Well I'm at the end of my time in Ecuador now. 1 out of 6 countries done in S America. Ecuador is a beautiful country and am sad to leave. I am hoping my washing dries in time. I've got most of it done by hotel laundry but it was getting a bit expensive so I did the little bits myself. I've now got washing hanging around the room and they have already had 1 bout with the hairdryer. I've got another early start tomorrow. Flight is at 10:25am but Quito airport like you to be there three hours before so I will probably leave the hotel around 7am. I am getting a little fed up of the early starts even though what I've seen has been worth it. Apart from 1st and 3rd day the latest time I've left hotel/boat is 9am but most of the time its been 7:45am or before. Some people have had a bit of trouble with crime in Quito so that was a bit worrying. I've took precautions and its all been fine. Crime can happen anywhere after all. I think I may have seen a bit of dodgy dealing today or it may be my imagination. Doesn't matter though as didn't affect me. I was just about to go in restaurant when two people came out of a building with two dogs. They then got in a stationary vehicle with other people for ten minutes and then got out. It was still warm enough to talk in street though. I am now going to copy and paste from my longer journal mainly for each day-yes I have got one longer believe it or not. 05 November 2011 Travelling and Quito Day started with an early start as flight was 7:10am Manchester to London. It was an emotional farewell to family and think it was possibly worst than when I went to India due to time scale I am away for. I soon got back into the travelling lark though.Ended up a major rush through Heathrow as flight didn't take off till 8:05am as there was fog in London. I landed at 9:05am and flight to Miami was due to leave at 9:40am. I'm fed up of connecting flights and having to rush through airports. Miami is first airport I've been in where I've had a connecting flight and had time to chill out since I started travelling. Good thing is I've had lots of space on aircrafts. Manchester to London I had a spare seat next to me and London to Miami I was close to exit door and there was only a magazine rack in front of me so I could stretch my feet right out. I ended up squirting myself with water on flight when I opened the little water container you get on planes. That wasn't very pleasant it managed to get directly where my jacket was open and then run down my top. Miami airport is huge. There is a skytrain to get between gates. First I went through passport control and I hadn't filled in the customs card. I didn't realise I had to fill one in as I possibly missed the announcement on plane through sleeping, they didn't give me the card and I couldn't hear the announcements properly on plane anyway. Security at passport said go and get one and then when you've got one come to front of queue. I felt bad for pushing back in as I was working my way up the queue when he called me forward. Customs card asked me to tick whether I had food so I had to ask did that include chocolate. They said I was fine to tick no to food. I've took less summer clothes than I did for India but I've had to take some warm clothes so fitting everything in bag is a bit of squeeze and at moment I am wearing the bulkier items. Think I am going to struggle with it all. I wanted room in my bag this time but still I haven't managed it. Sitting in Miami airport at the gate and an announcement comes over saying I need to re-check. I thought what the heck does that mean? All I had to do was go to the boarding gate and they had to print off a new boarding pass for me. Getting off half asleep in Quito was not pleasant and then got half way through immigration queue when realised that everyone else had forms in the queue. I hadn't been given them on plane. They must think I am with other people and didn't want to wake me to give me the forms. I missed the forms to both Miami and Quito. Very annoying. Finally got through immigration and my bag wasn't at baggage claim so had to fill in details and was told to ring tomorrow between 8:30 and 4 about my missing bag. Rather disconcerting when the airport's staff first language is not English. They asked me to circle which was the closest to my bag and mine was a cross between two pictures. Then had to get hold of paper for customs and fill that in. I am still not sure that I shouldn't have paid custom tax and I should have departure papers which I haven't got. Pick up was smooth though thank goodness. I had visions they would no longer be there to pick me up. They were there and friendly too. 06/11/2011 Quito In Quito Its nothing like the Indian heat and I was comfortable in jeans, top and jacket. I was walking along the exercise track when I saw people in outside swimming pool. I thought you mad people its not that warm. However, I then felt the temperature of water and it was lovely and warm. If the airlines hadn't lost my bag I would have gone swimming this morning. I wouldn't have gone with the man who invited me in the lift to go swimming with him though. To be fair I think he possibly thought I was going to pool anyway but I was