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.

Looking down on Bogota from Monserrat mountain

After chilling out a lot yesterday cos Wendy´s bottom wasn´t happy, we took the cable car up to Monserrat mountain which is to the east of Bogota. The views were AMAZIN. Just walking around up there had us out of breath due to the high altitude.

James has been a little disappointed with the food... we have snacked mostly but Wendy has had great success with the chicken options including dirty McDonalds... see piccie... much to James´great dismay...however lush eats today in Mexican restaurant.

We movin on tomorrow to Ipiales in the south of Colombia on a 22 hour bus ride, then onto Quito in Ecuador, so there may be a break in contact, depending on internet access.

Adios, hasta leugo.
p.s. happy moving in day to Jazzy !xxx

Sights of Bogota

Photos of our current accomodation, the gold museum and some local sights.

Free coffee in our place is cool! Keeping us going! Time difference of 5 hours is making us go to bed early! We have a comfy sitting room with huge flat screen TV and film library to chill out also pretty courtyard to have breakfast.

Bogota is a real culture shock with a million buses on the most amazing road either of us have ever seen... People are very inquisitive but also very friendly - lots of smiles. James is hesitant to get out his equipment! (camera!!!) on the streets but we have sneaked a few shots...the gold museum was truly spectacular with lots of history and interesting information.

We are loving the atmosphere of Bogota and are constantly surprised by the friendliness of folks.

It´s taken an hour just to get these photos uploaded - computers and internet here are sloooow, but at least we have them. So we are off out now ... to explore some more and get some dollars changed...

xxx

Waking up in Colombia

Thanks for all the comments...xxx all round... feels like a long way from home but waking up in Colombia this morning (and it was just morning at 11.45am our time and 4.45pm your time!) was amazing! We stayed in a great place last night... and have now walked to our next hostel where we stay for at least 3 nights to catch breath. Very relaxing place with friendly folks... chillout lounge and gorgeous courtyard.

James looks like a local and his bits of spanish are getting us by really well. We off out to explore Bogota in a while, get some grub and find a supermarket.

Love from both,
Wendy xxx

The night before set off...

We're ready to go.

Wendy's bag is weighing in at a very cool 5.8kg.. very ninja like.
Mine's a not so respectable 10.8kg... needs a little work before tomorrow.

Wendy is not expecting to sleep much tonight and misses Jazzy already.
I'm gonna have a cider and chill out very easily. I'm knackered.