I'm planning a trip for 3 months to Ecuador. I'm wondering if you all could lend some advice.
I am a single, very skinny girl. I am traveling alone. I am planning on staying in touristy places, and of course I am very open to finding other traveling and forming a group if possible, but I want to be prepared to be alone.
I read a lot of info on bringing a weapon. Initially I was planning on bringing a small stun gun, not for the purpose of protecting my "stuff" cause I don't care about stuff, but more specifically as a last line of defense in an assault, specifically sexual assault, which I know is not common but I worry. However, after reading your exchanges on the issue, I don't think that is the best option. Does anyone have thoughts on self defense? I've heard of the unbreakable umbrellas mentioned, is that a good idea? I know a self-defense course is advisable, however, I currently live in a tiny town in the mountains 60 miles in any direction from any other town, with no car, and there is not self-defense teacher here. So unless I can find a class in Ecuador....
As for bringing a tablet...I would like to be able to Skype with my family while I am there. But I understand that a tablet is asking for theft. What do you all recommend for this? I could use a ankle/calf band to hide it if I need to travel with it? I have a small travel safe that I can use in my hostel room, but I don't expect that to deter someone who really wants it. If I decide to not bring a tablet, are there still computer labs strewn throughout the larger cities where I can pay to use a public one (I was there for a couple months some 10 years ago when the internet was still hard to find...now it seems like all the hostels have internet?)
I have a visable tattoo. I actually was planning on talking to a removal specialist when I get there cause it was a terrible mistake when I was younger and it is very expensive to get it removed. But, if I decide not to remove it (or it does take several weeks for it to go), what is the cultural outlook on visable tattoos in Ecuador? I am considering wearing a light ace bandage over it if needed. Also, does anyone have an opinion on getting laser tattoo removal in Quito?
As far as learning Spanish, I am a slow reader at this point and don't have a lot of experience speaking or listening, but I am working very hard here online and with some local Mexicans. Which is the reason I am going to Ecuador, I need to work on fluency to further my career opportunities here. Does anyone have an opinion on Spanish schools there...are they worth it? Should I use one as a stepping stone for my first couple weeks?
I am also hoping to find a physical therapist or personal trainer type facility in Quito while I am there...anyone here have suggestions? I need to continue therapy after several back surgeries, I can do a lot on my own, but I enjoy the company of a class/instructor. I can do yoga, and enjoy that as well...anyone have suggestions?
Other than those thoughts...any other suggestions? I am planning on staying in Quito for the first month or so, then maybe checking out Cuenca or the tourist town on the Rainforest side of the mountains. If I think my Spanish is advanced enough, I may go to the ocean toward the end of the trip, but when I was there ten years ago I had a very hard time understanding the locals in that part of the country because of the thicker accent...I am not much of a beach fan either, I am a mountain lover, so I'll only go if I get bored I guess.
Thank you, sorry this is so long.
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