actually going up for breakfast. Trying to ring airport and Gadventures office was slightly more tricky due to language barrier but most of the time there were translations. I then moved to another hotel Rio Amazonas and was glad to have the company of Clare (another traveller who I met transferring from airport to Hotel Quito). However, I did need to go and get some deodorant and toothpaste/toothbrush so I wasn't honking. I had forgotten it was Sunday though otherwise I would have got it in other hotel. It was a little nerve-racking going out in area around the hotel and I did wonder whether deodorant and toothpaste/toothbrush was worth it. Its not too wise going out in area around hotel for an explore on Sunday as its so quiet. Receptionist said if see anything dodgy or someone in rags cross the road. I went with least valuables as possible with the security alarm in pocket. Luckily pharmacist was very close otherwise wouldn't have attempted it and I spent as little time as possible out of hotel. I look dishevelled myself anyway. Its not like I look like rich pickings. My first impressions of Quito though is it is a nice city and so scenic around it despite having to be careful safety wise on Sunday. I didn't realise that S America also have showers next to toilets for hosing themselves down. Should had been more careful after India. I turned the shower on instead of flushing the chain. Quickly turned it off again and located the handle to flush the toilet. Above the noise of my ipod I heard knocking but I thought it was next door. The next thing is two housekeepers come into the room and I jump out of my skin. Me and Clare went for a drink at a place above Old Quito. The views were spectacular. We then went to restaurant in Old Quito for dinner and I had breaded panecillo. This was steak done in batter and I won't be having it again in a hurry. I prefer normal steak. 07/11/2011 Quito and Cotopaxi volcano Well I woke up early as I was meeting Fredy (Gadventures driver) at 8:15am in hotel lobby. Shower is nice but is very hard to get at right temperature. It either goes boiling hot or starts going cold. I gave myself a bit of a shock and a rather hot arm as was standing outside shower leaning across to turn taps off. I turned the cold tap off first. First we drove back to Hotel Quito and picked up the couple (Stuart and Ellen) also doing the day trip to Cotopaxi volcano. I was surprised by how good the roads are in Ecuador and the vehicles also look in quite good condition. It is a lot cleaner than India along the roads and less vehicle honking. The road to Cotopaxi and the roads in Cotopaxi National Park are poor though. The displays in museum were all in Spanish though so I was glad to have Stuart there who was doing a good job of translating it. We then drove up to stop for walking at 4500m a.s.l. We were walking up to the refuge at 4800m a.s.l. It was hard work walking up volcano as it was on slippery ash and then altitude made you more tired. It was raining and snowing up there. I was thinking I was doing fine trudging up slowly then a few times when I stopped I began to feel a little odd. I had been drinking water all the time that I had been going up the volcano. I came to a resting point on a big rock not far from the refuge and when stopped felt a little dizzy and then began being sick with the water. After being sick I began to feel a bit better and I was determined that I wanted to still get to refuge. However guide wanted me to go down and she was probably right. I was really disappointed that Cotopaxi had defeated me. I hate feeling like a weakling. I was probably only about 200m away from refuge. It was probably a mixture of altitude sickness, jetlag and then also I had missed a day of malaria tablets and my pill (as thought they were all in my main bag). Guide carried my day bag but problem was I couldn't speak to her as she didn't understand English and I didn't understand Spanish. Once I was feeling better I tried to ask her whether she wanted to wait for the other two as they had gone up to refuge. I tried with hand signals and looking at my Spanish phrasebook and trying to point out the word for wait. Once I got down was just a bit sleepy and a bit headachy. Mostly I was just disappointed though as don't like not being able to do things. I didn't miss a good view though as it was bad weather anyway. The area around Cotopaxi is desolate but there would have been good views if it hadn't been misty and wet. I got my luggage back tonight. I had to ring Gadventures office about tours and I am getting quite good now that asking the question Habla ingles? Do you speak English? I then went to sleep and then got a phone call at 8:45pm first saying I should have checked out today and then asking when I was checking out. After gathering things up I went to sort it out at reception ten minutes later I then went down, what I had was photocopied and it was sorted out. 08/10/2011 Quito Spent a relaxing day at the hotel apart from going out to buy things and going to ATM. IPorter asked me how I was in Spanish and I looked confused so he said that's how are you in Spanish. I do know that but brain hasn't clicked in yet to Spanish lingo. I have