Better call me Art
Arthur van den Elzen is my full name, but you can call me Art. Travel Art, if you like.
I was born in August 1964 in Rosmalen, Brabant, a Southern province of Holland. That is, … The Netherlands.
During my studies at the Radboud University of Nijmegen (Communications), I had the opportunity to fulfil my graduation project in Riobamba, Ecuador (1990-1991). A dream came true.
After finishing college, I worked at networks of educational radio stations in South America. First in Ecuador for seven years, followed by three years in Guatemala.
- Me, Travel Art, and my wife Wendy left our home country definitely in 1994.
Through my work at the radio stations we had the honor of living in many different parts of Ecuador. Mainly in the Andes highlands, but also in other regions. For over a year we lived in the Amazon region.
From 1997 on we were accompanied by our daughter Lisa. She was born while living & working in Baños. A small town bordering the Andean Highlands with the Amazon.
The three of us went to Guatemala in 2000, where we lived & worked until 2003. Though also a country with many problems – like poverty, violence and corruption – a beautiful country to live in & get to know its people.
As in Ecuador, I got to know many regions of Guatemala. A country as diverse as Ecuador in many ways. High mountains, the Petén jungle & tropical coastlines.
Instead of changing places every six months – like we did in Ecuador – in “Guate” we lived in one place (near beautiful Antigua Guatemala). From that base, I regularly travelled to the radio stations with a colleague, staying there for a few days. An interesting job.
We returned to Ecuador in 2003, starting a Hotel/restaurant in the Northern Andes. The Best & most Beautiful hotel you’ll find in the market town of Otavalo, Imbabura.
Ecuador is a really beautiful country to live in. As my home province of Imbabura is one of the most beautiful provinces, with many Attractions in & around Otavalo to visit.
Besides that, Ecuador is a perfect base to explore other countries around, like Colombia, Peru, Bolivia & others. As was Guatemala – when we lived there -visiting my favorite travel destination Mexico, but also Honduras, El Salvador & others.
Of course, living in Guatemala was also perfect to fulfil my dream of visiting as many Maya sites as possible, like Quiriguá, Tikal, Yaxhá, Palenque, Yaxchilán, Copán & many others.
I hope the time will come to revisit most of these countries & write posts about them.
For now, I’ll concentrate on new destinations, visited by me, Wendy & Lisa. Hoping to give you an honest impression of our experiences, as well as many tips & ideas to help you out planning your own stay there.
For an overview of all travel posts of my blog, go to: the Home Page.
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