After arriving in Quito to fog and cool temps at 2:30 am this morning, I woke up at about 7:30 am because of the bright sunshine sneaking in around the edges of the curtains in my room which faces east. I was thrilled when I opened the drapes to see the most gorgeous views that I hadn’t been able to detect last night.
The above picture shows the profile of the Andes all around Quito with a layer of fog in the valley to the east. I’ll post below a series of pics taken from pretty much the same location throughout the day at about 10, noon and 3 pm.
It started out quite warm as early as 10 am this morning when the fog had rolled out and the sun was out in full. And it’s not that cold this evening, about 12 degrees, but feels much cooler because of the fog that is now all encompassing as it was when I arrived last night.
Breakfast this morning was buffet at the restaurant on the 7th (top) floor of the hotel, which turns out to be one of the best known hotels and iconic restaurants. I can vouch for the fact that the view is certainly spectacular. The two pics below were taken from my table at breakfast but as usual they don’t do the actual view justice. You can check it out at the following website.
After a lovely breakfast, I wandered around the property and spent some time sitting in the shade by the pool. I was afraid to go swimming because apparently the best way to get over the first couple of days of altitude sickness or avoid it all together is to take it easy and not exert yourself too much. So far I’ve experience no headaches, but I do feel out of sorts, and after walking up one set of stairs I feel like I might have done the Grouse Grind (no of course I’ve never done the Grouse Grind, but you get my point). And a little light headed. It’s been a tough day because my brain is saying get out there and explore and my body is saying, oh no you don’t.
Below are some pics of the hotel and environs. Haha, when I arrived last night I had no idea it was painted to match my toes!
I spent some time this afternoon in the 7th floor bar, drinking only water I hasten to add, and reading and thought to myself, oh.my.goodness, I’m sitting here in Quito, Ecuador.
I have organized a private tour guide for tomorrow to take me on a city tour and out to Mitad del Mundo (middle of the world). I figured visiting a monument on the equator would best be done in the country named after it!
Then tomorrow evening I will meet up with my Tour group and our CEO (Chief Experience Officer) will give us the important details of the next 15 days. Can’t wait!
Lois' Adventures 