to translate back to English first, think what I would answer in English and then translate back to Spanish. My brain won't do that sort of thing at the moment in the morning. I haven't sorted out what to wear yet for Ecuador. Yesterday it was cold and rainy then today I went out in my ski jacket and it was boiling hot. However, it was sunny. The first ATM I tried was a bit of a challenge as it was in Spanish so may have to check that nothing has gone through on card as I didn't receive any money. The second ATM I got my money from as it had both Spanish and the English translation. I am struggling with a Spanish/S American keyboard at mo. Just to get @ I had to go into word and use insert symbol. I could then get into hotmail/facebook by using copy and paste to type in the @ in my e-mail address. I went to orientation meeting and all the people I am travelling with seem very nice. 9th November 2011 Galapagos Islands- Santa Cruz Got a flight from Quito to Guayquil then waited on plane till plane flew to Baltra. I realised after I had put bag in for storage that I had packed all my pens. I needed one for filling in my transit card for Galapagos. Unfortunately shop in airport was only selling red pens or pencils. Thought they would be no good for the form. Airport was a bit of a shack compared to other airports with no sides but was pleasant. Cases were lined up to pick up as there was no conveyor belt. We first got the bus from airport to ferry and just before I got on ferry I saw my first wildlife glance of a seal. The bags were put on the roof of ferry and we set off. Even the short trip from plane to ferry you could see how beautiful the Galapagos islands were. From the ferry we took a 45 minutes journey to port. I went to see giant tortoises in the wild in the afternoon. We got in the bus, met Cheeky monkey (waiter for first half of cruise and then tender driver for second half of cruise) for the first time and we did a 20 minute bus ride. There were two runaway horses running down the road having a mad half hour. There were cows with birds sitting on top of them. I somehow didn't imagine seeing cows in the Galapagos Islands. One tortoise on the way in, was chewing on vegetation glanced up to see what was going by and quickly retreated into his shell. We arrived and there were giant tortoises everywhere and you could get up close. They did make strange noises when they retreated into their shell as they used diaphragm muscles and expelled air. Made them seem almost more pre-historic with the rasping noises. Guide said big tortoises also big poo. Fantastic creatures to see. We then went down a lava cave which was pretty amazing. All of us decided not to crawl through mud to the other side. I didn't have the right gear on for that for starters and wouldn't have fancied it anyway particularly as don't really fancy caving. We then came back where we had a briefing about what we were doing tomorrow which was interrupted by Cheeky monkey making cocktails for us. Was quite amusing to watch the faces going between guide and cheeky monkey. We met all the crew and they asked us to introduce ourselves- our names and where we came from. Guide translated all their Spanish introductions for us. We had an alcoholic cocktail. I didn't finish it all as I don't fancy falling off the boat. 10th November 2011 Galapagos Islands- Floreana Island Well last night was a bit rocky. As expected I didn't feel sea-sick but I wasn't going to go to toilet in night as it was hard to get up and down from bunk bed. Plus if wasn't sleeping or lying down it might be a bit uncomfortable with boat rocking. I could dream that I was on one of those pirate ship theme park rides that rock up and down or from side to side. We started off by getting zodiac and then having a wet landing. A wet landing is not anything really or didn't seem to be. Just a quick paddle to the shore. So first we went to post box in post office bay to post our postcards and look at everyone elses. The idea is that you put no stamp on it and people hand deliver it who live near the person the postcard is for. I felt quite bad that I didn't take one for Manley, Cheshire but as I don't come home till May I'm sure someone could take it who could deliver it sooner. Plus what state it would be in at the end of my travels I wouldn't like to say. I posted mine to parents-not sure whether it will arrive or not. I wasn't going to post all my postcards there. We then came back to the boat and we went deep water snorkelling. I didn't like it much. I was getting water through the goggles and swallowing sea water so I decided to swim. That was still special but probably not as much as seeing what was underneath. I was watching seals and little birds were flying close by overhead. One almost flew straight at me. In afternoon we went to Punta Cormorant and saw a sea lion just after wet landing. On beach where we landed we learnt that a sea lion is related to a wolf and a seal is related to a sea-otter. Thought it was funny when guide said a sea lion looks like a dog in a tight wetsuit. We learnt about first people on Galapagos and saw a flamingo. It was stinky where saline lake was. We walked across a path to another beach. Then we saw sea turtles, sting rays and crabs on beach. We then went for shallow water snorkelling and I was helped to put mask on and giving breathing tips so it was a lot better. I managed to swim above a sea turtle which was pretty amazing. It was a rough navigation so people began going to bed early and I didn't want to go too late as it was hard to walk along deck to cabin and then up into bunk. I did feel slightly sea sick once I was in cabin getting ready for bed. I was bumping into things in toilet and not able to stand still. I was fine once I got into bed apart from I was worried about falling out of the bunk bed. I did swear at one point as I tried to just go with flow but the boat tipped rather more than I expected. 