Sitting in a hot humid airplane I can feel the sweat that drips down my forehead: the smells that surround me, a combination of old man and deodorant. I’ve been here here for hours, I’ve never been so nervous and so excited in my entire life. My heart beating so fast that I can feel every pound over and over. I’ve never been this far from home., over 6,000km away. 30 minutes until landing, what have I done…
Our first stop, Quito. Stepping of the plane it’s cooler than expected. I can feel a breeze on my face, this usually means rain. Here in equator there are no seasons except 2, the rain and the more rain. I’m beginning to feel light headed. Standing onto an active volcano I’m at an altitude of 2,850m. My doctor warned me to take altitude medication, guess I should’ve listened.
My head still aching I hop aboard a bus: with me are my peers, teachers and the bus driver, of course. Everybody friendly, especially those of us who just had a 12 hour travel day, still in the works may I add. We’re headed to our hotel, our guide says we’re travelling to the heart of Quito- about a 45 minute drive to our hotel- but at least they’ll be lots to do. Tomorrow we stand on the equator, I can’t wait!
We arrive to the hotel around 10:30pm Quito time- one hour time difference- to find dinner prepped and ready for our arrival. Thank goodness: we were starving. I’ve never been so ecstatic to feast on egg salad sandwiches, chips and to wash everything down, my personal favourite, Cola. Our meal is finished and now it’s time to get everything settled in our rooms. Maneuvering luggage up 3 flights of stairs was much easier with an elevator. Finally I’m settled in my room, it’s getting close to room check. Before 11pm hits I’m in my bed under the covers ready to doze off but now I can’t. “Bang, bang bang,” the sound I hear at the door. I go to open it and it's Rachel, “everybody here,” she asks, “see for yourself” I reply. She comes in to look and everyone has fallen asleep, at last it’s my turn. Goodnight.
Written by Anessa Christensen
Old man and deodorant...classic!!!! I enjoyed reading this.