a soup made of fish albacore cassava, onions and other ingredients.

The best onions in Guayaquil is “Picantería Don Juan”
ADDRESS: 1026 Avenue of the Army and Clemente Ballen, or is also in Cordova 700 and Luis Urdaneta
SPECIALTY: albacore stew
PRICE $ 2.30
HOURS: Everyday, from 08:00 to 16:00

What usually eat in the evenings?
Rice with Menestra of beans or lentils and meat, chicken or chop.
This is a truly coastal, the most traditional and popular dish of Guayaquil, this dish is generally eaten at night.

The best is in the north of Guayaquil, is called “Los Asados”. Menestra or Moros are one of the most desired dishes. Here rice stew and grilled meat (chicken or cutlet) is $ 3.50.

Moros with cheese

This is a very traditional dish of the Ecuadorian coast, originates from cooked rice with lentils, obscuring its merger Kemp rice, hence its name.

Seco de Pollo
The Dry chicken is a dish of the province of Guayas. It consists of a plate with a piece of chicken, presented by way of soup and spicy, accompanied by the “maduros” made from bananas.

Guatita
The guatita is a very popular dish in Guayaquil. It is a cow tripe stew (guatitas). Served with potatoes and peanut sauce. In Ecuador there is a popular belief that guatita often lessen the effects of a hangover. For this reason sometimes in some restaurants its for breakfast on weekends.

Best of Guayaquil is “La Guatita restaurant”
Address: Luque and Pedro Moncayo.

And for dinner?
Humitas
It is also one of the most typical dishes in the kitchen of Guayaquil. Basically a sweet corn tamale mixed with meat or vegetables and cooked inside the leaf corn cob.

Besides these dishes, Guayaquil has beverages as “Chicha Resbaladera” which is made from rice chicha.

Address: March 6, 2316 and Gómez Rendón. It is a small place called “La Chicha Resbaladera of Rosita Armendaño”

Guayaquil gastronomy is quite varied. This is because within the city we can find the culinary influence of the people around the Ecuador.

June 20, 2015
Una visita rápida por la Mitad del Mundo!

Mi primer visita a la ciudad de Quito, Ecuador. Fue a mediados de Abril del 2015, debía actualizar mi pasaporte mexicano y la embajada de Mexico está ubicada en la Avenida 6 de Diciembre de Quito, en caso de que necesiten información ésta es la página web de la embajada http://embamex.sre.gob.mx/ecuador/.

Salí desde Guayaquil aproximadamente a las 5 de la mañana, estaba emocionada porque todos me habían contado que como Quito es una ciudad bastante alta, la altura probablemente me iba a causar fatiga, así que quería llegar y salir a trotar para comprobar lo que tantos me decían! En el avión tuve la suerte de que la aerolínea me pasara a primera clase, se portaron super amables, me regalaron un cafe, un jugo de naranja y un sandwich de queso, super bien para empezar el viaje. Durante el vuelo tuve la suerte de ver el amanecer desde arriba mas todo el hermoso paisaje de las montañas con nieve. En las siguientes fotos podrán ver de lo que hablo, las tomé desde la ventanilla del avión:



En mi llegada al aeropuerto de Quito, aproximadamente una hora de viaje, a las 8:00am tomamos el primer bus de salida a la ciudad con AeroServicios el cual cuesta $8 dólares por adulto y puedes llevar un artículo personal más una maleta en bodega. La primer foto a continuación es lo que primero se ve en la salida del Nuevo Aeropuerto Internacional de Quito, Tababela.



Durante la bajada desde el aeropuerto por las montañas era una vista preciosa, con una carretera llena de arboles y todo verde, por suerte fui cuando estaba acabando la temporada de lluvia por lo tanto los paisajes estaban super verdes. De camino nos agarro el típico tráfico de las 7-8 de la mañana… Pasa en todos lados, al parecer Quito es enorme, del aeropuerto a la ciudad hicimos aproximadamente 1 hora, tal vez influyó el tráfico.. Pero mejor, así pude disfrutar y conocer más el camino!! Quito está definitivamente lleno de montañas, árboles de eucalipto, pinos y cipreses, las calles están limpias y bonitas.. Me encantó el cielo durante la mañana; despejado súper azul con sol y clima como de 15 grados C•



Los taxis en la ciudad de Quito son baratos en comparación a los precios de Guayaquil, un taxi me cobro $2,50 por aproximadamente 5-8 km. En el centro de la Ciudad es donde están los malls, el parque Julio Andrade, lleno de árboles donde se puede correr, hacer ejercicio y andar en bicicleta.

Algo que me pareció muy padre es que la ciudad de Quito cuenta con un servicio de bicicletas público y se pueden alquilar las bicis todos los días del año de 07:00 a 19:00. Las rutas para bicicletas están bien delimitadas y los trayectos se unen con las ciclorutas habilitadas en la zona comercial de la capital.

