Day 1: Traveling to Quito, Ecuador

Waiting to go check our luggage.

We made it!

Not only is this Scarlett's very first time out of the country, but it is her very first time being on a plane!  Hilariously, every time the plane started moving (as we taxied out to the runway), she thought we were taking off and would grip the armrests in a panic.  We left out of Reagan International in D.C., so the planes always have to make a sharp turn right after takeoff.  I kept saying, "Oh, look out the window!  You can see [insert monument or building here]!"  She was having none of that and kept her head straight ahead.

About 20 minutes later she relaxed and went about watching a movie. 

Boarding her very first plane!

Finally leaving the U.S. to head to Ecuador.

Someone is finally comfortable with flying.

It was already pretty late when we finally made it to Quito.  And cold!  It was hot and the middle of summer when we left Virginia, so we just went from scorching 90+ degree weather to this balmy 40+ degrees.  Quito might be right next to the equator, but it's far from hot.

Also, can we talk about turbulence?!  The turbulence was insane coming into Quito because of the altitude and surrounding mountains/volcanoes.  It was the kind where your stomach is dropping every time the plane does.  I've never been so happy to put my feet on the ground.

Goodnight from Ecuador!

Our room at the Hotel Rìo Amazonas.