Quito

My parents arrived in Quito late, late on Tuesday night. Like Elliott´s flight, theirs had also been delayed. The plan was for Ryan, Elliott and me to meet the at the hotel. Ryan had to stay homethough because he was deparasiting i.e. on the toilet. They finally arrived at about 10:30, I think. It was great to see them. Who would have thought the Bogdans would ever go to Ecuador, but there they were... in one of the nicest hotels in Quito. We dropped their bags off in their room and headed over to our apartment. I was SO excited for them to see it but more importantly for them to meet Chuki. We called it a night relatively soon after. We only had 2 days in Quito so we had a lot to see.

The next day we met up with mom and dad pretty early in the morning. We were headed to Old Town. We saw the Basilica, Plaza Grande and the National Cathedral. But we had more important things to do that day. See, Dad was cooking dinner so we had to go to the store.

First we went to the market, Santa Clara for you who were wondering. My little guy where I usually buy our produce was in shock when my dad bought just about one bag of everything. The grand total... somewhere in the $30 range.

Then. we. went. to. Megamaxi. Let me just say I knew there was a reason I loved grocery shopping. Dad had a methodological approach. 1st the outside perimeter, then up and down each row [minus the clothes]. I don't even know what my 2nd favorite purchase was, maybe the $7 orange juice or maybe the pepper grinder. But my 1st favorite purchase was, for sure, my Supermaxi card! We saved over $40 on the 1st purchase alone. Needless to say, our kitchen is well stocked.

We went back home and started cooking. Well by we, I mean my Dad. Mom and I drank some wine (from a bottle instead of a box!) and we all played cards. But then, somewhere in between the courses, came the gifts. I'm talking the better part of 3 suitcases full of gifts. All we can say is THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! Our apartment has never been and probably never will be so full of stuff and happiness as it was when you were here!

Thursday we went to Mitad Del Mundo. In my opinion, it was anti-climactic but a must when you're in Ecuador. We had a very nice lunch in this active crater that is so fertile people farm in it. Very fun! And Thursday night was the big night: ZAZU! [Blog coming soon about the meals we ate when Wally was here.]

Then Friday, mom, dad, Chuki and I went for a nice walk in the park and then we all got ready to leave for Otavalo.

Stay tuned for the rest!

MULUB,

Taylor

PS. Check out all of the pictures from our trip on facebook. Let me know if you don't have facebook and want to see the pictures (I'll figure out a way)!