A Colombian family sets up shop on the streets of Cotacachi in Ecuador, a town that seems to be drawing in more and more American and European expats and retirees. Known as a leather town, people flock here for fabulous leather ‘goods’, most of which have modern designs, but at reasonable prices. Italy, eat your heart out. And while you’re strolling, you can be entertained in the streets, in this case Colombian music in the north of Ecuador.
Pro-Ecuador’s description, which is pretty close to how I experienced this charming town: Cotacachi is a meld of “edificios” with red and brown tiled roofs and multi-colored walls. There is an imposing cathedral topped by a bright-colored statue of Jesus. Turning right off the PanAm, the town is a brief three-kilometer ride that winds its way past verdant pastures, dramatic ravines and a leisurely flowing stream where cows graze, watched by an assortment of children and dogs.
Renee Blodgett is the founder of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored nearly 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity.
She is also the CEO and founder of Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.
Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.
Renee is also the co-founder of Traveling Geeks, an initiative that brings entrepreneurs, thought leaders, bloggers, creators, curators and influencers to other countries to share and learn from peers, governments, corporations, and the general public in order to educate, share, evaluate, and promote innovative technologies.
