The Tortoise and the Finch: On Our Way

Arrival Update!

After a visually dramatic and much delayed flight, we arrived in Quito!

As you can see, el mirador desde la azotea del hotel es increíble!

You'd think a 1:30 am arrival after hours of Miami tarmac time would cause us to regard this capitol city with a jaundiced eye - not possible. Quito was the very first city recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its gorgeous physical location ringed by lush mountains, ridiculously charming side streets and plazas are transformed into even more sublime loveliness at night. The dramatic lighting of already pretty dramatic colonial facades immediately enchanted us.

The hotel is located in the heart of the centro historico and is known for a remarkable roof-top view. Despite the lateness of our arrival, the night porter undertook to introduce us to el mirador as soon as we dropped our luggage at the door.

*long exposition here - as a lifelong sea-level dweller, I struggle with altitude. It hit me like a ton of bricks when deplaning! The walk up the flight ramp felt like summiting Everest. So, the hotel room is on the second floor - okay. We climb another flight to another precious patio area - I admire the view of the neighborhood. No, another flight - a little wheezy now. This view is lovelier and more extensive looking down onto a jumble of tiled roofs, and over the mountains. No, another flight - the headache is getting worse and I am really slow. It is worth it, even though we set off the neighbors' dogs because this 5th floor view is gorgeous, but no. 6th floor and I am hoisting myself up the steps using the handrail like it was guide ropes up Ranier. Dear God, there is another flight - black spots in my eyes and I want to ask for an oxygen tank. I know I am being a baby, but Quito IS at 9,000 feet. We arrive at the summit and it is incredible - a 360 of church spires, looming volcanic peaks, clay tiled roofs, and floating above it all El Panecillo's Virgin of Quito.