Today, I balance an egg on a nail. And then I lose my balance trying to stand on one leg. Go figure! That’s of course, right on the equator – the real one that is, the one they GPSed a few years back not the fake French one. Our guide there shows us the water running clockwise in the southern hemisphere, counter-clockwise in the northern hemisphere and straight down right on the equator. It’s difficult to dismiss something so visual, but I still don’t buy it.
Luis, our tour guide in Quito, is awesome. He tells us a lot about Quito history and explains the upcoming election in Ecuador and about the new constitution. The new constitution is supposed to provide a safety net for the 38% of Ecuadorians that live below the poverty line, provide free education and curb corruption. However, it will also give the president control over the economy as well as the judicial and legislative branches (update September 29th: the majority voted YES for the constitution).
Continuing seeing the views of Quito, we drive up El Panecillo with its huge statue of La Virgen de Quito where we get an awesome view over Quito, The Lonely Planet calls it the “holiest view”. We then take the gondola TelefériQo up Cruz Loma, which takes us up 4,100m on the side of the Volcán Pichincha. Again stunning views over the city and I would call it the “coldest view”.
While we have a look at the inside of the some of the churches, I learn that “baroque” means “fear of the empty”. I finally get this epoch and understand why it’s so OTT.
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.