11th November 2011 Galapagos Islands- Espanola We went to Punta Suarez this morning and we saw iguanas, sea-lions, blue-footed booby, Nazca booby, Galapagos dolph, albatross, hawks and a pelican. The sea lions were so cute and I probably could have watched them all day. We watched the interaction between mother and baby where she dragged the baby over the rock in its mouth to get baby over the rock. There were iguanas and sea-lions along the path which we had to be careful not to stand on. There was even a sea-lion to step over lying on the steps to get on zodiac back to boat. We watched the juvenile sea-lions playing in nursery. We also saw a booby who was possibly mentally deranged as he was incubating a stone instead of an egg. We then came back and I had a refreshing swim. Very cold when jumped in but after swimming around the boat twice I got reasonably warm. When got out expected it to be really cold but there was warmth on floor when got out. Gardner bay-The beach was quite beautiful with white sand and lots of sea-lions on it including baby sea-lion, male sea-lion and female sea-lion. Walked along it enjoying watching the seals and then began watching the turtles. It was so hard to get a decent shot of them and I didn't manage to get any I don't think. I saw that a baby seal liked Todd so I went to try and get a decent photo of him. The sea-lion liked the smell of my feet and was sniffing my feet. Was so sweet and a great experience. Then went off snorkelling. Watched turtles and some fish close to bay and then swam over to rocks and that was amazing saw lots of fish, a snake in water, a sea-lion come by very close by swimming towards us and more sea-turtles. There were lots of rocks and it was quite shallow so had to do a bit of swimming around them. Still struggled a bit with breathing but I was glad that managed to overcome it to snorkel. I must remember not to hug into a ball with flippers as I almost began to roll forward. 12th November 2011 Galapagos Islands-Santa Fe Island and South Plaza island Started off day by getting in zodiac and doing a wet landing at Santa Fe Island. We saw white fin sharks from zodiac and there was a sea-lion to greet us on the beach. We saw more sea-lions, rice rats, boobies, short-eared owl, land iguanas, lava lizards and hawks. We watch a baby sea-lion for ages who was squirming around trying to get more milk from his mother and other sea-lions. He was so sweet but other sea-lions weren't having it. We came back and went deep sea snorkelling. I ended up trying to tighten goggles and captain helped me to do them as yesterday they kept falling onto my lip. It then meant though that I couldn't feel my nose and the mask raised so I almost was looking out where my nose piece of goggles were so I thought it was more cloudy than what it was. Adjusted it again and then it wasn't too bad. The views of fish were spectacular, saw a long skinny fish down there and also a sea-lion pup who was just beginning to play with us when we had to cross over to other side. Still found it a bit difficult to breath and think I kept getting sea water in tube. I did at one time find it hard to snorkel as ended up in a channel between two lots of rock and I wasn't as skinny as I needed to be to get through that channel. I watched the frigate birds following and landing on the boat. In afternoon we had a dry landing onto South Plaza island. There we saw iguanas, sea-lions, tropic birds and prickly pear cactus. We saw sea-lions fighting and the violent biting and then the retreat. South Plaza island was a nice looking island with red plants and the sea lions managed to get high on it. I watched the frigate birds when got back following the boat and counted 13 of them resting on the boat. 13th November 2011 Galapagos Islands-North Seymour, Baltra beach and Las Bachas Day started way too early for me. Got up at 5:30am and we had 5:45am wake up call. We then walked around North Seymour after having a dry landing. We saw frigate birds, iguanas, boobies and more sea-lions. The frigate birds were showing their mating call of a ballooned red chest. As with all the islands we were so close to nature that we could hear the sea-lion sucking milk from his mum. We then came back to have breakfast on board then we had the sad process of saying goodbye to everyone at 8am. We were getting a new guide and some of the staff were going on holiday. We then had wet landing at baltra beach at 9:30am and spent a relaxed morning