The wedding (both the Ecuador ceremony and Indiana potluck) are both postponed indefinitely as we focus on staying safe through the Covid-19 pandemic. We've reached out to anyone who RSVP'd to make sure you know, and we'll be keeping everyone updated as things move forward. At this time, it's impossible to say when our new date will be but we hope you will be able to join us then!
Yes! We will be hosting a smaller, more casual get together in Indiana. More details on that when you get the invitation, so stay tuned.
Si! vamos a tener una pequena fiesta en Indiana. Mas detalles cuando mandamos las invitaciones formales
For the Ecuador wedding Think of it as a summer wedding. After going back and forth with my family in Ecuador they recommended we ask our guests dress in Cocktail attire, a little dressed up but don't like get a tux or gown. For the party in Indiana Casual. Bring your best jeans and gluten-free snickerdoodle recipes. (And pie!)
Esto va ser una boda estilo cocktail Para la fiesta en Indiana Casual
No - your presence is more than enough! Traveling is tough - and costly - so we're not expecting anything more. If you did want to gift us something we made a registry in the hopes that it will make things easier (also if you do want to gift us something don't bring your gift to Ecuador! Neither you nor the happy couple will want to deal with customs!)
Su presensia es sufuciente. Es un privilegio compartir con ustedes este dia tan feliz. Por esa razon no pedimos nada mas. Si de verdad nos quieren dar algo hicimos una registry para tratar de hacer las cosas mas facil para todos. Pero de verdad no es necesario o mandatorio
yup! There will be lots of young children at this wedding! Marcela has a lot of cousins and those cousins have children and those children will spend the whole wedding running around having hella fun - if you have kids, they can too! Si, por supuesto! Que es una boda sin niños?
No - visits up to 90 days are visa-free for U.S. citizens.
It's hot! Part of the year it rains, too. Pasaje is decidedly tropical - expect high temperatures every day in the 80s, with some humidity. We've planned the wedding to take place after the end of the rainy season, so we're hoping for no rain! For other parts of the country, there are basically two zones: The coast, where it is hot, and humid. The Andes, where the temperatures get mild as you get higher, and then get cold! (There are even glaciers up there). PS. There's also the Amazon which Ben forgot to mention. Expect humidity, it is a rain forest after all.
No, you don't need them, But the CDC recommends getting the Typhus and Hepatitis A vaccines before traveling to Ecuador and many other countries, as outbreaks can occur and be spread easily. However, they aren't required for travel. (Just remember the groom's parents are doctors, and will roll their eyes at you if you get sick without having had the vaccine). There is little to no risk of malaria in the places we'll be - nor any other tropical diseases. If you plan on visiting the Amazon basin (which is not near Pasaje), you must get some vaccines. Visit the CDC site to learn more: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/ecuador
Ecuador uses the U.S. dollar! So exchanging is easy - because you don't have to.
Yes! The 90's were rough for Ecuador - they had a president removed due to mental unfitness (they may be able to offer us advice), and then had a widespread financial crisis in 1998-1999. This was one of the main reasons Marcela moved to New York. (The other reason? To become a professional skateboarder. Little known fact.) This caused their currency, the Sucre, to become worthless. To stabilize the country, Ecuador switched to using the US dollar, becoming one of a few countries to do so.
Credit and debit cards work - you should check with your bank about fees for international travel (and let them know you'll be traveling). Cash is going to be useful to have on hand - you shouldn't assume every shop can take credit/debit cards. Don't carry a zillion dollars on you - meals are pretty inexpensive in Ecuador, so you can get by an entire week on less than $200. FYI - while Ecuador uses standard American bills, they do mint their own coins (centavos), so you will get some as change - mixed in with standard American coins as well.
Yes. Next question.
It can, but with some help. Some companies (like Verizon) offer international travel rates - you can turn on calling, texting, and data when you're traveling, without needing to swap a SIM card. Check with your carrier, or look into getting a SIM card in Ecuador. SIM cards are cheap and plentiful, and most phones allow you to swap them out. The main cell companies in Ecuador (Movistar and Claro) offer pre-paid data packages. You might be able to find one at the airport, otherwise you will definitely find one near your hotel or city center. Depending on your level of comfort with being disconnected and how long you will be in Ecuador you could get away with using WiFi only and apps such as WhatsApp, Fb messager and Instagram
Not much! And you're not going to survive on your wits alone. Apps like Google Translate can be very useful, and a good phrasebook would come in handy. Also bone up on some Spanish - you've got a year!
Wear sunscreen! Don't get bit by iguanas! (Or stray dogs). Ecuador is generally pretty safe, but use common sense. Big cities like Quito and Guayaquil come with the same risks big cities everywhere do. Exercise more caution there, same as you would when travelling to any big American city. - Be nice - Always tell someone where you will be - Try to keep a low profile, don't be too showy about money or electronics. Don't make yourself a target - Don't walk by yourself at night - Take cabs whenever possible but don't get into stranger's cars unless you've called the cab company. In Guayaquil, taxis can be certified "transporte seguro" - look for the sticker on their window. - Ask the hotel or restaurant you are at to call a taxi for you whenever possible - Keep your belongings close to you at all times - Stay alert in crowded places - Pick pockets can happen anywhere, but are most likely in Quito and Guayaquil - Watch out for counterfeit dollars
Yes! There are a few ways this wedding will help. First, the wedding will be fun, which is always helpful. Second, there are lots of mango trees around Pasaje, and if a mango falls on you, it's good luck. So hang out in the shade! Third, we'll arrange for a curandero/a to be at the wedding - they can remove the evil eye that is so clearly ailing you (Marcela can do this as well). They can do this with a raw egg, or by brushing you with stinging nettles. Or BOTH, Your choice!
So much! From a swingset at the edge of a beautiful valley, to crater lakes in the high Andes, to the Galapagos - the list is endless. We're putting together some of our favorites - and some great things near Pasaje. Check back soon!