Pululahua Crater

This is an enormous collapsed volcanic caldera located in the Geobotanical Park a few miles north of Quito. People live in the crater itself and you can see farms on the crater floor.

Recommendations

The young lady on the plane that David mentioned was a civil engineer about my son's age.  She gave us some good, practical advice for our visit to Quito.

View from Hotel Quito

Quito is a beautiful city.

Travelin'

David - Gil and I began our trip at 7am.  We arrived early at Nashville's International airport and had a pleasant time sitting around for our flight with EXIT ROW SEATS.  Arrived in Miami on time and the fun began.  We had to go from Concourse D to Concourse J.  It is not that easy to find.  Also lots of walking.  We arrived at the gate 20 minutes before boarding.  We were turned back because we apparently did not have a phone number in the system but that was quickly fixed.  Gil met a young lady who had something in common with his son but that is Gil's story to tell.  The 3+ hour flight to Quito was uneventful until the landing.  We bounced big time. After getting through immigration and customs (a lesson on how to correctly fill out the paper work would be nice.  I never am sure what they are asking) we met our driver and let's just say he drove like my older brother.  I enjoyed the ride immensely.  As you will have read by Gil's blog we settled in fine.  Only issue we have to clear up so far.  Find out when we will be picked up Thursday for the return ride to the airport for our flight to the Galapagos.

Hotel Quito

Gil - We just had a nice dinner in the restaurant of the Hotel Quito. We are going to rest now, it's after 11 pm  local time. Quito is located in the Andes; the elevation is approximately 9000 feet! David and I will visit a snow-capped stratovolcano tomorrow, the middle of the earth monument,  and I think I've talked him into going to visit the observatory (It's said they have a most interesting astronomy museum there).
We plan to make the most of our one day in the city of Quito before our trek takes us to the Galapagos.
I'm sure we'll post some great photos tomorrow!

Getting ready to go.

David - Well tomorrow is the beginning.  Gil and I will be leaving for BNA to go to the Galapagos via Miami and Ecuador.  While visiting Quito, Ecuador we will visit a few sites to include an observatory and an active volcano that is a little over 4 miles from the city center.  While visiting the Galapagos we will be staying on a motor launch so we can visit multiple islands.  I am starting to get excited.  More to follow

Exchange Rate?

No problem with the exchange rate in the Galapagos Islands. Ecuador uses the US dollar as currency!
Gil