From Ecuador to Spain, Stay Anywhere in the World For Free
By Bob Patrick
By Bob Patrick
I
started exploring the world full time in January of 2010 and since then
have spent time in the Caribbean, Mexico, Canada, Ecuador, and Spain.
I
spent eight months in Sint Maarten, the Dutch side of a small island in
the Caribbean (the other side is French). While there I got to
experience the Heineken Regatta, a world-renowned sailing event that
brings people from all over the world to this tiny island. I lived in a
beautiful, new, two-bedroom condo right on Simpson Bay...known for its
crystal clear waters and gleaming white-sand beaches. It's one of the
main tourist areas on the island, but while visitors racked up expensive
hotel bills, I stayed free of charge.
My next stop was Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The malecon
(esplanade) on the crescent-shaped Banderas Bay is a fabulous place for
strolling, enjoying a cold drink in one of the many beach bars, or just
sitting and watching the world go by, while looking out over the azure
waters of the bay, with deep-blue skies above. Not a bad place to spend
two months in a four-bedroom, golf course home close to the marina. My
rent for the two months...zero.
Then
there was the nine months I spent on the island of Cozumel, also in
Mexico. Just 12 miles off Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, it's home to some
of the best reefs in the world. Teeming with fish of unimaginably bright
colors, it's no surprise it's one of the most popular dive spots in the
world. My (free) accommodation here was a hacienda with pool included.
For
the last two-and-a-half years I've been spending a lot of time in
Ecuador, staying in some beautiful homes...and haven't spent a cent on
them.
One
of my favorite spots was in a four-story condo building in the
picturesque village of Cotacachi, 7,800 feet up in the Andes Mountains. I
stayed on the top floor of a building that had an open terrace and a
barbecue grill. In the evenings, I'd grill steaks or chicken while
taking in the amazing views of Mt. Imbabura to the east and Mt.
Cotacachi to the west. Occasionally I would see snow on the top of Mt.
Cotacachi, but in town the weather was a pleasant 65 F to 70 F.
As well as saving money on my accommodation expenses, I was also saving by living here. Before arriving, I didn't know just how inexpensive it was. On my first trip to the farmer's market, I picked up a bunch of 14 bananas for the grand total of $0.75, a big head of cauliflower for $0.50 and about 30 mid-size potatoes for $0.75. And a typical Ecuadorian lunch set me back no more than $3.50. That gets you a glass of fresh juice, a bowl of tasty soup, usually with some potatoes and other veggies in it, and a main of a small salad, rice or potatoes, and either beef or chicken followed by a small dessert.
As well as saving money on my accommodation expenses, I was also saving by living here. Before arriving, I didn't know just how inexpensive it was. On my first trip to the farmer's market, I picked up a bunch of 14 bananas for the grand total of $0.75, a big head of cauliflower for $0.50 and about 30 mid-size potatoes for $0.75. And a typical Ecuadorian lunch set me back no more than $3.50. That gets you a glass of fresh juice, a bowl of tasty soup, usually with some potatoes and other veggies in it, and a main of a small salad, rice or potatoes, and either beef or chicken followed by a small dessert.
Right
now, I'm enjoying time on Spain's Mediterranean coast. Every morning, I
start the day with a cup of coffee on the terrace overlooking Malaga
Bay. Everything I need is close by: the grocery stores, vegetable
market, shopping, and, of course, the world-class beaches of the Costa
del Sol. And like all the other places around the world I've stayed in,
I'm not paying a cent for my accommodation.
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