South Of Zero

"South of zero" refers to the middle of the world, where Ecuador exists. It is also the name of a blog that is a gateway to Xpadorians living and retiring abroad. Each morning, Mary Beckman, aka Posterdog, compiles the latest posts of Ecuador expats and wannabes with charming introductions. It is one of the first sites I check in the morning.


I will board a plane for the center of the earth this weekend. I will be making my way a little more traveler and a little less tourist this time. I am staying at comfortable hotels but exploring by foot the public parks and squares will be my gym. I won't be having the national dish, cuy, but I am looking forward to the al muerzos for under $3 (ketogenic diet be damned). I will see more housing than museums and monuments. I will carry my own toilet tissue, trash not flush, but I am armed with antibacterial wipes. I will endeavor to speak the little Spanish I know.









al muerzo









Presidente in Quito










Cotacachi casa gringo










Cuenca organic cooperative (Coopera)










Illuman Equinox Ceremony

"The traveler was active; he went strenuously in search of people, of adventure, of experience. The tourist is passive; he expects interesting things to happen to him. He goes sight-seeing." - Daniel J Boorstin