Quito - Dia Dos

I can't begin this days report without mentioning one of the most disappointing parts of this journey.  We flew from Quito to Cuenca this evening on LAN Airlines.  It is an Ecuadorian airline and I'm here to tell you it was one of the most pleasant flying experiences I have had in the "modern era", (post 9/11).   Our driver dropped us off at the airport approximately 1 1/2 hours before our departure time.  She ensured that we were at the proper ticketing  check-in area and we said our good byes (thank you Ruth for taking such great care of us in getting us to and from the airport).  But, all of the sudden, I encountered having to use the kiosk to check in for our flight.  Problem being, the kiosk was in Spanish with no option for English.  Hmmm... in steps an attractive young LAN employee who not only guided me through the process, but basically took over.  Then we proceeded to the desk to check in our luggage, where again we were simply greeted with a smile and another very polite and friendly LAN employee.  When she realized our Spanish was about as good as your Russian, she just smiled and handled the process.  We said, "buenos tardes y gracias" and moved on to the security check point.  Where again, we just breezed though the process, no taking off belts or shoes. No body scan, no emptying of the pockets.  I did, however, have to remove my cap.   Well, from there we proceeded to the designated departure gate and waited about 20 minutes before the boarding process, where again, it was just simple, the way it used to be and the way it should be.

I'm sure you are wondering, what was this disappointing part of the journey?? Well, once we were airborne, on a clean, almost brand new Airbus 319 (super nice aircraft) we rolled left to turn South towards Cuenca, and within the next 15 minutes we saw three, count it, three active snow covered volcanoes from twenty-five thousand feet!  It was one of the most amazing sights I have ever witnessed, especially as it was approximately 6:45 p.m. and the sun had just set.  We were looking back to the East with the golden rays of the setting sun reflecting off of the snow capped domes.  The disappointing part you ask?  My camera was sitting in my carry-on just above my head and the seat belt sign was still on.  So, I can't share the incredible site with you.... :(  But, don't fret friends, we still have some wonderful photos from today's journey to the historic center of Quito again and even a trip to the top of a volcano.  Apologies for the lengthy delay, but on to today's show....

Actually, we'll start with dinner from last night.  Being that it was Sunday evening in Quito, almost all of the restaurants were closed due to the limit on alcohol sales on Sundays.  We ended up walking over to the J. W. Marriott where we ate off of probably the least expensive menu in the entire J.W. Marriott system, Worldwide.  But our dinner was fabulous and we even splurged with desert, but started with desert too... Blanco Sangria for Jana and Strawberry and Blackberry Margarita for me.

This morning we again awoke to this site.... you just can't get enough of these things once you see them!

Another wonderful, fresh breakfast at La Casa Amarilla and out the door we went.  We decided to walk to a motorcycle adventure touring shop and say hello, as it was only a mile or so from where we were staying.  One of the priorities on the trek was to find me some sun screen!   Yesterday, although the temperature was only about 70 degrees, being at 9,000 feet, those of us that burn easily burn easier, and that sun is strong up here.  After a lengthy discussion with the "pharmacist" I was a happy tourist with my SPF 60 -

We finally make it to Freedom Motorcycle Tours and had a nice chat with the proprietor Cort.  After applying for a job as a tour guide ;) we grabbed a taxi to head back to Plaza Gande, where they were having the Changing of the Guard ceremony.  If you are ever in Quito, this is a must!  It happens every Monday at 11:00 a.m.  We made it just in time!

Then, on to the churches we weren't able to see yesterday due to the ongoing services.  I'll just let these pictures speak for themselves.  There are more in today's album, just click here  if you are interested.  But here is a small sample of the incredible sites we saw.

Then it was on to luch, where we took our fist stab an "almuerza".  This is the traditional Ecuadorian lunch.  Essentially, it is a three course meal consisting of a soup, a dish with pork or chicken, rice and vegtables and then a small snack, plus drink, all for $2.50!!!   Here's Jana enjoying the potato soup, with onions, potatoes and avocado, excellante! Notice the fresh squeezed orange juice as well.

Then it was back to Teleferico.  You'll recall we were there yesterday but didn't get to take the cable car ride to the top due to the large crowd.  Well, today was much different.  We walked right up to the ticket booth, purchased our tickets and off we went!

Of all of the Six Flag rides I've ever done, nothing has freaked me out more than that cable car ride to the top of Pinchicha Volcano, at over 13,000 feet in elevation.  But the views there were worth every spent nerve!

From there it was back to La Casa Amarilla to prepare for departure to Cuenca.  We arrived safely tonight, and if our time in Cuenca is half as enjoyable as the time we had in Quito we are in for one heck of a trip.

Stay thirsty my friends!  There's more to come.

Hasta Manana!