Crossing into Ecuador and Quito

We met a French-Canadian at the Colombian-Ecuador border who spoke both English and enough Spanish to help us make bus connections. We travelled with him all the way to Quito, yes another bus! but only 4 hours this time. We lost him on a bus heading into Quito town cos we got off a stop too early..and he couldn´t get off as its sardines in a can... doh. We didn´t even know his name, but as luck would have it, the next day when we were walking around the old Colonial area of Quito, we bumped into him.. we´re hoping to arrange a trek together up Cotopaxi (the highest Volcano in South America).

We´re staying at a hostel that we found advertised in Bogota - a Mum, Marta and daughter, Fern, are our hosts in a beautiful house - they´ve made us feel very welcome - a true home from home. We keep getting lovely hugs from Marta and she officially makes the best coffee we have tasted so far...

Quito is certainly more developed than Colombia, it feels more wealthy with BMWs being driven around and lots more varied shops. However on a bus ride into town yesterday Wendy had her bag slashed by someone - we didn´t see who or to be honest when it happened exactly but the bus ride into town was packed and it was the only opportunity anyone would have had. Luckily the shits got nothing out of it - however it shook us up a bit that it had happened without us noticing. Don´t worry mummy (of Wendy) xxx I am fine and i have even stitched up the cut with a sewing kit that James has had since he travelled Thailand... even though he told me not to pack it as we wouldn´t need it! Marta wasn´t that impressed with the stitching however!

Quito old town is beautiful place, fantastic architecture, gorgeous foods, views, amazing. A real surprise. We have relaxed here easily and have even learned some new phrases in Spanish.

Unsure of when our next blog will be... heading south for Cotopaxi tomorrow or next day...

Love and kisses xxx James and Wendy

The 22 hour bus ride from Bogota to Ipiales

Our arses survived - just. Wendy had a few problems with the loo on the bus... not really for little girls as not able to sit on really sticky seat... and very bumpy and bendy roads with formula 1 wannabe driver.... mmmm... Actually the bus was quite comfy - reclining seats and plenty of leg room. Slept quite well... The scenary was breathtaking. Check out picture of James arriving in hotel where the first thing we did was crack open the mini bar and have a ´Poker´ beer. Lush!

We stayed in the worst hotel yet in Ipiales - and it was the most expensive - go figure. The church is just outside of Ipiales in a town called Los Lajos - built into the natural rock it was a real sight to behold. Apparantly it´s the second most popular place to do a pilgrimage to... after Lourdes, where the most miracles have occurred. We however, experienced no miracles... but very special place.