Una vez que llegué al Centro histórico de Quito, el taxi me dejó en la Basílica del Voto Nacional, es la iglesia que pueden ver al principio del post. De ahí camine por todas las calles, son bastante angostas, estilo europeo, bastantes subidas y bajadas, los edificios son restaurantes y tiendas de ropa, telas, herramientas, entre otras cosas. Las calles muy limpias y seguras durante el día.

Recomiendo no llevar una chamarra gigante con una bufanda, que fue lo que yo hice, de tanto caminar después me estaba derritiendo del calor!!! En Quito el clima es bastante peculiar, al menos en la fecha que fui a mediados de Abril. Por la mañana frío, después fresco, luego mucho sol, a las 3 de la tarde llovió de la nada, después paro de llover, etc.

Las fotos a continuación son del Centro Histórico de Quito, en donde está la Presidencia, se llama El Palacio de Carondelet. Hay bastantes militares en ése sector y vendedores ambulantes.



Sobre la comida en Quito me han dicho que es la fritada y hornado (carne de cerdo). Por ése lado no alcancé a probar todo por lo que mi visita fue muy rápida, pero si un famoso “encebollado” en el mercado Iñaquito, el cual es muy conocido por su delicioso encebollado, es una sopa preparada con cebolla, albacora o atún y yuca, con unos chifles.

Esta aventura continuará… Gracias!!!

June 13, 2015
Los ojos de un Mexicano en Ecuador

Estos últimos años tuve la suerte de vivir en varias ciudades diferentes. En algunas sólo vivi un corto tiempo y en otras semanas e incluso meses.

Como resultado, desarrollé la habilidad de adaptarme rápidamente a cualquier lugar. Claro, en algunos no tan rápido como en otros.

Aquí les compartiré una breve historia de cómo llegué a Guayaquil y lo que he ido aprendiendo.

Aeropuerto de Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Todo comenzó cuando cumplí 18 años y me dieron parte de una beca para irme a estudiar a Guayaquil-Ecuador, llegué justo cuando la ciudad estaba apenas comenzando un proceso de renovación. Anteriormente llevaba viviendo en Washington, DC un año y medio, un lugar totalmente distinto a Guayaquil.

En mi llegada a éste nuevo país totalmente desconocido, supuso desde el primer momento un reto, sabía el esfuerzo que iba a implicar el mantener mi mente enfocada en mis estudios y motivada al mismo tiempo para terminarlos.

Al mismo tiempo Vivir más lejos de mi país natal implicaba no solo alejarme de las personas que quiero sino también alejarme de las costumbres tan particulares de mi adorado país, México. La comida y la forma de ser de la gente son las dos cosas que más extrañaba. Por supuesto están también los días festivos, los paisajes, el clima, entre otras cosas.

Pensar en empezar una nueva vida, es algo que debemos de hacer cada segundo, es la manera más saludable de ver las situaciones nuevas que se presenten en nuestra vida. Intentar iniciar una nueva vida porque queremos escapar o alejarnos de situaciones anteriores, es como saltar al agua y atracar en un muelle que se está colapsando. Obviamente, esta es la manera de hundirse y no de empezar de nuevo. Por lo tanto, si estás empezando desde cero en una nueva ciudad donde no sabes ni dónde ir a comprar el pan o tomar un bus, lo primero que debes tener en cuenta es que es uno de los retos mas grandes que hay, pero créeme, sí existe una manera de hacerlo!

Foto desde el avión del Aeropuerto de Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Tengo realmente mucha suerte, ya tenía donde llegar, con un actual buen amigo y excelente ser humano, quien me enseñó lo necesario para manejarme dentro de la ciudad, los centros comerciales, el supermercado, bancos, etc. Ya establecida y yendo a clases, poco a poco me fui acostumbrando a un estilo de vida muy agitado, estudiando de noche, trabajando desde muy temprano, lo cual con el paso del tiempo fue positivo en el aspecto de que me volví algo parecido a un robot en cuestión de responsabilidad y organización. Por otro lado, no socializaba para nada, lo cual al final del día me producía una sensación de desanimo y extrañaba mucho a mis seres queridos; amigos y familiares.

Un día, decidí hacer ciertos cambios en mi vida, principalmente en mi salud y en las relaciones personales, ya que en ésos dos aspectos, era un desastre. Descubrí que cuando tienes tus bases fuertes y bien construidas, puedes comenzar a descubrir nuevas cosas, aprender y disfrutar de tus actividades favoritas. Entonces, lograr un equilibro entre mi estabilidad económica, mis amistades, salud y el lugar en donde vivía me llevaría a tener paz mental. Primero comencé por mi salud, alimentarme mejor, cuando uno vive solo y está ocupado todo el día se le olvida que lo más importante para estar bien es la salud, es lo que nos mantiene con energía todo el día.