there till around 11:15. We had a short walk and then went to sit under a corrugated iron shelter. We spent a pleasant time chatting to people from another boat and also sea-lions came under also. So close we could hear their snoring. Not long after we got back on board, the new people arrived including Clare who I met in Quito. It was nice to see her again and everyone seemed very nice. We then had briefing and a lot longer was spent with the others about how they should put a lifejacket on. However that was disturbed by a pelican coming and landing on the boat. We then had wet landing at Las Bachas where we saw crabs and some more sea-lions. It was hard to walk along trail without shoes. The snorkelling didn't have very good visibility and I was struggling with it anyway so I gave up and had a swim instead. I was enjoying swimming but I had to move into shade so I lay down in shade and let water wash over me. 14th November 2011 Galapagos Islands-Chinese Hat and Bartolome Up for breakfast and then a wet landing (7:45am) at Chinese Hat. Got to see hawk, heron and iguanas from the tender. Spent a long time watching the sea-lions playing and then began the trail. Could see that Chinese Hat was volcanic and rugged as you could see the lava flows. Came back and went snorkelling. Saw a lot of pretty fishes but am still not a fan of snorkelling. I had just sorted out my mask when it was time to get out. Had a wet landing (1:30pm) at Bartolome. Saw a little penguin on rocks and lots of fishes underwater. The others saw a shark but I didn't as I hoped it would move towards me and it didn't. It went better this afternoon. Also saw some sting rays on the sea floor and some star fish plus watched some fish chasing each other in a circle. Had to try and find a private place on land afterwards where I was away from the group of people from boat but also from views from a boat so no-one peering through binoculars would see me. Had a dry landing later on to walk up Bartolome for sunset. Was beautiful walking up where lava was and cinder cones. Could see views of both sides of island from the top. One day on Galapagos Islands on boat I had a weird tasting chocolate. It was weird anyway but I made it taste more odd by forgetting to remove the inner wrapper. I said to Jean this chocolate tastes really odd its really chewy a bit like chewing celery. She asked whether I had removed the inner wrapper. 15th November 2011 Galapagos Islands-Puerto Egas, Santiago and Rabida island Well made it to breakfast at 6am and then had a wet landing at Puerto Egas, Santiago at 6:45am. Puerto Egas was very rocky and could see the landscape had been shaped by volcanic activity. There were sea-lions lying in cracks under the rocks and so many iguanas all on the same rock. We also saw a blow hole. I had my photo taken looking at an iguana and my only thought was I hope it doesn't spit. Saw different types of finches today. Had black sand in Puerto Egas. Unfortunately there were not enough small wetsuits to go round so I did without and went snorkelling anyway. It was a little cold on arms and legs but worst thing was getting out. I shivered in zodiac back to boat but it wasn't far. I shiver like that in England with a wetsuit so it wasn't too different. I wasn't going to miss snorkelling just cause I didn't have a wetsuit. Saw lots of fishes, a sting-ray and sea-turtles. Unfortunately didn't see any sharks and area was suppose to be good for that but it was probably a good thing. We had a wet landing at isla rabida there and then did a trail around the lagoon and along the beach. I felt sorry for Niari she had more of a wet landing than she bargained for as she fell as she was getting out of the boat. Rabida had a reddish colour sand. There we walked around a lagoon in rabida but unfortunately didn't see flamingos. We saw finches and a toxic tree plus some more sea-lions and iguanas. Went snorkelling in wetsuit but we were hardly in water for long as current got too strong. After dinner the engines started up again and it was rough so just paid my bar bill and went to bed. It was impossible to pack I felt in rough seas. I had nearly fallen over in bathroom a couple of times so I gave up and went to sleep. I was rocked to sleep again. 16th November 2011 Galapagos Islands-Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Well woke up first at 2:45am and I don't know whether that was from engine stopping or not. I then had set my alarm for 4am for packing but I didn't get up till 4:30am. I then packed and had breakfast at 5:30am. We had a dry landing at 6am and got a ride in the back of a pick up truck to Charles Darwin Research Centre. It was nice to see some baby tortoises but it made me appreciate that I had seen the tortoises in their natural habitat. Was so much better than seeing them in enclosures. Saw the famous lonesome George- the only remaining tortoise from Pinta island. We then got pick up truck (this time sitting in the seats), then bus, then ferry, then bus to airport. At ferry there was a labrador sniffer dog so had a photo with him and police. We then went to old Quito for dinner me, Mani and Michaela. Plus Mardi and Niari were coming but we got to old Quito and we couldn't find them. We had a bit of walk round afterwards but was a little nervy walking at night. There was police presence there though. Got taxi back and it is a good job Marnie is good at directions as otherwise don't think we would have got back as we didn't have full address of hotel. Definitely didn't want to be dropped off nearby and have to walk it. I am so glad I did 10 day trip to Galapagos (8 in Galapagos, 2 in Quito) as otherwise may not have seen some of the different islands (volcanic or sandy), lava caves and wild tortoises. 