Blog Index
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Across the Andes Eastern Mountain Range
Andre travels from Quito, high in the Andes Mountains, East to Tena, Ecuador on the edge of the Amazon Jungle.
Link to article: Here
A Jewel To Be Polished
Ecuador has the location, climate and natural resources to make it the precious jewel of South America. Andre gives his overview and specific comments on the Northern, coastal province of Esmeraldas.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
A Legal System To Frustrate Women - Ecuador
Ecuador is a beautiful country with wonderful people and the potential to be the jewel of South America. There are many positive changes taking place to move the country out of poverty and move it more into the modern world. Unfortunately, Not everything changes quickly and Andre observes on one woman's struggle for justice in a male dominated, macho legal system.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
A Night Out in Quito's Historic Centre
A world heritage site, Spanish architecture, bustling crowds, interesting restaurants and lively music.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
A time to Act
Have fun and get paid for it. No experience necessary. Film production companies are always looking for people to do things as simply walking down a street or sitting in a lobby.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
A Traditional High Andes Mountain Home - Ecuador
A Walk By the River
River family, Chone, Ecuador
I have never walked along side of a river or stream without enjoyment. Along the Chone river, Ecuador, Andre meets warm hearted people.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
Be Sure To Secure - Online Payments
Computer security on-line payment
Are you secure when you make financial transactions / payments online ? This article shows you a key security feature to look for.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
Bonding With Loved Ones
Bull Fighting
Bully Bully
Canada and the USA at War ( 1812)
Can You Love and Hate Someone at the Same Time ?
What do you think ?
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
Chistmas - A time for caring
Mountain Boy's Christmas, Ecuador
Clubs around the world rally at Christmas to give to the poor, less fortunate. The Rotary Club of San Francisco, Quito Ecuador held a Christmas party for children from a remote mountain village in the Andes.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
Climbing Cotopaxi Volcano
Over four kilometers ( about 3 miles) the air is thin and the climb arduous. Cotopaxi is a snow capped, active volcano in Ecuador, South America
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
Coastal People - Ecuador
Coastal people.
Regional rivalries exist in every country. Andre travels from the government dominated capital of Ecuador, Quito, to discover the Coastal People.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
Coincidence or Destiny ?
Andre's life recently seems to be led by fortuitous encounters and he questions whether it is the result of coincidence or destiny.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
Contrasting Love and Hate
As Valentines Day approaches shipments of flowers congest the airports of Ecuador, headed for markets in North America and Europe; flowers to tell of love. By contrast, Andre Hugo attended a celebration of the holocaust that powerfully reminded us of our capacity for and struggle to overcome hate.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
Cost of Living Comparisons
Money is not everything; but, we cannot ignore that to some degree it will affect our overall happiness. Andre identifies a website that gives you city comparisons.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
Creating a Better Life - Victory Over Ones-Self
Man's Greatest Success is Victory Over Ones-self. In realizing this, you become aware of the power within each of us to take control of our lives.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
Cuenca, Ecuador - A Quick Visit
Having heard all the rave about how great Cuenca is, Andre had to see for himself.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
Dancing Salsa and More
To continue pursuing his life adventure to the fullest, Andre faced the challenge of learning to dance the Salsa.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
Danger - Everywhere
Crime captures the news because it is sensational and people have a natural interest in their safety and security. News splashed across the media often gives a false perspective. Recently the horrific crimes and law enforcement struggles in Mexico have caused people to forget that violence is everywhere. For example, there are more killings per capita in Washington D.C. than in Mexico.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
Deal With Stress
" Do you still love your ex-wife? "
St. Valentine's Day is the special day in which we take stock of love in our life.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
El Dia de Difunto -- The Day of the Dead
A major migration across Latin America takes place each year as people return to their home towns to honour those who have gone before.
Link to article: Here
Ever So Young
Film and Popular History
Andre points out that American history is has significant fiction and that the film industry does a disservice by falsely portraying historical events to create drama and jingoism.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
Fire - Fires Everywhere In Ecuador
Goodbye 2010
New Years Eve Celebration in Ecuador. Custom for moving from old year to the new.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
Food Cravings on a Trip Home
Starved of unhealthy foods that warm in the winter cold, Andre lines up, anti-acid tablets in hand, on a trip home.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
From Where Come Dreams ?
Sometimes dreams are so real. They include completely new and old memories. Where do they come from and why ?
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
Giving Back
Beggar woman in Ecuador street
We travel our world savoring the many sites, people and cultures. The less fortunate are often the focus of our interest and photography. Should we exploit their situation without giving something in return ?
