Today we arrived in Quito and stayed overnight at Hotel Eugenia. The hotel was lovely, and there was an armed guard outside to keep the scary people out, although we always felt safe walking the streets. The hotel and rooms were very nice. After we settled in a bit, we went out for a drink.
It was quite amusing that although it was in the 70s, all of the locals bundled up like it was freezing out. This made us gringos stick out like a sore thumb, but heh... it was too nice out!
After roaming around a bit, we went to a little British themed pub right behind the hotel. I had just one beer and things just didn't feel right. I don't know whether it was altitude sickness or those pesky shots at the airport and beers on the plane, but I started feeling whoozy. I had to get out of there fast! 60 seconds later I was puking on the side of the street. I always make a good first impression. Hello Quito! Luckily this was a fluke and didn't last beyond the night.
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
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.