On final appropach into UIO - the topography is much clearer in this shot than the one from the climb out 2 days before:



It was a bit choppy all the way in, and then there was a change in the hum of the engines, and we were climbing again:



It wasn't as dramatic as some other go-arounds in other TR's, say, on a jumbo, but nonetheless it was my first. Later on another pax on the flight said it wasn't uncommon for go-arounds at UIO because of the surrounding terrain, but more usual between Jun - Aug, not so much in Feb.

UIO is pretty far from the city. AV had arranged for a taxi, but I had to go hunt down an AV agent from the dep counters to help with finding the right company, and dealing with the vouchers for both into and back from the city with the driver.

On our way to the city we passed this sign:


The tune promptly came into my head, and wouldn't leave for the rest of the ride!

A glimpse of the edge of Quito from the highway, way up there:



My room for less than 12 hours at the Sheraton:










A nice touch I thought, but I was famished from what passed for 'lunch' on the flight.

This was at the hotel restaurant:


Enconcado with sea bass and shrimp. Later the maître d' came by to say my complimentary meal was supposed to be from the 'chef's menu' rather than a la carte, but since the waiter had made a mistake, there would be no extra charge (beyond the cap of $15 per meal).

Next instalment: a quick hop into old town