Quito

Arrived safely to the chaos of a frantic airport, after immigration and retrieving the luggage from a completely different area to that indicated on the board, we then had to get all the bags x-rayed. We saw some poor soul being pulled over and their suitcase was just tipped out.
Really grateful to see a smiley face holding a Krige sign. His name was Luis and he was just a fraction taller than Ross. Whilst we walked to the car, Trevor was feeling rather self aware as he is so much taller than the Ecuadorians. They average 160cm which is about 5ft5" tall against Trevor's 6ft3". So he is about a school ruler (30cm) taller than the average man and even more for the women.
It was rather overcast but you could see the surrounding mountains and dormant volcanos. Looks absolutely stunning. Not as cold as we had thought, was about 17C. The houses literally line the runway and the cars are chaotic. They are trying to cut down on traffic on the road so they have introduced a system whereby if your car registration ends with a 1 or 2, then you are not allowed to drive during 4 to 7 pm on a Monday. So this ending with 2,3 cannot drive on Tuesdays etc. Imagine how that would go down at home!
This is the 2nd highest capital city in the world at 2850m and we were warned about mild symptoms of altitude sickness. We have felt a bit breathless and all felt like we had mussy heads. Apparently sweet things are good, so Ross was delighted to have a fanta with his dinner and they have a special cocoa tea which is good for the altitude and but has a side effect of making you a bit high. So Trevor and I have just enjoyed a cup and am feeling rather chilled.
Our hotel, Casa Alisio, is in the 'gringo' part of town and we were told it was safe to walk around until 11 pm. Not so sure about that so decided to stay close to the hotel and go for dinner.
Can you believe that I cannot find my Spanish/English book, will have a good hunt in the cases tomorrow, so dinner was lucky dip but we ended up with rare steaks and an assortment of veges. Beer was $1.50 but a glass of wine $4 - but who needs wine when you have got the chilled cocoa tea.
Supposed to go on a tour of the city tomorrow but would rather go to the rural villages than see all the old churches, so we will see if we can try and change the agenda with the guide.
Pictures tomorrow.


- posted by the Krige family