Six months ago I was in Quito (see post here) and while there I realized I could fulfill a longtime personal dream to take a Spanish immersion class. I’d always thought I would do it in Spain years from now when I had more time, but it hit me: There are dozens of reasonably priced Spanish language schools in Quito; the time zone is essentially the same as mine in Washington, D.C. (meaning I could work at least part time); and I already had several friends who lived there. My trip (it ended up being a month and a half) was a distillation of everything I believe in and have learned about travel: slowing it down, learning a language, allowing the culture and nature and stories to seep in and change you, and connecting to people with abrazos and besos and cafecitos more than likes or links. And doing it all in a way that respects and sustains and creates a positive ripple.