Wow…it’s hard to believe that in a few weeks I will be heading to Ecuador to make a life, and hopefully a living, for the next 3 months. I traveled to South America for the first time two years ago, backpacking around the southern parts of Argentina, Chile, and Brazil. Returning to the continent is something I’ve looked forward to ever since I got back and I can’t believe I’ll be calling Quito home before long.

I’ve heard amazing things about Ecuador – for such a small country it contains so many wonders. I have visions of floating down the murky Amazon river, bargaining for colorful embroidered clothing in misty highland markets, facing off with giant iguanas in the Galapagos islands. And following every cobblestone or dirt path I cross to see where it leads.

I’ve been traveling on and off for the past four years – usually working and saving money, then traveling and spending it all. Returning home to California to earn more money, and hitting the road again. Slightly unconventional, but beyond worth it. While my friends have been buying houses, going to law school, and getting promotions, I’ve been sledding down active volcanoes, teaching English in Korea, and trekking across glaciers in Patagonia. Between hitchhiking in Central America and haggling in Athens, I’ve been racking up the memories and crossing things off my life list.

Before long I’ll be headed south, heeding the call of the road once more. I have no idea what to expect…so for now, I’m looking forward to the unexpected.