Ecuador and Galapagos - 2/22/14

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Up at 5:30. Glenda and I met at breakfast at 7:00 in the restaurant. Deb came down around 7:30 and we planned our day. Darcy slept in until 9:30 and met us later as we shopped the Plaza San Francisco. Under the church there is a row of artisinal shops; all proceeds go to support the craftsman. Very interesting and unique items. Deb and Glenda made their day, scoring a multitude of small pieces of art and accessories.
Darcy arrived and we had a lemonade, and coffee. While sitting at the table, a guide from the Galapagos stopped at our table, hawking a photo book that he self-published, full of amazing photos. We bought two copies and he autographed them for us.
Next we found a small store full of local crafts. This one took an hour to get out of.  Then back to the hotel to drop packages. We rested for an hour and then to a restaurant run by an American expat from Louisiana, not finishing until 3:00. We sat outside, but the weather was turning cooler.
Next to the ATM for cash and on to the Tourist Information office, which includes a shop of Ecuadorian crafts. Back to the hotel, where we rested and Deb iced her knee which she had banged up earlier. At 7:00 we walked to the Vista Hermosa restaurant for an outdoor dining experience on the roof of the building. Amazing view of the nighttime city. We were joined by Darcy's friend Natalie Wuernke, who hails from Towson, Maryland.  We went back to the hotel, said our goodbyes to Darcy and Natalie, who were staying the remaining night in the hotel, and caught a taxi for the Quito airport.
Arrived at 10:00 and checked in for the flight.  Flight is one hour late, scheduled for departure at 2:00 AM.