09-13-24 Quito to Tena
Alarm at 7, pretty organized and down to an amazing breakfast before our orientation. I was happy that find our group is only 16. I will try to find out more but for now I know there are parents Krish and Lena with two grown children, Hari and Maddi from Cambridge, UK; Dave and Gail from Calgary; Jane and niece, Sarah from New Jersey; Jenny from Midlands UK, Steven and Jo from Near London, Virginia from Richmond UK, David & Sharon from Northrrn Ireland.
Just after 9 we checked out and loaded into a very comfortable bus to go to old town with our very informative guide, Santiago, and driver, Carlos. There was a lot to see and we started with the best gargoyle collection that I have ever seen. I bought Coca Candy.
Next was a chocolate tasting! Chocolatier says if you feel hot spice in the back of your throat it is real, in mouth, chemical
Presidential palace fenced off from previous unrest. Independence in 1809
So near to solstice on 23rd that I barely have a shadow.
I don’t know who this was, but I think we’d be friends
Of course, Groot is everywhere
A few more sites and we were back on our bus which we had to wait for in front of a candy store. I bought sharesies. Cookies for all and mints for $3
We are now winding our way out of Quito to the other side of the Andes, as we head for the Amazon. A quick stop at clean gas station banos. We took a quick cold windy stop to see the volcanos. I couldn’t even get Sackboy to c stand on the S. The eucalyptus trees are invasive here.
Lunch was preordered at Restaurant Gina. I enjoyed my traditional prepared Trout and plantains as well as the big Pilsner.
Compliments of the restaurant a chuchuguasa which was potent and delicious
We are now on our way to the Lodge in the Amazon, Hakuna Matata
We stopped at a food market where I sampled the roasted beetle larvae. I did not take a video of them squirming in the bowl. It was actually pretty delicious.
There was a stop for pictures at the top of the Andes along the road. It was cold and windy. We then wound our way down through the cloud forest to the rain forest.
We had to swap out to small vehicles as there was a tension bridge along the way to the lodge.
Our lodge is lovely and well equipped. We had awesome drinks and a fabulous 3 course meal before taking a night walk in the forest looking for critters
And now to read a little and get some solid sleep!!
triumphgal 