Confirmations!

Hello! Just thought I'd put out an update - I have confirmed with the tour company that's taking us to Pasochoa, as well as the bus company that is coming to pick us up at the airport, via email. As it was the 1st of February, they must have started the process of getting the month's reservations in order, because I received the emails both yesterday. So we are confirmed to be picked up at the airport in Quito, and on Thursday the 18th at 7:00 AM for our trip to the volcano.

(Which is extinct.)

I find myself slightly concerned about students staying warm for the trip to the volcano, so again I stress the need for rainproof outerwear and at least two layers of insulating fleece-type garments. I'm bringing a fleece vest, a long-sleeved fleece, and a sweater to wear under my rain coat. (Wait - Who am I kidding? I'll buy one there. I could always use another Ecuadorian sweater.)

And, having consulted the site run by the tour company one more time, they do mention gloves, which I do not mention in my list of things to pack. So bring along a pair of winter gloves as well! Preferably waterproof!

And, who knows, I may also throw in some rain pants. I have found that if it's raining, and you have a rain coat, but no rain pants, the coat just funnels the water to your legs. Which get cold a lot less quickly than your torso, but even so: better not to even get cold. Rain pants are often sold in a rain coat-pants combination, usually in a variety of ridiculously bright colors. I'm certain they're available in any large drugstore for under $20. (I was going to say under $10, but wanted to be sure of the price.)

No other news - the zero hour approaches! Ask your students what the phone number is of our hotel in Quito - they're working on memorizing both in our classes these days.