Hello all... Well in at 3 up at 7 for a free breakfast. Is there any better kind? I had a couple of hours after breakfast to walk around Quito. I was impressed to find that on Sundays they close off large portions of central Quito to all cars so people may bicycle around in total safety. Of course there is always that one in the crowd whom well is best labeled a moron. Now when you ride your bike up on to the sidewalk over a curb you lift the front tire up right? Well I do... I did manage to catch glimpse of one whom may possibly be eligible for the worst cyclist of the year award. I have to commend him on his amazing impression of Superman. The flying bit and all. He did however manage to break his fall with his head. I just think he over reacted by knocking himself unconscious, I mean come on his head only bounced twice. We in the US should get rid of the pesky bicycle helmets. The species could use a little thinning. The biggest disappointment was I was unable to get a photo of his not so graceful flight. Excitement over I hop on the bus to Papallacta (papa-yakt-ta). 4 hours later and pavement optional we arrived right on time. When we arrived there was a pickup truck there to meet us and bring us to the lodge. The question I had was how to get 13 people and bags in to a full size ford pickup truck. The answer became really clear really fast. As the pickup was driving away I realized that I as well as 5 others were walking. I believe the phrase its just up the hill was mentioned. I think I said ok no problem or something stupid like that. Come to think of it. So was the phrase "its not that far" was also mentioned. Well after more than a mile up hill all the way at 10500 feet in elevation we made it. Liz and Steen (Denmark) had a little trouble with the altitude so the mile took a little while longer than normal. We were all shown to our cabins and boy were they nice. The hot tubs which were fed directly from the hot springs were right outside the door. I was amazed at how clean the water was, no sulfur. After reaching the perfect state of prunage and buzz it was time for dinner. A nicely simple restaurant with great presentation. The meals were traditional Ecuadorian cuisine and nicely decorated presentation. The use of colors and flavors was perfect. The prices were in the 5 to 12 dollar range and worth twice that. With our bellies full and another craving for beer it was time to restore the prunage. Not many things better than cold beer and hot tubing with hot chicks in bikinis.....