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
Grace - Ecuador Rainforest Project
This is to be an ongoing report of my friend Grace and her adventure as she pursues her life in the Junin Cloud Forest of Ecuador
3 Nov 11 - Introduction & birth of a foal.
More Adventures of Grace - Baby Boomer
14 November 2011
25 November 2001
2 December 2011
11 December 2011
18 March 2012
6 June 2012
3 July 2012
21 July 2012
31 July 2012
2 October 2012
25 October 2012
6 December 2012r
20 February 2013
3 Nov 11 - Introduction & birth of a foal.
More Adventures of Grace - Baby Boomer
14 November 2011
25 November 2001
2 December 2011
11 December 2011
18 March 2012
6 June 2012
3 July 2012
21 July 2012
31 July 2012
2 October 2012
25 October 2012
6 December 2012r
20 February 2013
Grow Up ! Act Your Age !
Andre tells of throwing off the persona of expectations and free the child within to play again and have fun.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
Hello ! Are You There ? Can You Hear Me ?
Hotel Dann Carlton Delivers Quality Customer Care
This blog tells of a sad experience for this writer and photographer, the theft of my camera, and the evident devotion to customer care delivered by the Hotel Manager to ensure that I was a satisfied patron.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
Hotels - It's the Human Touch
The large Hotels are usually sterile places offering location and facilities. Too often missing is the warmth and hospitality that can only come from caring employees. Andre recognizes the staff of the Hotel Sheraton in the North of Quito, Ecuador who regularly make him their friend.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways
Helping Hands Bring Joy to Givers
Children and senior can be the victims of poverty and in need of support. Andre reports on three visits by he and his friends in Ecuador.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
I'm a Country Mouse at Heart
You can take the boy out of the country; but, you can't take the country out of the boy.
Link to Article: Here
Link to Article: Here
Importance of Dreams
My daughter calls me a dreamer; but without dreams I would not have achieved many successes in life or be pursing such a wonderful adventure in my later years. Article with poem " You Can Be Whatever You Want To Be!by" by Donna Levine.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
It Ain't What It Used To Be
Age gracefully, they say. Really ?
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
It Came To My Window
There are over 132 varieties of Hummingbirds in Ecuador, over half of its type in the world.
Link to article: Here
I Used To ...........
I used to be fit, play sports, walk to work, run for fun, ride a bicycle. I used to be active and look good, or at least as good as I could.
Now, I used to be a couch potato.
Link to article: Here
Now, I used to be a couch potato.
Link to article: Here
Leading The Good Life
Terrace cafe Quito, Ecuador
Sitting under a sun umbrella on an outdoor terrace, drinking coffee and solving the world's problems is one of the pleasures of life.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
Medical Mission 2012 - Ecuador
Andre and Rotary Club members had the honour and pleasure to support a medical team from Healing The Children that provided surgery to needy children in Manabi Province, Ecuador.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
Men - It Was Just One of Those Days
Andre reports on one of the mysterious events a man faces when living with a woman.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
Mother
War Bride on Wedding Day
Nearing Valentines Day
Andre remembers that there has been love in the past and feels the human spirit, the pursuit of the beauty in a truly loving, relationship of equals.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
New Art Gallery in Quito, Ecuador - La Galeria de Arte - Strecker & Mosler
La Galeria de Arte – Strecker & Mosler aims to present the work of some of Ecuador’s finest artists, provide a venue for exhibitions of the country’s crafts, and host various cultural activities and art auctions.
Link to article: Here
No You Can't ! Yes I Can ! - And, Why " Andre Hugo ".
On N' Est Jamais Tourist Chez Soi. - Never A Tourist In Your Own Home
Do you only visit the "interesting" places in your neighborhood when visitors ask to be shown around ?
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
Orion Magazine - A Favorite
For importance of subject matter and quality writing, few magazines equal the high standard of Orion Magazine.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
Passing Gas
Clearing the air on a delicate subject
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
Police in Quito - What to Expect
The policeman is your friend ? Need help, stop a policeman/ woman.
What should visitors to Quito, Ecuador, expect?
Link to article: Here
What should visitors to Quito, Ecuador, expect?
