Quito-Sat. Nov. 24, 2018

It has been an exciting week; our new grandson was born on Wed., Nov. 21.  Joseph Daniel weighed in at 8lbs 4oz.  Everyone is home now and doing well.

Kim and I have joined a group called Internations Quito.  Last Saturday, we participated in an excursion to the volcanic crater of the extinct Pululahua Volcano.  It was formed in ancient times when the cone of the volcano collapsed, leaving a huge crater 400m deep and 5km across.  The flat and fertile bottom is used for agriculture.  We spent the afternoon hiking and finished up with a delicious ecuadorian meal.  Pictures above.  Pictures below are from Parque Metropolitano where we spent Sunday.  Beautiful views.

On Monday, we picked up our BiCiQuito bike passes-a free program to help reduce the amount of traffic in the high traffic areas of the city.  On Friday we used them to go and get my visa extension-bit of a process-go to office, pick up form and bank account number, go to bank and deposit fee, go back to office with deposit slip and form and get visa renewed.  The bikes made it pleasant as we were able to ride through Carolina Park from the SW to the NW, and then back.

Classes have been a little slower the last few weeks as three of my students are not starting new units until after Christmas.

We’ve booked a Galapagos cruise for Dec. 15-22.  So excited.  Everyone we’ve talked to whose been to the Galapagos loves them.