A horribly early start with the first flight to Madrid at 06.20. We sensibly have stayed at the Aerotel in Terminal 3 at Heathrow. It is basic but clean and very convenient. We rise at 03.45 and arrive at the checkin at 04.15 to find it is not yet open. We could have had a bit longer in bed but only quarter of an hour. Never mind. We join the queue, check in and then have to wait again for the BA business lounge to open at 05.00. BA seem to have upped their game and breakfast is good.
The flight is on time, the transfer is smooth and our Iberia flight to Quito takes off on schedule. There are great views as we fly across Spain.
It’s a long day though with the second flight taking 10.5 hours. We are in business so it is comfortable but the food really leaves a lot to be desired and the staff did their best to be invisible. No change there then from my last experience, last month, with Iberia. They downgraded me and are making it very difficult for me to obtain a refund. They are definitely not my favourite airline…..
The skies are fairly clear as we approach Quito so I am able to catch my first sight of it and the surrounding landscape.
The great thing is that we land early, clear customs in record time, our suitcases are first off the plane and we are out of the airport 20 minutes after landing. That must be an all time record.
We are warmly greeted by our guide Fatima and she takes us to meet our driver Santiago for the 45 minute ride to our hotel. Fatima is very efficient and thoroughly checks our itinerary and talks us through our schedule. She emphasises safety of (a) wearing sunscreen at all times however cloudy. We are after all on the equator and also at altitude. Sound advice and (B) security of us and belongings. We have put everything in the safe and will take the bare minimum of things out with us.
The hotel is in the old sector of Quito in a traffic free area. Porters meet us at the car and take our luggage. Not strictly necessary as it was only 20 yards or so but of course the tips are important for the local people. The hotel has a central courtyard and is quite characterful. I’ll take some photos tomorrow. We are exhausted but feel 18.00 is too early for bed. We sit in the lounge drinking tea, lots of water and homemade cookies and make it through to 20.30.
Night view from our room to the winged virgin below.
Lynne
So apart from the airline you have had an amazing outward journey. Good omen for the weeks ahead.