Why we don't like flying

15 September 2009

We travel mostly by bus – great way to see the country. For the stretch from the coast back to Quito, we decide to take a flight. A 30min flight will save us 12 hours on the bus. Natasha books a cheap flight from Manta to Quito with national carrier ICARO. I'm a bit wary of flying with an airline named after a man that fell from the sky to his death, but Greek mythology should not get into the way of modern transport.

We take the 15.15 bus from Puerto Lopez to Manta. At first we're a bit nervous, as it leaves at 15.30h only, and its first stop is at the nearest gasoline station to refuel. But after a scenic ride along the coast we arrive with perfect timing for our 19.15h flight from Manta to Quito. Baggage checked, boarded, and take-off
About halfway into our flight the pilot informs: there is rain and fog in Quito and the airport is closed. He circles for a while, but finally decides to return to Manata. Instead of a 30 minutes flight to Quito, we end up on a 80 minutes flight from Manta to Manta. Information is promised, but we wait in vain. Finally, at 22.00h, three hours after our original departure time, the door to the gate opens - we board again. Quito here we come!
After 15 minutes of flying a dejá-vu: Rather unexpectedly the pilot announces that Quito is still closed and that, again, we're returning to Manta. 22.40h, we're landing in Manta for the second time this evening. ICARO takes care of hotel reservations (although we'll have to pay for it ourselves). Finally, at 24.00h, we check in the hotel.
So much for planing ahead, and saving time. Mañana es otro dia!