We arrived in Ipiales without a hitch. In fact, it was probably the best bus sleep I’ve ever had (which I guess is kind of like saying it was the most comfortable kick in the head I’ve ever gotten). From Ipiales, we got on a collectivo which took us to the border. The Colombian-Ecuadoran border was the first one where I didn’t have to pay anything on either side.

Another collectivo from the border took us to Tulcan, Ecuador. There we got out some money (back to the good ol’ greenback – it’s enough to make you homesick), had some breakfast, and got on a bus bound for Quito.

When we arrives at the station, our little group split up. The Aussie brothers hopped yet another bus bound for the coast, and Robby caught a cab to a hostel in Quito’s Old City area. I got in touch with David, my foreign exchange brother, who came by with his wife Andrea and picked me up at the station.

We went to their house, where I got to meet their sons, Elias and Joaquin. I spent the rest of the day relaxing, looking into things to do while I’m in town, and playing with the kids (and their incredibly awesome superhero action figure collection). The whole family has been incredibly nice and very accomodating. Home-cooked meals, my own bedroom and bathroom, plenty of space. It sure beats the heck out of a dorm in a hostel!