Mar
17 March
Time to leave Quito and rejoin the boat. An emotional departure for me – I had to not speak lest I start crying, right there on Mau’s and Martha’s doorstep, with the taxi driver waiting patiently. Words failed me anyway; I couldn’t begin to express to Mau and Martha how wonderful it was to see them again, how thankful I was for their kindness and hospitality and friendship; how much I enjoyed our unpredictable and invariably interesting conversations and meals and outings together. We parted with long and strong embraces.
I’m sorry only that I missed seeing their daughter Paola and her 3-year-old son (was sick in bed when they dropped by) but loved catching up with son Adrian, daughter-in-law María, and their delightful 9-year-old daughter Lía.
Mau and Martha, you guys are awesome. I cherish our relationship.