Ecuador to Barbados

The day after Sebastian's birthday it was time to start saying goodbyes as our trip neared to an end.  Early Monday morning and we started journey to part 2 of the summer.  It was a tearful goodbye as we had a lovely time with the Ecuadorian family.  But also I was excited to return to Barbados after two years.  We landed early afternoon on Monday and it has been all about family and of course football since the moment we arrived.  

And we are off!

                                         

Then to my favourite bar and restaurant (Blakey's) with my favourite people, to see Spain in.

And then we crashed Granny Andy's grand kid dinner.  A great night!

Sebastian's Ecuador Birthday

Sebastian's Ecuador birthday was yesterday.  Really it is just an excuse to get lots of people together.  He loves it, well of course who would not love having multiple birthday celebrations.  We were super happy that the Andersen's could be here.  They became very popular with the family as Sinead spent the afternoon making proper Irish Whiskies.  I honestly think the family how I have such wonderful people in my life but bring little to the table (they loved my sister and now Sinead).  They have talked loads about my sister and her amazing Spanish efforts and Sunday Roast.  And could not get over how kind the Andersen's are.  As I have given up cooking, and am not very tidy, I am not suer how much value I bring.  Oh accept games! i do play games from 6:30am with Jose Jose.  Anyways, it was a great party and finished on a high as England progressed into the Semi-finals!

Now we are enjoying our last day before heading off to our next destination early tomorrow morning.

Quito Old Town

On Friday we took Sinead and family to the Old Town. We walked around, climbed some church stairs, had delicious chocolate break, then ice cream served by their Easter religious figure, and dinner on a roof top.  I can say AI planned a great little adventure.  What did we all do before it!  The recommendations were great.  It was a lovely afternoon and evening together.

Cotopaxi Volcano and Dinner

We made an early start Thursday morning to head to Cotopaxi, the worlds largest active volcano.  We wanted to get there before the views clouded over.  Sadly it was clear sailing until we arrived at the restaurant we intended to see her in all her glory.  But what a place, they had this strange pirate boat and ferrris wheel that they put us on.  It was a surreal experience.  We then made the call to try and drive up to in the National Park and hope some of the clouds would pass.  I had never driven up before.  We made it to 4800 meters and then the car could not make it much further.  As they had just flown in even being at that altitude was not advisable so we defo could not walk.  But is was a great adventure with amazing views and we did get to see a bit more of her.  We then headed for a great lunch and then back to Tumbaco for a family dinner with the Andersen's being the guests of honour.

Sebastian did not remember them and was a little shy at first but by the end of the night all the kids were great friends and he was calling Sinead, Nae Nae like the good old days.