Our day in Santiago was pretty laid back. We bought some fruit on the street enjoying our breakfast on a hill overlooking the city. Surrounded by 1000 or more pre school kids it was literally and figuratively a zoo.... found out we were sitting on a bench just below the entrance to the Santiago Zoo.
Pretty uneventful flight to Quito. Bumpy ride over the water to touch down at the capital city around 9pm. Customs here was pretty fast and easy. Once cleared we opened the door to be greated by the very welcoming "Mr Shane Browne" sign indicating our hostal really had recieved our messages.
Arriving at the Hostal Amazon Inn was like coming home. An old hacienda in the middle of town where Mamma greeted us with smiles. Our room was clean, quiet and breakfast was great. We (almost) had real coffee. Mamma made some drip was embarrased by the fact there were grounds in it so, apologizing, she handed us the Nescafe. So close... so very close. I think my caffiene addiction is in serious trouble here.
Jim and his son Adam were there to meet us at 9am sharp. After much discussion, a little smooth talking and a lot of figuring we are heading to the Amazon this afternoon. Our trip to the Galapagos goes on the 13th (if we get on the luxury boat) or the 15th if we get the next class. Jim has worked us a deal so we are pleased with whatever option we get. Life's full of surprises.
Quito is an amazing city. Built long and narrow with surrounded by stunning mountains (some of which are active volcanos.
The drive to their apartment took us over cobblestone streets, down narrow roads deep in to the Cumbaya valley.
Jim and Adam are packing up for the trip to Tena. From there, who knows. Will be checking out gold sluicing, jungle and the Amazon basin. Don't know what we're in for but we're getting pretty excited.
Don't know if I can update before our return to Quito.
Not sure why Jim said the locals in Quito are afraid to go the the jungle..... is there something we don't know? Perhaps even a few of the stories we heard this morning are true. If so... well..... should be interesting!!
Next stop .... the Amazon