To the South of America!

Safely landed in Ecuador. A long day´s travelling from Los Angeles via Miami. Yes, it is a long way out of the way! Phileas did not particularly appreciate being split in two on the first leg of the journey - one part in Row 13, the other in Row 45 but the incompetence of American Airlines is now to be expected. It was the longest we´ve been separated for months!

The flight to Quito itself was a very convivial affair, meeting 2 Brits and a love-sick American who hated travelling but was overwhelmed to be going to see his girlfriend. So, we´re tucked up in the Secret Garden, a maze of rooms and various levels in the Old Town, where everyone seems young and energetic. Phileas booked it days ago, for two whole people. Unfortunately, someone on staff (perhaps Tom the poncho-wearing, bearded Irishman) wasn´t too clever and now they don´t have enough beds. Oh well, in the name of being thrifty, Phileas has agreed to share a bed. Buy one bed, get another person free! At $8 per night, all you can say is "Get in!"

And so we´re in the second highest capital in the world and it´s chucking it down. But we´re alright cos the pot noodle´s gone down a treat!