Puerto Lopez

I made it! The bus ride was awful, since it was overnight and I can't sleep well on buses, but it was the nicest bus I've ever been on. Not super advanced or anything, but newer and cleaner than Rimrock Stages. They stored all of our stuff below and gave us tickets to claim it on arrival. I was glad to be leaving Quito after walking through it after dark, and I'm really glad to be done travelling, at least long distance. Today I get to rest and explore the town, and tomorrow I guess I'm headed off to Isla de la Plata, the poor man's Galapagos, for sea turtle patrol and a bird survey. The two volunteers here, from Italy and Scotland, told me they stay on the island for about a week at a time and see blue-footed boobies and albatross as well as the turtles hatching now.

Puerto Lopez is an interesting town. I'll have to post some pictures when I get the chance. It's basically a small small fishing village with dirt roads and a lot of run-down buildings, but everyone is super nice. I'm going out later to do some grocery shopping and exploring, and I'll write more about it once I've seen more. If I don't post something by tonight, though, I probably won't be back for a week, so don't hold your breath.

Arrival

I made it! At least to Quito, anyway. I was getting nervous last night leaving the airport because I didn't see anyone who might be waiting for me, but right by the outside doorway was a girl named Gabriela who drove me to my hostel. It was a crazy ride -- we got rear-ended by someone who ran a red light -- but I was so glad to be with someone who knew where she was going that I didn't care. This is probably the nicest hostel I've been to. I had my own room with my own bathroom, including a shower. I had to check out at 11:00, but they're keeping my big pack at the front desk for the day so I don't have to lug it around. I also got free breakfast and have free internet access. It almost makes me want to stay in Quito.

I guess my bus doesn't leave until eight tonight, which is a little disappointing because I won't get to see the landscape as I come out of the mountains, but if was nice to be able to see some of Quito today. I walked a couple miles down to the historic district amd spent the day exploring. I found the city museum, some big monastaries and a huge cathedral, and a road that was built by the incas. I also got a two course meal with a 2/3 liter beer for just $2.50! This evening I'm going to find a SIM card that lets me make international calls (the one I got this morning doesn't), get dinner, and get on the bus. I'm a little nervous about taking a night bus, but I think it's a charter company that drives straight through, so I might be able to sleep on it. I'll tell you how it goes next time I find a computer.