There is much to be happy about during this month of May. First off, the big move is becoming more and more of a reality. D and I were told that our plane tickets have been purchased and we are flying out at the end of July. Next, my passport finally arrived!! That has been the biggest stress for me so far. Without the passport, there was no visa. Now, D and I have sent all our paperwork to Guayaquil and we just await the legal stamp of approval. Of course, we also have to plan a trip to the Ecuadorian Consulor, but that won't be until July. And finally, it is full-fledged biking season. We broke out the cruisers, we've been mountain biking, and we enjoyed the fun of Boise Bike Week. Life is good.
Oh Quito, how I love thee... Dave and I needed a break from the heat and honking of Guayaquil, so we hopped on a quick flight north. We spent a wonderful four days in beautiful Quito, Ecuador. Enjoying the many artisan markets, coffee shops, restaurants, mountains, and cool weather. I wore jeans and long-sleeved shirts, slept with three blankets on the bed, and never left without my jacket, hat, and gloves for the first time in months. It was pure heaven. Quito is a very tourist friendly destination, with people from all over the world walking through the streets. It is not uncommon to hear whispers of French, Dutch, German, English, and, of course, Spanish as you travel down its cobblestone avenues. The people are also so very friendly, pointing out points of interest that they have discovered to any other tourist they see. People often can be seen giving tips on which restaurants to try or where the nearest bookstore can be found to complete strangers they bump into. Many ar