Touchdown

Well, to kill the suspense, I have arrived safely. I flew to Miami with just enough time to get from one gate to the next and sit down for a few minutes, then I boarded my flight for Quito. Luckily for me, I sat next to a fellow university gradúate from Texas, Alejandra. Conversation included university studies, job prospects, Twilight (Im very serious), and meeting up in Quito in a few days. So, Ill have my own tour guide through the best parts of the city, in meantime I will probably end up in the worst parts of the city alone…ha ha just kidding, I have better street smarts then that- lets hope. Alejandra, my new life line, and I tipped a guy pushing a wheelchair a couple dollars to get us through the horrible customs line. Yes- we are skilled, and it was well worth my dollar, especially since- mind you, I was carrying my 40lbs backpack. Anywho, she and I said our brief goodbyes once I found my hotel car waiting to drive me safely to my sanctuary. Imagine my surprise when I saw a nice BMW waiting to take me….SIKE….I saw a lady holding a less than official pen sketched sign reading “Melanie- Villa Nancy” who whisked me away and put me in the back of the taxi, and without a word, she turned back to the airport and I was driven off in the taxi. I have a lot of trust in people. I immediately noticed the altitude effects on my body. My heart felt like it was working overtime. And, I also immediately noticed the American influence with an eatery named “American Deli” and the perfect place to rend a car- “Nazcar”.I arrived at my “hotel” about 15 minutes later. Its more like a hostal really. Its the size of a big house, very casual, but at least I have my own room (and bathroom for that matter) because in a week- I´ll be bunking it up. My sleep was occassionally interrupted by the gate buzzer, as it is required to be manually unlocked in order for you to enter the property. With my early morning rise, I noticed that Quito is very urban, with lots of traffic and buildings- but I have a beautiful view of the mountain side from my hotel. Quito is nestled right along side it and in the valley- so the cool air is very welcoming after leaving Wilmington´s ridiculously stupid-hot summer weather. I really didn´t intend to ramble this much so- I´m alive and I am about to search for lunch!