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13th June 2013- up early and ready and then made my way back to the bus stop to get a colectivo taxi to the las lajas church over the bridge. Colectivo taxi are cheaper than ordinary taxi but on the down side you have to wait for the taxi to fill before it leaves... After a 40 minute wait there was no one else in the taxi so I just paid the full fare and we drove out to the las Lajas. Stopped just over half there to take a picture at the look out. Arrived at the taxi stop and then walked the 700m down into the cannon and towards the cathedral. It is a spectacular site to see this stone bridge and then magnificent cathedral that has been built on top of it. Walked around the outside of the cathedral and then along the path to the small waterfall for a better view. It was so peaceful due to the early hour, only a handful of people around. Went inside to look at the alter that centre arounds the exposed rock face. Then walked back into the village and along the path there are hundreds of placks for people that have donated to the building or pilgrims that have journey to the cathedral. Was I approached at the taxi stop as collective was waiting for one more to head back into the bus terminal, which was nice timing. Back into the bus stop and then back to the hotel to check out and collect my bags. Got into a van taxi collective to the boarder. There were 13 people and luggage crammed into this one small van. Only a ten minute ride and then me and one other foreigner got out at the immigration office. Walked around and made my way into the office and got my stamp to leave the country. Then had to walk out and across this bridge to Ecuador with my luggage. It was all a bit disorganized... Found my way to immigration office and waited in line for my stamp in. Then it was time to try and find my way to the Tulcan bus terminal. Tried to get a taxi but they wouldn't accept the Columbia pesos, despite been told and reading that they did. Found a guy in the parking lot that would change the few pesos I had left into dollars and then back to the taxi stand. By some chance I had just enough money changed to get a taxi to the bus terminal. Taxi driver was excited I was from australia but I didn't have enough Spanish to talk with him. He just seen excited and mentioned kangaroos a lot. Got to the bus terminal and learn really quickly that no one speaks English here. They kept trying to take my luggage and put it in buses that I assume were going to Quito but I had no money to by a ticket. Tried to explain this but they would hear it. Eventually got my bag back and went off in search of an ATM. Someone at the hostel had said there was one near the bus so after only a few minutes and blocks away I found it and was able to get some money. Back to the bus terminal and found a guy standing next to a large modern looking bus that was lung to Quito. Price of 5.50$ and leaving immediately. Great put my luggage underneath and jumped on as the bus was pulling out... He wasn't joking when he said leaving immediately. Got a seat next to the window and settled in for the journey. Left at 10:30am and was told would arrive around 3:30pm. After less than 10 minutes travel we stopped to let some guy on that was telling a very passionate story but I didn't catch any of it and then went around handing out candy. Didn't take any and then of course wanted money. He got off and we drove for maybe another ten minutes before it stopped again to pick up some people from the side of the road. Conductor came around and brought the ticket but I now costs 10$. Didn't have enough words to explain that I was told 5:50. So just had to let it go. Bus stopped again and police got on to check bags. I had to get off the bus and stand next to my bag. Said that I spoke English only, he looked at me and then I guess decided it was too hard to explain what was going on so just moved along to another bag. Back on the bus. We are maybe a dozen km down the road and already stopped 3 times... This was the pattern for the next 6 hours. Drive for 20 mins and then stop to either pick some one up that was trying to sell us something or wanted a lift and then stop at any random time to let them off again. Didn't have any small change so couldnt buy any of the snacks they were offer. the landscape is still really mountainous but also a lot dried than Columbia. There are cactus and lots of small arid shrubs. We arrived at the northern Quito bus station around 3:45pm dropped off some people and then drove around the city to the southern station arriving an hour later. Got off here and meet a couple other backpackers. They help me get a taxi to the hostel. Was nearly another 45 mins driving around in the taxi to the hostel and the driver said he knew where he was going but I ended up having to use google maps to show him where it was located. Checked in and went out to walk around the city. After a couple long days on the bus it was great to get out and walk around. Walked up to the park Itchimbia which offered fantastic view out over the city. Was great to watch the sun set while walking around the park taking in the views. Then walked down along Columbia ave past the observatory park and alameda monument. Made my way to the national basilica. It is a dominating feature of the city and could clearly been seen from the park lookouts. Walked around the outside and square next to it but didn't go it. Then continued on my walk along to the plaza del theatro. Which now has an enormous vertical garden and dancing water fountains. Walked back towards the hostel past the San Blas church and square. Stopped for dinner at a small local cafe. Wasn't sure were to eat but this was the busiest place I walked past. They didn't really have a menu but managed to order a small serving of chicken and rice with juice. The meal was fine but the highlight was defiantly the grilled banana :)
Back to the hostel for the night. Tried to look up accommodation for the Galapagos islands but couldn't really find anything. Talked with another Sarah that has just come from the islands, she didn't have a very good time but said I should be able to find a place to stay without too much trouble.... Let's hope so.
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