Rocpadz Drum Sets.

Artisan Light Ride

Ecuador: The Newest Option For Gay Travelers

Gay expedition cruises to the Galapagos Islands have been very well known for some time, and there are several of these cruises offered every year. But Ecuador has much more to offer for the Gay and Lesbian Traveler-not the least of which is privacy, enjoyment, and a sense of comfort in the beautiful surroundings within Ecuador.

Gays and Lesbians seeking intimate time with their partner have romantic highland haciendas and small, out of the way inns, as well as major multi-star Hotels to chose from.

Enjoy a candle light dinner next to a romantic fire place or enjoy a nice drink and a good conversation at the hacienda's bar.

Because temperatures can be low in the high Andes where many haciendas are located, a fireplace brings just the romantic touch, and will heat your bedroom to ensure that you have a cozy warm night.

During the day, haciendas offer activities ranging from adventurous horseback riding to visits to indigenous markets. There is a day activity for every taste.

Ecuador has a huge artisan tradition and most artisan workshops open their doors to the Gay and Lesbian visitor. Visits to artisan workshops can be combined with hacienda stays, especially north of Quito.

Excellent handicraft workshops can be found throughout Ecuador, but especially in the city of Cuenca, about a 40 minute flight south of Quito.

Cuenca has been declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations and this small, yet bustling town is well-known for its excellent, colonial style Hotels and its Gay and Lesbian community---which can be found right in the center of the City. Plan on taking at least 2 days to explore the City and its surroundings.

Whatever you do, don't forget to spend at least a half a day in Gualaceo and Chordeleg--well known for jewelry workshops and Orchid farms.

A short 4 hour trip by bus from Cuenca is the tropical city of Guayaquil. If you have the time, rent a car or travel with a public bus from Cuenca to Guayaquil. Make sure that you travel through the spectacular Cajas National Park with its hundreds of lakes.

Guayaquil is Ecuador's largest city and serves as the main port for the country. The city has a very active gay community and it is an excellent gateway for travel to Galapagos Islands.

The main gay-bars and clubs can be found at the Rocafuerte Street, 2 blocks behind the Malecon 2000, about at the height of the Ramada Hotel.

Before you dive into the nightlife, walk along the Malecon 2000 and walk up the stairs to the Light House above Las Penas, the small old town of Guayaquil.

On both sides of the stairs can be found a variety of bars and restaurants, which invite the Guayaquil visitor in for a cold beer---far and away, the best drink in this tropical city.

If you have a moment more, visit "Parque Seminario" or "Parque de las Iguanas" as the locals call it. Here, Iguanas walk around like cats and dogs in North American or European parks. Although it may be tempting, don't try to pet the Iguanas.

Within 40 minutes flight time is the City of Quito. Should you travel in the morning, make sure that you sit on the right hand side of the Aircraft, because this side of the flight has the most beautiful mountain scenery imaginable.

Quito is a bustling, cosmopolitan city, and offers the most of all the Ecuadorian cities to the Gay Traveler. Stay in the old town. Especially recommended is the beautiful-and pricey-"Gay-owned" Bed and Breakfast "Villa Colonna".

The historical part of Quito has been designated as a World Heritage Site by the UN and offers some of the most spectacular colonial churches in the world. In your visit to the colonial center, seek out and enjoy some of the various excellent museums.

The Gay Clubs and Bars you will find in the Mariscal district in northern Quito. Here, there are many excellent Bars, Clubs and Restaurants. You will feel a comfortable ambiance every day of the week, but especially from Wednesday to Sunday.

For Gays and Lesbian who seek Gourmet Dining, there are several excellent restaurants be found behind the Swissotel, around Isabel La Catolica street. My favorite restaurant in this sector, and one which I recommend highly, is "La Choza" which offers excellent Ecuadorian food.

Quito hosts the most important Gay and Lesbian film festival in Latin America. The festival is organized by Quitogay and the Cinema "Ocho y Medio".

Ecuador offers Gay and Lesbian Travelers interesting options for sightseeing, enjoyment, and unique opportunities, and guarantees the trip of a lifetime.

About the Author

Peter Lauffer, General Manager of TrueColors
Travel in Quito - Your Expert Guide for Gay and Lesbian Travel to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands www.galapagostraveller.com

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Sabian Vault Artisan Light Ride 22 Inch $559 The Light Ride produces a defined, low-pitched stick sound and wide tonal spread. Vault Series cymbals are made with centuries-old cymbal-making techniques including high-density hand-hammering. The premium, limited-edition Artisan series cymbals express rich, complex tones. Created with secret-process B20 bronze from a formula invented almost 400 years ago.

Sabian Vault Artisan Light Ride 20 Inch $479 The Light Ride produces a defined, low-pitched stick sound and wide tonal spread. Vault Series cymbals are made with centuries-old cymbal-making techniques including high-density hand-hammering. The premium, limited-edition Artisan series cymbals express rich, complex tones. Created with secret-process B20 bronze from a formula invented almost 400 years ago.

Sabian 20 Vault Artisan Light Ride Cymbal $479 The Light Ride produces a defined, low-pitched stick sound and wide tonal spread. Vault Series cymbals are made with centuries-old cymbal-making techniques including high-density hand-hammering. The premium, limited-edition Artisan series cymbals express rich, complex tones. Created with secret-process B20 bronze from a formula invented almost 400 years ago.