Equilibrio y Armonía

Conseguir comida en Guayaquil es sencillo, comparándola con los precios México acá la comida es super barata, sobre todo si son frutas y verduras, únicamente lo que puede tener precios elevados es la comida importada. Los mejores supermercados para frutas y verduras es la cadena de Supermaxi, es la más cara pero tienen todo muy ordenado y limpio, tipo Costco, también tienen días en los que la fruta tiene descuento, las carnes también, etc., en cuestión de productos de limpieza pueden conseguir a mejor precio todo en Mi Comisariato, es una cadena de supermercado grande pero más económica, se parece a la Comercial Mexicana. Si vives en la ciudad de Guayaquil, todo queda cerca, incluso hay tienditas en cada cuadra en donde siempre puedes comprar lo que necesitas a diario. Si vives en Samborondón los supermercados están en los centros comerciales; Village, Rio Centro y el Dorado, también hay tienditas en Entre Ríos, en las gasolineras y en la mitad de Samborondón. Existen mercados en donde uno puede comprar todo a un muy buen precio, con $20 dólares ya tienes comida para unos 10 días. En mi caso no me conviene por lo que vivo en Samborondón y me quedan muy lejos.

La transportación en Guayaquil es fácil ya que hay taxis, buses por 0.25 centavos y metrovías. En Samborondón es realmente fácil, hay buses verdes que te llevan por toda la avenida y taxis también. Es mucho más seguro que llames a una compañía de taxis si vas a un lugar en específico, se tardan aproximadamente 10 minutos en llegar a tu casa y te cobran como 5$ por cada 8-10 kilómetros.

Una vez que tenía ya organizada la parte de la alimentación, fui a una clase de prueba a un gimnasio y tuve la suerte de que me dieran trabajo como instructora una hora por las mañanas, fue un buen trueque ya que no pagada nada y me obligaba prácticamente a levantarme todas las mañanas a ir a entrenar, como un entrenador personal invisible. De ahí conseguí un trabajo estable y dejé los cachuelos, los cuales no los recomiendo ya que quitan mucha energía, hay que siempre tener presente la ley del 80/20.

Ya con los ánimos renovados, poco a poco empecé a tener más amigos y hacer nuevas actividades. En Guayaquil por lo general uno sale con amigos a algún bar con música para bailar, a comer, jugar bolos o boliche, visitar los lugares históricos de Guayaquil, alguna actividad deportiva en vía la Costa hay una ciclo vía hasta la playa y hay parques para hacer picnics, kayak, paseos en bote o a caballo, entre otras actividades.

Foto Vía La Costa, Guayaquil – Ecuador.

Una de las actividades que suelen hacer bastante los Guayaquileños es ir a ver los partidos de fútbol con amigos y familiares al Estadio Monumental en el Norte de Guayaquil. Algo que he aprendido es que los guayaquileños realmente son apasionados por el fútbol, cuando hay clásicos que juega Emelec vs Barcelona; las calles, los bares y los restaurantes se llenan de gente, puede parecer exagerado, pero han habido veces que hasta las clases y los trabajos se cancelan cuando hay partidos muy importantes. La foto siguiente la tomé en el Estadio Monumental o también conocido como el Estadio Monumental de Barcelona.

Estadio Monumental, Guayaquil – Ecuador. El equipo amarillo es Barcelona Sporting Club

Ir al cine, pasear por los centros comerciales e irse de “farra” o a “farrear”, es un término que usan aquí cuando van a discotecas a bailar y beber.

Plaza Lagos, Samborondon – Ecuador.

Después de un largo camino de aprendizaje descubrí que adaptarse no es tan difícil, es una habilidad como cualquier otra cosa la cual la vas mejorando, hasta perfeccionarla!

Esta hermosa ciudad con el paso del tiempo se ha convertido, como dicen los ecuatorianos, en el Guayaquil de mis amores, en mi hogar. Poco a poco me empecé a acoplar a su cultura, aprendí sus costumbres y de su deliciosa comida (si algún día vienen de visita a Guayaquil-Ecuador, no se pueden ir sin probar un buen bolón de queso y un encebollado con chifles). Me empecé a encariñar sobre todo con las personas, son muy amables, familiares y divertidas, me impresiona lo bien que tratan a un extranjero que viene ya sea de visita o a vivir.

Centro Histórico de la Ciudad de Quito, Ecuador. Esta es de uno de mis viajes por Ecuador, en otro post hablaré de Quito.

Si algún día te cambias de ciudad, recuerda que siempre habrá de todo un poco. Disfruta siempre cada momento al máximo!

Y Ustedes, A dónde se han mudado y porqué? Qué consejo le darías a alguien que está a punto de irse a vivir a otro país?

Gracias!!!

June 5, 2015