17th November 2011 Quito, Mindo Cloud Forest and Equator line Well early rise again as was starting tour at 7am. We stopped along the way for a viewpoint over a mountain village. At Mindo Cloud forest I did 13 zip wires above the cloud forest canopy. I found this very scary despite all the things I've done with Spice. I find it quite unnerving going over a valley floor and seeing tops of trees. I'm either losing my nerve or haven't had enough practice of adrenalin activities recently at heights. Spice gave me lots of practice. Unfortunately didn't get to walk through cloud forest- only between zip lines. I would have preferred probably just some treks today through the cloud forest. We then went to a butterfly farm. Dipping finger in rotten banana wasn't too nice but was nice to have butterflies on end of finger. We then went to a chocolate factory to buy some Ecuadorian chocolate. Wasn't too keen on that as it was too dark for me. . We then travelled to the equator line where we took photos and watched and took part in experiments. First we watched as there was a demonstration to show water swirling anti-clockwise and clockwise either side of the equator. It was a sink, watched as poured water in to see which way leaves swirl. We then had to try and balance egg on a nail. I didn't succeed but I didn't break an egg so that was good. Mardi and Michaela did but I think they had longer trying it than me and Niari. We then had to try and walk along equator line with eyes closed and thumbs up to feel the forces on us. We then had to go to a traditional house built there to see whether we had good or bad energy. We had good as the guinea pigs made noises. Why that means we have good energy who knows? We also looked a bit at an exhibit about animals in the amazon. We then went on to learn about the process of making shrunken heads. Was pretty gross seeing a shrunken head of a sloth and a 12 year old boy especially when knew how they did it. The only thing I knew about shrunken heads before was there was a shrunken head on the Knight bus in Harry Potter. After that travelled back to hotel, said goodbye to the others and about an hr later went out for dinner with Marnie to Mexican restaurant. 18th November 2011 Quito and Papallacta hot springs Another early rise as leaving hotel at 8:10am. Stopped along way for viewpoint over Antisana volcano. When we arrived at Papallacta hot springs we went for a walk by stream. It was beautiful and guide told us about different plants, saw a trout and a baby bird. We then went to springs. One was exceptionally hot but whether it was because I had just come out of a cold plunge pool I'm not sure. I had to go to some of the other pools and then come back to it. Even so I couldn't stay in that particular pool for long. My aim was to go in all the different pools but unfortunately I may have missed some as I didn't know they were there. It was a tingly feeling on body when went between cold and hot pools. I also sat in stream for short amount of time. 19th November 2011 Quito Had a tiny lie in today and got up at 7:30am for a tour at 9am. Met my tour guide Henry and got in the massive vehicle for just the two of us. Visited Palace of Congress, Presidential Palace, Independence Square and the churches of San Francisco, La Compania and Le Catedral. Henry told me to relax while I was with him as I was guarding my handbag. I actually felt quite safe in Old Quito but I am glad I had a guide as learned so much by being with a guide. Did cost a lot as I was on my own I had to pay double for it. The colonial buildings were beautiful and Henry told me a lot about history and the churches. Ecuador began having US dollars in 2000 as there was an economic collapse. Also went to a shop and saw inside a tunnel. Could go in presidential building too and see the guards. Was a bit embarassing being talked to about the cathedrals when mass was on though. Was getting a few dirty looks and I would rather Henry have talked about them outside. Had a juice drink mandarina (or something like that) and fruit was squashed while I was there. After parking at first church seeing there we then went to parking lot and had a walk around Old Quito. Henry picked up his girlfriend and girlfriend's mother who were lovely but it was hard as they couldn't speak english like Henry could and I couldn't speak Spanish. I was very aware of trying to keep my language basic and slow but almost the more I tried the worst it become. We then went up Panecillo and paid $2 to go in area and go up the angel. It translates to little bread. It was beautiful up there and I could see all the volcanos surrounding Quito as it was a clear day.