IN TRANSIT FROM QUITO, ECUADOR, TO NEW YORK CITY

MONDAY, JUNE 25, 2018

IN TRANSIT FROM QUITO, ECUADOR, TO NEW YORK CITY

         We arrived at Kennedy airport at 3. 30 am after a flight during which none of us had slept very much. We had one connection at Panama City where we merely walked through the duty free area before finding our connection. The security check at the gate was the worst I have ever endured and I was at the end of my tether when we were done. Finally, we did get to our aircraft and settled in our seats.  I was pleased to catch a glimpse of the famous Panama Canal below me—although it was dark, the long line as lighted ships waiting in a row below us was a sure indication that they were making their way through the Canal in the dark. It was a deeply stirring sight.

         We touched down at Kennedy on schedule at 3. 30 am and went directly on the Air Train to Budget to pick up the car we rented to get us home. It was about 6.00 am when we arrived home. Both Llew and I slipped into bed for a quick shut eye before he began to work from home for the day and I got down to the tasks of unpacking and doing laundry before setting off, less than 48 hours later, for a trip to Italy.

Conclusion:

         It is hard to put into words what this trip meant to us. While it was meant to be a family trip that would bring Llew, Chriselle and me together, it was also meant to be a reunion of fond and very close friends—the Bhagats—with whom we would spend two unforgettable weeks. As it turned out, at the very outset, we were met with a profound catastrophe that left us reeling with shock and mournful with the pain of the loss of a dear friend. All we could do was soldier on with the memory of our friends held dear in our hearts. They continued to journey with us in spirit. 

         It was meant to strike two items off our Bucket List—one to Machu Pichu and another to the Galapagos Islands; but it ended up offering us much more than that: an introduction to the legacy of colonial Spain in Latin America as seen through its arresting architecture, stunning cathedrals and unique culture—not to mention its delicious food. We enjoyed Pisco sours, ceviche, encocadas, antichurros, tamales. 

         Everywhere we went, we were stunned by the sweetness and the helpfulness of people. Everyone smiled, everyone went the extra mile to meet our needs. We did not come upon a harsh word anywhere. We were also struck by the cleanliness of the cities—Lima and Quito. Although part of the former Third World and firmly located within the Hispanic tradition, we found people to have astounding civic sense, a basic pride in their surroundings and a dignity in the way they carried themselves. Although simple rural folk at heart, they live with grace and wear their colorful culture with such zeal.  

         As always, it is the people of a country that make the most impact and in South America too, they made the strongest, most positive impression. For all these reasons, we are truly grateful that we had the chance to visit these countries and interact with the people. They might not have the material prosperity that we, in the United States, take for granted, but they do have a zest for life and take joy in the simple pleasures of living. There is so much we can learn from their attitude and temperament.

         Thanks for following me on this South American sojourn. I hope you have enjoyed the ride as much as I have enjoyed recreating our adventures for your reading pleasure. Until the next time, happy traveling…