We made it! Hello Quito Ecuador!

The trip began with the red eye to Cincinnati. In Cincinnati we had a 1:25 pm flight to Atlanta and then we were scheduled on to Quito. The 1:25 pm flight had mechanical problems. Shelly T., one of the amazing Delta Reps worked tiredlessly to find us another flight. And we thought we were on our way. We ran to the gate of a flight heading for Houston. Just as we hit the gate the captain came off the plane and said this plane is grounded. There is bad weather in Houston. Ok. So it's back to Shelly T. we go. She worked so hard but finally we resolved we weren't going to get to Quito on Thursday.

Delta put us up at the Courtyard South and what a treat that was! We got an amazing Ribeye Steak for dinner and a great night's sleep. And there's was something else interesting that came with our meal. It was like a fried bread roll. I've seen these type rolls on Chinese Buffets but normally they are rolled in sugar for a sweet treat. These were covered in garlic salt. A nice little aside. And the people there were so nice and friendly. They even drove us over to the local Food Lion as we needed to grab a few things since Delta was still holding our luggage hostage. After a great night's sleep and another great lunch we headed again for the airport. This time the destination was Quito.

Tony is a Silver Medallion member so he's always looking for the upgrade to first class. I like first class. It's really nice but since I don't fly that often I don't expect it. But guess what? First class for both of us baby. First class is amazing.  First, you get to drink anything and it's all FREE. And then they bring you warm nuts. Who wouldn't love warm nuts? And then it's a warm towel. And then it's more FREE drinks. And then you can actually order off a menu. I had the chicken with capers. It's all served up like dinner at the Inn at Langley--linen, plates, silverware, and many courses.

The meal started with a dinner salad with blue cheese dressing. A side of seared tuna with a bite of pasta salad and some wasabi paste that was absolutely wonderful, and a dinner roll. The main course of chicken with capers came next. There was something on the plate that I just couldn't figure out. The flight attendant said it was capers but they were large and tasted more like a root vegetable. If anyone recognizes what it is, please tell me. After that there was a cheese plate. And then after that there was a chocolate sundae. It was all delicious and of course I had to try a little bit of it ALL. Stuffed and HAPPY!

Also in first class there are movies, shows, news, comedy, and more movies. I watched Rabbit Hole. Wasn't impressed. Each step of the trip there was some amazing person cheering me, helping me, moving me closer to my destination. This is how life is. This is how life should be for everyone. But I know it's not. There was a moment.

The moment I realized that there were many, many people that weren't getting a meal today and might not get a meal tomorrow.  At the height of my joy came the depth of the sorrow. That's life too. It's those that are riding high that have an obligation to help those who are riding low. We are the human race and we are all in this race together. Good night sweet Quito.

This is Mona Newbauer living the Sweet Life on Whidbey Island and beyond.