Day 1 & 2
New Year’s eve and we find ourselves on a plane from PHoenix to Quito, Ecuador. The flight didn’t start off so well because just as we were taxiing out for takeoff in Phoenix, the pilot came on the intercom and said he was pulling over to a holding area because Dallas officials had said the weather there was not good enough for landing... We waited in the aircraft for 45 minutes and needless to say, worried that we would no longer be able to catch our connection out of Dallas to Quito with only one hour layover. Once arriving in Dallas, every flight was delayed so we had an hour to wait for the aircraft to come in that would take us to Ecuador. So the domino affect worked in our favour!
Arriving in Quito at 2:00 a.m. it was pouring rain.. But after 8 dusty weeks in Phoenix, the moist, cool air in this, the second highest capital city in the world, was a relief. It was a 45 minute drive into town to the Sheraton but we didn’t mind. The Spanish music our driver was playing was delightful and the time passed quickly.
Arriving at the hotel at 3:45, we were more than ready for a great sleep. We are staying on Starwood points and were given a lovely room on the club floor.
New Year’s day finds us arising at 11:30 and wandering out to the breakfast room for the club floor. The loveliest people were taking care of we patrons. Little Germania (pronounced Hermania) quickly spoiled us. So pleasant, so sweet and so pretty and so full of smiles. I took a picture of her with Joe. My favorite breakfast item???...ceviche and fresh fruit on the side!! OMG. so good! Doesn’t everyone start their day with ceviche ??!! It was an extensive little breakfast
It is very overcast this morning and we can see the clouds rolling through the peaks and forest from the picture window in the breakfast room.
Even Quito has a version of “Uber”. It is called “Cabify”. We might have to give it a try !! They say it is the safest option for a car from Guayaquil to Quito. Paid through Paypal. The drivers go through an extensive security check and background check.
Late afternoon finds us on our way back to the Quito airport after a much needed relaxing day at the hotel. All along the route we saw little fruit stands laden with fresh Mango piled high. It must be mango season and we will be filling our faces with them by tomorrow !
Despite the rain and overcast, it is so lush here. I took this photo from the taxi on the way to the airport. It reminds me of Vancouver except much more mountainous.
Arriving in Manta we feel a soft ocean breeze and warm ocean air. OMG... I forgot how much I love this climate!! We followed a Poseidon shuttle van back to the condo/hotel which made life so much less stressful ... what a blessing to find him there holding his sign !! After checking in, it was downstairs for a New Year’s Day beer at the bar. Listening to the sounds of the tide rolling in. BLISS !!
This is our balcony for the first 3 nights before we move into the condo above us. More BLISS !!
Oh ya - lunch today after a trip to the market??
Until the next blog... wishing you all could enjoy this fabulous country !
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