Nelson takes literary snapshots of his life and shares them with readers in full color.
While spending a year abroad teaching English to students in Ecuador, Tyrel Nelson documented his experiences and now shares them in this lively book of memoirs. The content of Stories from Ecuador, however, is scarcely about the rewarding process of educating foreign students. Instead, the author uses his words to spotlight fascinating trips to alluring locations and anecdotes with interesting locals. Whether visiting ancient ruins, encountering a grand parade, attending a thrilling bullfight, or simply enjoying a serene fishing trip, Nelson takes literary snapshots of his life and shares them with readers in full color. In addition to the vibrant prose, a number of impressive photographs are included, bringing the narration to life. The text is accentuated regularly with Spanish words, adding to the exotic aura of the stories. Unlike a standard travel guide, this travelogue provides genuine highlights and real-life disappointments from visits to a variety of unique locales.
Condensing a year’s worth of experiences into one succinct volume feels like taking a rushed excursion instead of a full vacation, where you are glad you are able to enjoy it but also wish that you could have spent more time at some of the locations. A number of fellow expats, tourists and native Ecuadorians dot the pages, adding humor and warmth to the experiences. Tyrel Nelson writes in a casual style that readers will find inviting, and his perceptiveness and his adventurous spirit lend themselves well to journaling his travels. Even if you’ve never dreamt of visiting Ecuador, you’ll surely reconsider as you read about all the wonders that it has to offer, from the beauty of the Andes mountain range to the distinctiveness of the Galapagos islands. Whether you are a world traveler or someone that would rather experience other cultures from the comfort of your own couch, you’re sure to appreciate the authenticity of Stories from Ecuador.