Evening All

Finally I have managed to get back on line so can let you know what I have been up to over the last few days. Over the last week I have covered some miles here in Ecuador and made some friends along the way! I'm afraid this website has been slightly temperamental so am keeping my fingers crossed this message will upload, I have had to redraft it about 4 times already today!

Day 1, First stop was Quito where I had a full day to myself before meeting the rest of my group. I decided to brave a taxi to the old town with my phrase book and my trusted Lonely Planet. The taxi driver, a lovely old chap chatted away to me for the 30 minute ride to the old town. It was all in Spanish with lots of gesticulating and pointing out of the window along the way. I felt sure it was very interesting and informative so I made sure I smiled and nodded in what I thought were all the right places. At the end of the journey I arrived where I planned to be so thanked him for his help and went on my way.

This part of town is the colonial old town with lots of old churches and a cathedral with magnificent golden alters and art work. I looked around the Cathedral and about 3 of the churches nearby and then decided it was time for lunch and very nice it was to.

That evening I met the rest of the group on the G Adventures tour along with Giovanni, our local guide. There is a real mix of nationalities including German, Swiss, Californians and 6 hilarious Canadians who have been keeping me laughing along the way.

Day 2 and a trip to the mountains to a town called Papallacta about 3 hrs bus ride from Quito. This place is famous for its thermal hot springs and as most f you know, I love a spa so this was a great first stop for me. It's also about 3000m above sea level so pretty high. Luckily I had no problems with the altitude, aided I'm sure by making sure I didn't exert myself and instead just chilled out in the hot springs!