I am a terrible planner.
I have learned never to plan travel or announce my plans because they never work out. And I always change my mind or a new opportunity arises and I can’t turn it down.
That’s the way I like it.
In the last week things have changed quite a bit. I have been practicing my Spanish with the bartender/server Richard on my Galapagos cruise and was lamenting that I wish I could stay longer in the Galapagos.
He told me it was easy to change my flight and my guide Juan told me there was only a small airline change fee of $16.50.
I decided I would stay one week longer.
But a few days passed and I realized I wanted to stay longer so I could relax on the island and also take some day trips.
Puerto Ayora has the most inhabitants with 30,000 and both Juan and Richard told me it was very safe and they had no issue going out at night.
I decided I would stay two weeks longer.
At the airport as Juan was helping me change my ticket he asked if I wanted to stay a month and then if I wanted to leave earlier I could always just change it again.
I want to stay a month.
And because I don’t plan there was room for serendipity. Juan rents a 3 bedroom house but his last tenant just left.
I had planned to stay in a hotel for $25 a night but Juan’s tenant just left so he offered it to me. I don’t need three apartments but you cannot beat a house, especially a kitchen. I could not refuse.
This is where I am living!
It comes complete with a neighbour who has a lovely dog named Loba (Spanish for wolf) who is adorably friendly.
I am only a few blocks from the waterfront, produce market and a grocery store. It has only been one day but I know it’s the right thing for me right now. But already I am wondering if one month is enough.
Special people don’t need to plan; things just come out!
I wish you love,
Silvia
Aww thanks Silvia!
Wow! That definitely beats paying for a hotel room. It’s massive!! I regret not changing my flight in the Galapagos. I could easily have added at least a week and still made it down to the Mama Negra festival I wanted to see in Latacunga.
I ended up missing a festival in Latacunga as well, I guess there is always next year.
Heh, I just did a cost of living in Mexico post but now you have me rethinking it all. This house looks beautiful and I would never have guessed you could rent there for that price! Hmm, you have me pondering next year’s plan 🙂
You can also do it for less if you wanted just a hotel room you can do $300 a month.
I can’t plan well at all. Reading this reinforces that it’s often for the best. 🙂 Great and lucky find!
I once was a Type A planner but I quickly lost that in Latin America.
Your karma must be humming….looks just great and ideal for you!
I must be doing something right!
Wow, this is incredible! I’ve never seen my inability to plan anything in such a good light before!
It´s a nice twist on poor planning.
How awesome to have that freedom to be able to stay longer. That looks like a sweet pad… and I’m encouraged to hear that hotels can be had for only $25/night.
So many people are surprised that hotels are often cheaper than hostels.
I think I needed to read something like this today 🙂 I don’t typically plan far in advance, but the bare bones plans I did have in my mind for July & August are quickly falling apart & I’m more than a little bummed. But reading this made me smile! I can’t wait to read more about the Galapagos as you spend more time there!
My plans always fall apart, maybe it´s a sign to go with the flow.
It’s awesome how things like this just end up working out sometimes!
Nice apartment! I wish I had added another week to my Galapagos stay. It is such an amazing place!
It is defiitely hard to leave.
Another month?
5 weeks in total.
Why can’t I have the luxury of time like you do? I’d do the same – staying for as long as it takes in Galapagos.
Perhaps you have the luxury of money ¨:) no one gets everything!
I’m not much of a planner either! I get too overwhelmed and I know life is bound to surprise me so it’s better to keep things open!
Wow. What a treat!
Your own house…
Well, if you love it, sounds like you can stay a while!
Enjoy!
Every once in a while I try to make plans but I can never stick to them!
I also don’t plan things because I love surprises whether it is good or bad.
I am often the same way.
Hi Ayngelina,
I don’t blame you at all for extending your stay, and I love the spontaneity. I hope life back in Canada seems relevant once again.
All the best.
That’s awesome! My husband and I are looking for a spontaneous month-long surf adventure (well, he’ll surf, I’ll mostly go out when it’s super small and try:). Any suggestions for the $300 to $500 monthly rental range anywhere close to a consistent surf break? Do you find it difficult to get around without a vehicle?
I hope you find what you are looking for on your adventure. I found my husband on a similar trip to South America seven years ago– met in a tiny beach town– turns out we were from the same small town in Oregon– but didn’t meet till that trip–crazy! Stayed friends all this time and just got married in July 🙂 Thanks for sharing!