fter more than a quarter century as a software engineer, and many years since I had a long relaxing vacation, I needed a break from the stresses of high-tech work and life in the fast lane. My boss and my company were helpful and understanding when they allowed me to take a two-month unpaid leave of absence. But what to do with this treasure of free time? If I wanted to climb a glacier-capped dormant volcano, I could do that in my home state. If I wanted to camp in a crowded forest campground, I could do that close to home. I wanted to relax and readjust my persective of what's important in life. I decided that the Andes mountains would be a good place to find a slow pace of life, the cool weather that I like, and to get far away from high-tech. There I could relax.

Index of stories:

Index of stories: My mode of travel and tourism; And approach to photography Trip preparation and leaving Living with a family in Quito The language; Gringos, chicos, sneezes, and more Adventures in public transportation; The 2-cent Terminal Permit; The Van Without a Door; The Old Woman

The bewildered traveler: How men help women's self esteem; North is South: Getting turned around; Moneychangers; May I see your passport? Snake Juice in Vilcabamba Huaráz, the trekking launch point Chiquián, the quintessential Andean pueblo; and Uta, La Gringa The typical traveler

Index of Notes for the Traveler in South America

Calling Cards Getting Your Email Fruit Toilet Paper Business Cards Toilet Paper 2 Showers Moleskin Polite Customs Leatherman Micro Your Journal