Flying in from a day long trip from Seattle last night was a total relief. I managed to get 3 kayaks here and was greeted by the smiles of my kayak companions Jenny and Marco. My hotel room was quaint and cozy but Malaria medication prevented me from sleeping. The morning came quick with the call of the hotel dog warning a drunk to stay away from the lobby entrance. I opened my door to witness Marco starting the undaunting task of unwrapping our kayaks and readying them for the truck shuttle to San Francisco de Borja. Noticing the zombified look on my face Marco was quick to rush me a delicious coffee. Sorry Oso Negro, you come a distant second to the cup I enjoyed of local beans brewed to perfection.
The boats were all loaded up and the webbing straps we used as kayak bag handles were key in securing the eight boats to the small toyota truck. I knew our driver Jualo was a cool cat when I noticed he had covered his dash board in shag carpet. Narco and Jenny loaded up in the truck while I was to stay behind for the arrival of our friend Chad later that evening. Just as the truck pulled away I remembered that we had not set a meeting place for the next day. I quickly stopped the truck and gestured Marco to roll down the window. ¨San Francisco de Borja¨ he bellowed as the shuttle truck pulled away from the curb, phew that was close.
I spent the rest of the day aquainting myself with the capital of Quito. I wanted to be prepared enough to guide our kayaking guests who arrive in 11 days. In that time, we have to paddle the intended runs as much as possible and set out hotel reservations and logistics. Before embarking on my 5 hour walk through the city I stopped at a really cool breakfast place with what looked like italian mob bosses enjoying espresso on the patio. I splurged on a 2.50 breakfast with cafe and juice. The waitress was aproachable and helping, she even put my kayak business card on the wall.
My next mission was to search out some other hotels closer to the Marical Sucre markets- Marco was concerned with the area our hotel we were staying at being dangerous at night. I saw alot of hotels and learned how to ask to see rooms and inquire about reservations in Spanish. The rooms were nicer than ours at the San Blas but there is something about it that place that I love. Since I arrived in the night, the bright morning view completely floored me; a lush green mountain side with little villages tucked into the landscape and a gorgeous statue on the top of it. Out front the courtytard is centered by a fountain and lots of spots to sit and take it all in. I also enjoyed patting the hotel dog on the head evertime I passed him, which helps since I miss my Whisper greatly
Quito buzzed with life as there seemed to be a construction project on every other building. Locals hoist enormous pipes and fixtures with ropes, young men chip away at rotten concrete. Amidst all the work people sit on the street with small tables of goods for sale, everthing from CD cases to mints to garden gnomes. The people are amazingly friendly and eager to coach you through fumbling spanish. Honking buses buzz by jam packed with people, I even noticed an unfortunate persons hand wedged in the door.
Tonight I meet up my friend Chad at the airport. I am excited to observe as for the first time he experiences the wonder and awe that Ecuador has to offer just as I have.
Until next time....
Chris Ryman
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