On the way to Quito, on the first climb after Otavalo, we met three heavily laden cyclists, Ignacho, Romina and Javier from Argentina, heading north. In an extended break we exchanged road experiences, directions and hints and they recommended us the casa de ciclistas in Tumbaco, a suburb of Quito. It turned out to be a very lucky suggestion: when we arrived late in the evening, we were picked up by Santiago and Ana Lucia at the central parque and warmly welcomed by the whole family, by Ana Carolina and Micaela, the grandmother and an aunt. Santiago, a ambitious (mountain) cyclist himself, opened his house for world cyclists twenty years ago. Camping in their garden, we enjoyed for one week their friendly hospitality: talking shop about the subtleties of bicycles (Santiago knows and repairs everything), talking about life and travelling and about the churches of Quito (ancient temples). It was a time of recreation, of cultural discoveries and of amity.
And we met there Phil, an adventurous guy, cycling the world for already four years.
El destino triste de viajero es que todas experiencias son pasajeras. Pero estos recuerdos amables nos acompañarán! Todo lo mejor a vosotros!

With Ana Carolina, Ana Lucia, Santiago, Micaela, Andi