Acquiring decent maps is always a problem when trying to hike outside the UK (we don't know how lucky we are with Ordnance Survey). I've found maps from lots of different sources in the past, but this was the first time I had to visit a military establishment to get them. My passport had to be checked, photocopied and left at the gate before I could proceed. I then had a long wait while my selected maps were created on a large printer, checked, authorized with an official stamp, and signed for in triplicate.

I hit Quito on a weekend which turned out to be a good time for exploring the old city where there was lots of entertainment in the plazas from musicians and dancers. But the weekend also highlighted the dark side - drunks fighting in the streets and prostitutes on many a street corner. It's very lively in the daytime, but not a safe place to do much wandering after dark.

It is evident even in the city that this is a country where the indigenous people play a major role, including the current president who is very progressive. When America asked for a renewal of their license for their military base here, the president said yes of course, and here is a map showing the area of Florida that we intend to use as our military base. They didn't get their license renewed!

Right then, I have my maps and some extra acclimatization from climbing to the top of the huge basilica (even I got a touch of vertigo when I reached the bell tower), so it's time to head off and climb a volcano or two!