Well... If the trip over here was any indication of what is yet to come I should be feeling a little apreshensive I think.
Firtly, My first plane from Sydney was delayed because there were really strong winds at Sydney airport so I missed my connecting flight to Santiago! The airline however were wonderful about it. They helped me fill out all the necessary paperwork, re-booked my flights for the following day and checked me into a hotel across the road from the airport. I think it turned out better for me in some ways as I didn`t end up having to stay the night in Santiago and I got to rest up a little more before the long part of my trip.
The next day I got to the airport 3 hours early to avoid a repeat of the day before but of course my flight had been delayed by over an hour so I was bored out of my mind at the airport! I got quite creative I think.
When I finally boarded the flight to Santiago, I was shocked at the size of the seats. I could not actually sit down without my legs being jammed up against the seat infront of me... The plane weas full too which didn`t help... So that part of the trip was pretty exhausting and nasty but I did make it - Just... The second flight to Quito via Guayaquil was not so bad. The plane was only half full, the seats were much bigger and the flight was very scenic. I could see the peaks of the Andes poking out from the clouds the whole way there...
I got into Quito at 9pm. I got ripped off by my taxi driver but i was way too tired to bother trying to argue with him in Spanish so for $1.50, I let it go. My hotel room is very basic but perfect. The bed is very saggy but that left my pretty unphased last night as I was sooooo tired. The bathroom in my room floods when you turn the tap on. Welcome to the world of backpackers Claire!
I woke quite early this morning as I was eager to see this city by daylight. It is absolutely stunning. It is a huge city with gorgeous cobble stone streets, charming buildings on every corner, surrouned by huge mountains. It has a really nice flavour. The weather today is perfect and to my surprise really warm.
The altitude is sort of getting to my head at the moment... Excuse any spelling mistakes! And I am really hungry! I haven´t mustered up enough courage to go and attempt ordering breakfast in Spanish yet.
Not speaking much Spanish is making me feel a little isolated and nervous so I think that I am going to go this afternoon and try to find some Spanish classes to do here for the next couple of weeks. I have already been called USA American (have to specify for Pablo!) once so I had better learn soon!
Time to go!
Chao
