Warm welcome

Now that the jet lag has been somewhat overcome, the first post is finally here. First question: What is the best way to start a backpacking holiday? That's right, in the airport lounge with a mimosa! Arriving in rainy Quito with a 7-hour time difference, I quickly got to experience South American hospitality: The taxi driver suddenly stops on the busy and chaotic Pan-American Highway and buys fresh local strawberries on the side of the road, which we share during the hour-long drive.

At the hostel I was informed that the area has no electricity every day from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. The energy supply has been quite limited since the political escapades with Mexico and other South American countries in the last few days. This can also be seen in the Centro Histórico, where the shops are closed or the smell of the gas station indicates the alternative generators. I felt very safe walking through the city in the evening and arrived back at the hostel in time for happy hour and family dinner. I immediately met some other travelers and spent the evening on the roof terrace.