Link to article: Here
Random Thoughts on a Rainy Day
Link to article: Here
Raping America's Poor and Middle Class
Greed and corruption in America's banks and Wall Street compounded by failure of political leadership continue to wreak pain and suffering on the poor and middle class.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
Recycling - An Old Practice Newly Discovered
Poor recycle, Quito, Ecuador
Every week when the garbage is placed at the curb, organized teams of indigenous people scour the piles for recyclable items benefiting everyone.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
Recycling by Great Grannie
Ancestors recycled
Recycling is not something new. We, in the developed world, just forgot about it. As a small child, I witnessed Great Granny making rugs and wall hangings from old clothes and the Junk Man guiding his horse pulled wagon down the street calling for junk to recycle.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
Red Wine With Soup For Lunch
Red wine & soup
Always a fan of eating hearty soups, one cannot ignore the health benefits of the occasional glass of red wine.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
Rotary Club - Enriching Lives
School and Hop Scotch in the Andes Mountains
Tells of a teacher who road a horse into a remote area of the Andes Mountains of Ecuador to take education to a scattered people.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
Security and Tourist Safety in Ecuador
Tourist police, Quito, Ecuador
Travelers must always be alert when traveling to developing regions of the world. As the economy has struggled, Ecuador has seen an increase in street crime. Government at all levels has recognized the importance of tourism and has bolstered security in tourist areas of the major cities where crime is more prevalent.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
Sensitive To A Child's Tears
A child on Quito street, Ecuador
Walking down the street, you see a small child sobbing. What do you do ?
Small children are raised on the streets of many countries you would love to visit.
Link to article: Here
Small children are raised on the streets of many countries you would love to visit.
Link to article: Here
Sidewalks in Quito, Ecuador
A rapidly growing city full of vehicular and pedestrian activity shows on the sidewalk.
Link to article: Here
Some Day, I'll Write a Book - My Story
How often has someone said that the could write a book about their life?
Andre's life has been interesting, if not exceptional in challenge and adventure. But, isn't each of ours ?
Periodic blog entries will tell his tale.
Link to articles: Here:
04 May 2013
Andre's life has been interesting, if not exceptional in challenge and adventure. But, isn't each of ours ?
Periodic blog entries will tell his tale.
Link to articles: Here:
04 May 2013
Spring 2013
Spring Is In The Air
Cherry blossoms and melting snow in the North announce the pending arrival of spring, a time of renewal. As in nature, it is time for us to recalibrate and change; to seek and discover life as it can be.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
Soaring Like a Bird
Flying over Pacific, Crucita, Ecuador
Life's adventures include doing the wild things that you have here-to-fore not done. Andre describes flying like a bird on a parachute off a mountain and over the Pacific coast.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
Stay In Bed And Get Fit
As we get older we lose flexibility and strength in our legs. This can hamper our enjoyment of life. Resolving these problems and starting on the path the better health, mobility and enjoyment of life can begin before you get out of bed and continue throughout your normal day.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
Summertime in the Equatorial Andes Mountains
The Caring Others
Andre takes a few moments to appreciate those who give caring support to others.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
The Date
Technology increasingly intervenes in relationships. Andre's date with his partner was no exception.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
The Elderly of My Affection
Mother
Two women, now passed on, highlighted the youth within, that is never too late to let free.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
The Fun is in The Journey (?)
The Noise of Change is Keeping Me Awake.
Ecuador is undergoing rapid, massive change. There are infrastructure and other improvement projects in every part of the country.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
The Quito Weekly
Andre announces a New English Language Newspaper in Quito, Ecuador and invites you to follow his column.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
There Are Three of Us in this Relationship
What is like for your partner to have another love present almost all the time.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
The Plight of Ecuadorian Women
Working womanQuito, Ecuador
The School at the Top of the Mountain
Andre visits a school high in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador where he finds one teacher and twelve students pursuing their education.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
The Spirit of Competition Never Leaves
On his 65th birthday, Andre remembers the joy of competing on the Canadian team against Team USA in track and field; noting that the personal formation of that day enabled him to great achievements later in life.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
The Stressing Diet
A diet based on recognition that the mind and body must experience positive stresses to achieve and maintain peak performance.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
The Train
The USA, The Second Largest Spanish Speaking Country In The World.
The USA, with a Spanish-speaking population of 50 million has more Spanish speakers than any other country in the world, except Mexico. Does this mean that the USA should be included in the definition of Latin America ?
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
Time for a Miracle
The Roman Catholic Church is in crises. Will the selection of a new pope be what is needed to bring about reform ?
Link to article: Here
Times Are Changing
Andre observes on trends that, to him, appear to be the result of people's over sensitivities and political correctness.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
To Cuenca and Back - The Journey
Link to article: Here
To The Beaches - Or Not ?
Andre goes to the beaches. What is it that attracts one to bake in the sun, on the sand ?
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
" You look good with your clothes on ! "
We just don't look as good as we did way back when. But, we can make ourselves the best we can be.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
Warming Hearts and Friendships
Where Have I Been & More - Spring 2013
Andre explains his temporary absence and reports upon driving and getting a driver's license in Ecuador.
Link to article: Here
Link to article: Here
Who is to Blame - Not Seniors
The world has advanced enormously since the second world war, all in a lifetime. Living, individually, in community and interacting with the environment is a ongoing experiment. But, should we blame all the ills on seniors ?
Link to Article: Here
Link to Article: Here
