09-12-24 From Ok to Awesome
Sleep was elusive as I no longer easily curl up on hard chairs for a nap. At 3 am the staff showed up and we were finally able to pass off our checked in bags. Security wasn’t open until 4 for screening and then 4:30 for CBSA. I thought it was weird that the Calgary airport is basically shutdown at night. At one count there were 5 women all crashed on joined chairs. and it was pouring rain!
We had the friendliest CBSA agent who told us we were going to love the Houston airport
We finally got seated in extremely cramped seats on a Boeing 737-700. It was old school to say the least.
The cloud formations over Houston were stunning
We had a good laugh as we wondered why they were handing us fun sized condoms as we boarded the plane.
Finally made it to the awesomeness of the George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Boy Howdy that agent was right! It is an incredible place.
Brett back at home recommended a seafood restaurant that he couldn’t remember the name of. In short order we found it and had an excellent experience. Janet and Sergio treated us special with a combination plate for me of seared scallops and calamari as well as a piece of alligator that is sourced from the same farm as Louis Vuitton for their bags. It was a piece of white tail meat, very delicious but marinated in many peppers hence my only trying one piece. Not inexpensive but worth every penny. I taught Sergio a couple new drinks and definitely enjoyed both my Sidecar and the watermelon and coconut hurricane
At the end of the meal, Nick came over to offer a free dessert. I chose the key lime pie to go with mmmmmmm
We sat for an hour in massage chairs and relaxed. It was wonderful. Finally it is time to get on another plane.
I sat next to a lovely lady with a tag around her neck that said her name, Genoveva, and, on the back, that she did not speak English with a number to contact if needed. I did not bad at all communicating and helping her. I’m not sure she totally understood that I don’t speak Spanish although I was able to throw a few words in.
I watched an odd movie, doses off and then ended the flight with Bob Marley One Love.
I have decided to blog as I go in draft form and then hit post when it is days and and hopefully on wifi.
We are getting ready to land in Quito and I have received notice of where to meet our shuttle.
Clearing customs was a breeze and we were met by a lovely young g man, Matteo who brought us the 40 minutes or so to our very nice hotel, Mercure. Quito is the second largest city in the country, coming in around 3 million. We are organizing a jump bag to take for our two nights in the Amazon after our city walking tour in the morning. The hotel will store our big suitcases.
I am going to bed after a fabulous shower as our orientation is at 8 where we will meet the other 14 in our group. Have to be down for breakfast before that.
triumphgal 