The flight to Quito was delayed in Atlanta because of an engine issue. So, arrival to Quito International airport was later than expected. Even so, my ride, Patricio, was waiting with a sign that said Colonial House, my first Ecuadorian hotel.
Smack dab in the heart of the Old City, Colonial House is like all the rest of the buildings: old, built right to the street with barely any sidewalk, with old fashioned doors and a set of steep spiral stairs. My hostess was warm and helped me with my bag up the three flights of stairs.
After trying to figure out how the door locked (with a padlock on rings on the OUTSIDE of the door) I gave up and let my head hit the pillow at about 2 AM. The sun was up about 6:30 AM and so was the neighborhood rooster.
Breakfast was a bit of granola with yogurt, fruit, bread and jam, and scrambled eggs. At the table were four Brits, a newly married couple who are on a 10 month around the world journey, and a father son duo. As I sat down they were talking about Las Vegas, which hotels they stayed in and the rides and gambling they experienced. The father son duo had been to Mindo and, with just $17 between the two of them couldnt find an ATM to take any of their four cards. After these four left the table, a Canadian couple joined me. They are in Ecuador for three weeks. They spend summers in Eastern Canada and summers in Tucson AZ. This was their first morning in Ecuador, having come in late on the Panama City flight, shuttled from the airport by Patricio. So, Im meeting some English speaking folks along my way already.
Pam– great to hear you’ve arrived and had some other guests to visit with in English. It must have been rather scary arriving in the dark in a foreign city. I hope you have found out how to lock the door!!
We know you will have a good time. Keep me posted on the rooster! Did you bring earplugs?
Hugs
Susan
Yes! Earplugs are a standard in my bag of stuff! Ear plugs: never leave home without them!