Who’s that guy looking down from the Basilica? It’s Bob Ramsak of Piran Cafe!!!!
Silvana of Monoaullador and I were delighted to say “WELCOME BACK!” to our WordPress pal, Bob Ramsak (Piran Cafe) today in Quito. Bob’s trail brought him through the Jama area two years ago as he traveled (overland) from Argentina to Chile, Bolivia, Peru and on to Ecuador on his way through the Americas. The following post summarized WEEK 18 as he finished the Ecuador leg of his journey: BOOTLEg BARBIES, AN INAUGURATION, A MARCH AGAINST MONSANTO, AND THE COOLEST FLOOR IN THE WORLD.
So who is Bob? His “About Page” offers a great summary: “I’ve visited 54 countries and roam often as a writer, editor and translator, but Piran Café is not a travel blog. It’s evolved into a notebook, a collection of experiences and moments, long and short, connected and propelled by my primary passions: travel, art, culture and justice. When they and I cross paths, you’ll find some of the results here.”
The true gift is to visit with Bob in person, where he taps into his thought-provoking reservoir of knowledge and shares stories that range from world-class sporting events to the dangers of street photography. SURVIVING A STREET ASSAULT IN POTOSI or THE DANGERS OF STREET PHOTOGRAPHY The posts are great, but the stories in person are even better! (Thanks, Bob!)
And from his first week back in Quito:
La Iglesia de el Sagratio – Free Quito Walking Tour
Escaping the Frenzy – A Quiet Quito Sunday Afternoon Photo Walk
Keep your eye out for him and say, “Hey Bob! Tell us a story!” (And tell him that Lisa and Silvana sent you!)
Welcome back, Bob! We look forward to more stories!
PS: Silvana and I have toured a few doctors’ offices while in Quito, so expect an update soon on allergies, chronic coughs and their triggers. Feeling Better, Z
Zeebra Designs & Destinations 
I will check out Bob’s work – thanks. And DO let me know about allergies! Mine are bad. Just got a room air purifier to clean the air in my bedroom where I spend about one third of my life. Hope it helps.
Thanks; one of my sisters often carried around an air purifier and set it up in different rooms… if you notice a difference, then it is surely helping! it couldn’t hurt!
will let you know more after we’re finished next week. z
Thanks Lisa! Great to be back and especially seeing the two of you again.
Thanks; it was nice of you to order nice sunny weather; we’ll take some of that Quito rain back to the coast where we need it!
Thanks for the heads up!
You’re welcome! You would enjoy visiting with well-traveled and well-read Bob…
Lovely to be introduced to another of your friends. I’ll be glad when it warms enough to be walking weather. No strolling now — just point-A-to-point-B. It seems like it ought to be much warmer, much more springish, but then I remind myself that it is still February (if barely).
Best wishes for good results re: the allergies. I escaped the cedar fever this year. I think fog and rain kept all the cedar pollen farther north or washed out of the air. Next up? Pine and oak! Yuck.
pine! oh my, how well i remember the thin coat of yellow that tainted everything when the pine trees were pollinating…. i hope that those pollens stay up there!
bob’s a great guy and so interesting… we swapped stories about nicaragua last night – he’s lived a very full life and has a lot more ahead.
Good news on health front, L. Being pro-active is more than half the battle. I’m keeping tuned in for test results and positive solutions. Thoughts out to you! Raye ox
will get results from some blood tests on monday as well as starting the allergy testing.. meanwhile i’ve enjoyed being a tourist! thanks, amiga…..
I’ve been following Bob for a while and always enjoy his posts.
siolvana and i enjoyed lunch/almuerzo with him today in a tiny restaurant – so tiny that it had no name! that’s ok, we’ll forever remember its location!
Nice tribute to Bob, Lisa. I,too, follow him. Good luck with some allergy answers, Mine have been worse this winter. What gives? Say hi to Sylvana.
thanks, amiga; silvana and i are in otavalo and just had an amazing finale to our day/evening… we took lots of photos and hopefully one of us will find time to post them soon.. it was a potential groom’s formal way of asking for the girl’s hand.. there was sort of a parade with two black cows with red bows, several ‘poles’ of chickens dangling down followed by guinea pigs dangling, etc etc,,, 7 musicians playing the same tune over and over.. we dashed out of the restaurant and followed the procession and stayed til abut midnight!
Hola Bob! Last time he visited you, he was headed my way, but never made it. I hope I have a chance to see him in Nica soon. Feel better mi amiga.
We swapped Nicaragua stories a few days ago. He will love seeing your area and how its changed, especially w/the airport in your backyard. (front yard?)