<– Back to Ecuador 2025 | Jump to the song
Leaving Cuenca
After a whirlwind three weeks in Ecuador it was time to leave Cuenca. We’ve really grown to love this town and all the friends we’ve made here so I’m sure it won’t be the last time we come here. When will that be? Hard to know. But based on our previous record I’m guessing two years?
But before that happens we had to check out of our AirBnb and make our way to the airport.
Checking out of our AirBnb
We woke up bright and early around 6:00 AM, showered up, finished packing, and took one last photo of the Cathedral view.
To return the keys we had to go across the street to the Chocolateria and give them to one of the staff there. (I’m guessing the owners of the building are also related or own the restaurant as well, since that is also where we picked up the keys two days prior.)
We got there before it opened but we found one of the workers waiting to go inside so we gave the keys to him. (And yes, we were certain he worked there and wasn’t just some random guy on the corner.)
Then we took one more picture of the Cathedral before hopping in a taxi and taking our last ride in town out to the airport. On the way we saw some Fire Fighters (Bomberos) changing shifts in front of their station. It reminded me of how Japanese fire fighters do the same thing (which you can see in this video).
But then we were at the airport and super early as is usually the case when I travel. (I’m my father’s son, after all.)
Cuenca Airport
We took a seat at the little coffee shop near the check-in gates. Coincidentally it was the same spot where we waited for the exact same thing two years earlier. We got a couple of coffee drinks and shared a chicken empanada.
After some of the Avianca staff started showing up and people lined up we went over to check in. Thanks to my crutches I get the wheelchair service so we were the first ones through security and to the gate.
It was a little eerie since this gate area is usually pretty packed with people flying out, so this is a rate sight.
Flying to Quito
After an hour or so our flight was ready to board. As you can see the airport is small and the planes are all boarded via stairs, so they let me in first to make sure I was able to hobble up and get our seats without causing too many delays.
In the plane it was a quick flight. Less than an hour from Cuenca to Quito and before we knew it we had landed and were out in the main terminal area.
A Day in Quito Airport
We had a few options of what we could do. We had 12 hours until our flight to Houston, after all. But, to be honest, I think we were feeling a little “traveled out” so we opted to sit at the Johnny Rockets in the airport to get some lunch.
While sitting there the staff changed shifts and all danced to a song. It got quite a lot of attention from the terminal, but it seems like this is a common occurrence.
We also saw some band members arriving. We knew they were in a band because of … well … it was super obvious. But we also saw someone come up to them and ask for a picture. So, apparently it was someone known to at least a few people. It’s hard to see them in this photo, but let me know if you recognize them.
Since the internet in the airport wasn’t really doing much for us, we decided to pack up and walk across to the Airport Center where a lot of various options were to be had. Shops, airport lounges, office spaces, and lots of places to eat.
We explored a bit, but ended up at a cafe called “American Deli” which, ironically, had a ton of Ecuadorian food. They had nice table booths and outlets so we were good to go. It also had a nice view of the mountains and some outdoor seating as well.
After a while we ate some dinner, did some more work, and by 8:30 PM we decided to head over to the airport terminal to check in for our flight and make our way to the gate.
Leaving Quito
And so as we get ready to board our red-eye United flight to Houston it feels like we have some renewed inspiration to make sure this isn’t our last exploration to South America. But also to keep moving forward towards the future and to other destinations, both domestic and international.
That future is a little uncertain at times. But that is the nature of life, isn’t it? Each day brings new challenges and new adventures.
I’ll wrap up this travel series with one last entry once we are back in Austin. But for now, here is another song to wrap things up:
Today’s Song: Back in the Sky
Lyrics:
It’s a little bittersweet to be leaving
Leaving Cuenca. Heavy breathing.
Not from the altitude so high
But from a melancholy sigh
Goodbye Cathedral. Hello Taxi.
Trying to see what we can see.
At the airport, then sit in the plane.
And here we go again.
Chorus x2
We are back in the sky (in the sky)
On our way back home
We are back in the sky (to fly)
On a plane. Here we go.
Spending the day in Quito again.
But this time not with our friends.
Just relaxing and doing some work
At the Quito International Airport
No energy to go out exploring.
Pondering life, laptop forging.
Eating some food, Ecuadorian style.
And soon enough we have to fly
Three weeks went by so fast
Slow travel just didn’t last
And now its time to go back home
And see where our future goes
Chorus x3