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Friday, the second day of advert and I had a ridiculously early flight to Ecuador. I taxied it to the airport having tried to be as quiet as possible getting up in the busy dorm but was scuppered by the noisiest metal lockers which any sound reverberated round, like a kettle drum. Also, the blankets were statically charged and gave alarming blue flashes when you turned over or took them off.
I checked in, with a momentary panic my bag would be too heavy, but all was fine, proceeded through security and into the lounge. My flight to Bogota went quickly (i had another panic I'd lost my departure card only to go and ask about it and to have them point out it was stabled to my boarding pass). The only annoying thing was my seat wouldn't recline backwards as I was in front of the Emergency exit, this meant the seat was too upright and I kept dozing off and slumping forward to wake with a jolt and a small puddle of dribble. The change over in Columbia was quick. On the plane I was sat next to an American couple who I started chatting to. They were travelling south america and had spent some time in Colombia and had just got engaged at Angel falls, the highest waterfall in the world.
Doug was due to arrive 20 mins after me. As I stood in the very slow immigration line I kept an excited look out for him coming down the stairs, 15 mins after his flight was due in I was standing chatting to Gavin (easy to remember) and June, the American couple and I saw a familiar face bobbing up from the other side of immigration. Doug had somehow arrived earlier and shot through. An hour later and we were eventually reunited, a warm embrace and more PDAs (public displays of affection) than Doug would normally of been comfortable with, our travels together could at last begin.
We said our goodbyes to the American couple and headed off with our patient airport transfer man and checked into our hotel, an old British embassy building with standard (for Quito) gated entry. Our room was off a pretty courtyard with an en suite, our home for the next 7 days.
After a much needed shower, we ventured out for some food and to gage the lay of the land. We were near the new town area so headed to where the lonely planet guide recommended several restaurants and bars. As we began to approach the area the sound of people, loud music and bass started to emanate. Along all the streets leading into a packed square were people dancing, drinking and talking. The large plaza was chocka with party goers doing the same. We hadn't really expected this but it was a pleasant surprise. We stayed out for a couple hours watching the festive crowd and having some food and drinks for ourselves. Doug had been on a plane for about 25 of the last 36 hrs so an early night was in order so off we tottered back to our hotel ready for our first full day together.
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Mhairi Glad to hear you met up safe and sound and are now enjoying the start of your adventure together!