The van ride, even anticipating it, was the most stressful part of this trip so far. The highest leading cause of death in Ecuador is traffic accidents. 

So here I was, getting in a van for a four hour ride through twisty Andean roads. 

Let me add at this point, that this little socialist country has excellent back roads. 

So here I am, all packed up and ready for the van trip. And I'm waiting on the designated street corner for this Van.  

Around the time he was supposed to be there, a driver shows up. I fill out the paperwork for the trip. And then I am joined by this wonderful and crazy collection of travelers from around the world.

There is a couple from Australia (actually a mixed marriage -- she is from New Zealand). There is a woman from Austria. She speaks German, French, and English.
In addition there is a French man who now lives in Canada. We get on our way about a half an hour late. And we drive. And drive. 

Now those who know me well, know that patience in terms of things like travel, is one of the things that I'm seeking to better myself on this trip.  

So we have been driving for what seems like hours, and I look at my phone and I see we still have 2 1/2 hours to go. Ok let's reach.  

Gratefully, the conversation is great. The guy from Australia fixes on the fact that I'm from Oregon. He says, hey don't they have a great college football team?

Then the Frenchman asks we think the Cavs could win if all players are healthy. 

You can imagine my questions on European rugby were not as nuanced. 

So we arrive about six.  There is a mixup and I'm being left at another spa and on my own to get to my place.   

Did I mention I am tired. Stressed. Hungry and grumpy.  

The Aussie tries to help. 

"It's all right mate."

He's right.  As I told my kids and my students

Patience and flexibility are the two keys to success.  

I just find them more work than being grumpy. 

So I nicely (channelingEdie Baker) say

Say I could use your help. Seems I'm here when I thought I would be somewhere else.  

A phone call. 

One dollar 50

And taxi is dropping me off.  

There are stairs not a ramp up the hill.  

Will this hell never end?!

I have to carry.  Not roll.  My luggage.  

I walk into the lodge and a woman who looks like Eva Longria says excitedly

You're greg!

Ok.   This is getting better.  

She takes me to my bungalow 

More steps.  

Somehow I don't mind it as much now.  

Ten minutes later I'm at the outdoor dining with some fine Cabernet 

And soon a vat of great lasagna.  

Ok.  So I guess I can deal with this.    

Sent from my iPhone