Reflecting on my arrival in Cuenca, Ecuador, I recall the lone bus ride through dark skies and frigid air, surrounded by the expansive Andean peaks. At 13,000 feet, anxiety grew as I contemplated returning home to Toronto instead of embarking on this journey. In 2018, at 27, I shifted my life direction after an unplanned visa issue in Colombia. This led me to backpack in Ecuador, where I decided to stay after my friends departed.
Originally moving to Toronto in 2010 to pursue journalism, I felt the city’s fast pace and high living costs were overwhelming. A friend’s lifestyle in Colombia inspired me to seek adventure in South America. With savings for a year’s travel, I took a leap, expecting to return home if necessary. Little did I know that my journey would extend far beyond that year, reshaping my life amidst a pandemic.
Settling in Cuenca, I found community and cultural experiences that ignited my enthusiasm for life. With a manageable cost of living, I enjoy various activities such as summiting volcanoes and immersing myself in local customs. Despite the challenges of political instability and power outages, I’ve learned to appreciate nature and establish personal values that prioritize well-being over material struggles. My life here, while imperfect, fills me with gratitude.