Into the blue... "LIFE BEGINS AT THE END OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE"

This morning I'm sure my taxi driver thought he was at Silverstone in a ferrari. We flew through the streets of Quito at 530am, ignoring both police and red lights...seems red lights mean 'don't bother even slowing down' this early in the morning and the cops obviously thought 100kph on roads built to go no faster than 60kph was normal...maybe they just hadn't woken up yet? Feared for my life somewhat.

Amazingly made it safely to the airport (at cost of US$1.20!) and joined the queue of hundreds for check in. Stood next to a German called Herbert and started yakking (as I do) and discovered I had to lug my gear over to a different section of the airport before check in and have it checked for fruits/veges, then tagged as 'ok'. Herbert held my place in line while I got that done, and also paid my US$10 departure tax...where I met Paul from oz, heading to Galapagos to meet his mates. This is what I LOVE about travel...meeting like-minded, amazing people. Through security, Herbert and I got coffees and joined Paul. I then spotted Simona from Germany who had been at the GVI meeting on Thursday. Invited her over and we all chatted for 30 mins or so before our flights. We then found Steve on the flight, who was also at the meeting...fantastico....top start to my trip!

Am currently on the TAME flight to San Cristobal with my new project friends, with no idea what the next month holds...but at least I have new mates :)

Im assuming I won't be able to upload this until next weekend, but will aim to update as much as I can during the week...power permitting to run my iPad!

Hasta luego amigos...see you on the flip side.
XX

Ps. I've just gotten over 2 days of the Quito-equivalent of dehli-beli, but don't think we need to go into that :)
Pps. Laughing my pants off at these podcasts Rick...peeps on this flight must think I'm loco...