Sabian Vault Artisan Light Ride Brilliant 20 Inch $479 The Light Ride produces a defined, low-pitched stick sound and wide tonal spread. The brilliant finish gives it dazzling visuals. Vault Series cymbals are made with centuries-old cymbal-making techniques including high-density hand-hammering. The premium, limited-edition Artisan series cymbals express rich, complex tones. Created with secret-process B20 bronze from a formula invented almost 400 years ago.

Sabian Vault Artisan Light Ride Brilliant 22 Inch $559 The Light Ride produces a defined, low-pitched stick sound and wide tonal spread. The brilliant finish gives it dazzling visuals. Vault Series cymbals are made with centuries-old cymbal-making techniques including high-density hand-hammering. The premium, limited-edition Artisan series cymbals express rich, complex tones. Created with secret-process B20 bronze from a formula invented almost 400 years ago.

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Rocking Rabbit Ride-On by Playsam $190 This is one hare that's sure to win the race. The Playsam Rocking Rabbit Ride-On makes the ideal gift for young bunny lovers. A take-off on the traditional rocking horse, this solid wood rocker depicts a smiling rabbit, complete with buck teeth, a round tail and floppy leather ears. Designed by Bjorn Dahlstrom. Available in Black or Red. A leading Scandinavian design company, Playsam creates innovative and timeless wooden toys for the young and the young at heart. With each and every toy, Playsam not only strives for physical functionality, but also for an art form that challenges pre-existing artistic concepts and conventions. The Playsam Rocking Rabbit Ride-On is available with the following: Details:Made of solid woodLeather earsGloss finishDesigned by Bjorn DahlstromOptions:Color: Black, or Red.Shipping: In Stock items ship within 1 business day. Others usually ship within 2 weeks unless otherwise noted. Dimensions: Seat: Height 12 In.

Sabian Vault Artisan Medium Ride Brilliant 22 Inch $559 Sabian Vault Artisan Medium Ride Brilliant 22 Inch

Saab Roadster Ride-On Car by Playsam $500 A grown-up accessory for the child in all of us. The Playsam Saab Roadster Ride-On Car, part of the Executive collection by Playsam, is based on the Sixten Saxon's prototype of the Saab Concept Car 92001. Its relaxed yet sporty solid wood design suggests an afternoon cruse along the coast. A leading Scandinavian design company, Playsam creates innovative and timeless wooden toys for the young and the young at heart. With each and every toy, Playsam not only strives for physical functionality, but also for an art form that challenges pre-existing artistic concepts and conventions. The Playsam Saab Roadster Ride-On Car is available with the following: Details:Body made of ABS plastic and woodSteering wheel made of wood and metal Seat made of woodNot suitable for children under 12 months of ageDesigned by Ulf HansesShipping: In Stock items ship within 1 business day. Others usually ship within 2 weeks unless otherwise noted. Dimensions: Seat: Height 10.24 In. Item: Length 33.86 In., Width 14.57 In.

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Sabian Vault Artisan Medium Ride 22 Inch $559 Centuries-old cymbal-making techniques, including "high-density" hand-hammering, were revived in the creation of this limited-availability, super-premium model. This traditional, labor-intensive style of cymbal making enhances the tonal complexity of the Artisan Ride by increasing the amount of hammer dimples dotting its surface. This method boosts playability and increases the responsiveness of the bronze. This cymbal expresses a glassy, well-defined stick click with a rich wellspring of dark-edged tone bubbling underneath. It has a piercing bell and great crash capability. The metal used is secret-process B20 bronze from a formula invented almost 400 years ago.

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Sabian Vault Artisan Medium Ride Brilliant 20 Inch $479 This vintage-sounding ride has a very defined, crisper ping and a slightly tighter tonal spread. Recalls the vintage Turkish cymbals much sought after by top drummers and collectors. Vault Series cymbals are made with centuries-old cymbal-making techniques including high-density hand-hammering. The premium, limited-edition Artisan series cymbals express rich, complex tones. Created with secret-process B20 bronze from a formula invented almost 400 years ago.

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Primula 4 Light Flushmount by AXO Light $1086.4 Like a bouquet of roses, the AXO Light Primula 4-Light Flushmount offers timeless beauty and elegance to the designer home. Its four petal-like pure crystal shades benefit from the reflective nature of the polished ceiling canopy and create a unique display of light impossible to miss. A charming fixture in just about any room. Italy's AXO Light combines traditional Venetian glasswork and artisan craftwork with avant-garde lighting techniques and innovative materials. Their design philosophy is clear: use creativity and inspiration to create stunning lighting replete with value and emotion. The AXO Light Primula 4-Light Flushmount is available with the following: Details:4 crystal shadesMetal fittingsChrome finishSquare ceiling canopyDesigned by Manuel Vivian and Max VivianLighting: Four 35 Watt 12 Volt Low-voltage Type GY6.35 Incandescent lamps (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships within 2 to 4 weeks. Dimensions: Fixture: Length 10.9 In., Height 3.9 In., Width 10.9 In.

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