Hello All

I arrived in Quito last night at about 8 local time. I successfully collared a cabbie and about 20 minutes later I arrived at the hostel. GVI had given us details of how to make a reservation etc but I figured that was a bit over cautious of them... so I didn't bother. Turns out I should have really. The guy who owns the hostel reckons I'll be fine for 4 nights but then it might get a bit sticky. No problem as there's plenty of other gaffs to stay in around here.

Looking back on what I've just written you may think Mario and I sat down and had a good old chin wag about the pros and cons of reserving a bed. Unfortunately it wasn't quite like that. Despite my best efforts with those CDs before I left, actually listening and understanding a native speaker is nigh on impossible. As is making myself understood. My chat with Mario left me feeling woefully stupid and there's only so much grinning and nodding you can get away with. In addition everyone else at the hostel appears to be Swiss or Spanish. Having checked the notice board I've discovered that a lady will kindly come to the hostel and give intensive one on one lessons for the bargain rate of $5 an hour. I just hope she's not busy, but even if she is then there's plenty of other Spanish schools in Quito that I can investigate.