Heading back to Quito

This morning we left the hostel. First to go to town for some late breakfast having spent the morning loading our back packs with all the clean clothes we've washed here. And getting ready to leave Mindo and go to Quito. You never really get ready to leave Mindo. When you've been here you know you have to come back, one day eventually.

We decided for local food for breakfast and realised that at 11 they already had the BBQ's going so why not do as the locals - pork chops and chicken for breakfast.

Then we bought tickets for the bus to Quito and hurried back to the hostel to get all our stuff, just managing to do one final Skype call to Mikkels brother, Steen, to wish him happy birthday. He was getting ready to serve dinner for the family at home in Denmark.

The bus back to Quito was as expected. Mountain roads, a few stops in the villages we passed through and then suddenly we were at one of the bus stations in Quito where our bus had the final stop. Taxi to the hostel, looking for some of the parties that were supposed to take place in town today since it was the day of founding the city of Quito. Not a lot going on it seemed, though.

We got to the hostel and managed to agree with the taxi driver that he would pick us up, Monday morning at 5 AM for our trip to the airport. Long time from now. Got a nice little room in the hostel, headed out to meet Claire. She was tired though so while she took a nap, we headed to Plaza Foch and had coffee and drinks and got a bit of the partying and action in the sunset. This is a wonderful part of Quito.

We met up with Claire a bit later, had food and drinks and more drinks at another bar on Foch and then stayed out to enjoy a completely different side of Ecuador, one we really haven't been to active with for the past weeks where it has been about hiking, snorkling and enjoying nature instead. Back to the hostel after midnight.

Byebye cold-weather accessories. Heading for warmer weather soon

Still waiting for Jesus

Looks like breakfast is ready

Soaking in the afternoon sun

...and drinks

...and more drinks

Hello Mongolia

Woke up to a pleasant morning. The train was moving at a steady pace across the Mongolian landscape and we had an opportunity to enjoy it as it passed by. The landscape had gone more dry - and flat since leaving China. And there was no trace of houses, cities, people or animals. Just space. Flat open space. We did stop a couple of times on the way to Ulaanbaatar but it was villages compared to the places we have been to in China during the past 6 weeks.

Eventually we reached UB in the afternoon, got of the train and were picked up by a guy from the hostel. A short drive through rush hour traffic and we were at the hostel, got our bunk beds and then Mikkel and Kate headed out to have a look at the city while Malene took care of the internet.

We later went out for a drink at the roof top terrace bar down town and after a drink went for happy hour drinks on the 23rd floor of the hotel. From there it was easier to get an overview of just how small UB is compared to all other cities we have visited in China. It feels nice and a bit more relaxed.

When we were done with the drinks we went for burgers and more beers. Hope the others on the truck enjoy their tents - we like UB. Give us more, please.

Flat Mongolia

Getting closer to UB

Pick up at the station

$8 bunk beds

$8 drinks in the evening sun

Happy hour with Kate and Dale

Chinese food upgrade