Arrived at Miami at 1:30 am. No one there until 2:30. Breezed right through! It was dark but I could see the city lights  as we passed over the middle of Cuba.  My friends Kathy Kelley and Steve Lamb were down there in Havana, sleeping I assume. As the sun rose we were over the Caribbean. Then I could see Cartegena and we started to descend into Bogota. Beautiful Andes and a snow-capped volcano. Had to walk the tarmac to my next gate. Ran out of breath with my heavy bags at 8,400 FT. Cool at 56 degrees also. Bogota is a huge city in a Central Valley.  Boarded the plane for Guayaquil and it was cloudy most the way. Rain when I landed.
 Customs had several questions as to why I was staying 84 days . The he said 'welcome to Ecuador' and I smiled and moved on. Jhony Martinez met me at the exit and put me in a taxi. Yes, his name is Jhony. Handsome. My spanish is getting better but I am so tired that I can't think.  Strolled the Malecon along the river and birded a bit. Hard to distinguish birds in cloudy weather.  Saw 5 new species that I COULD identify. (564). The University is right next to me and  I feel safe among students. Security is everywhere.
They have dollar coins here that are different then in USA. People don't like to break a $20 so I carry coinage. Had a steak (bistek) dinner and sangria for $8. A small girl cam to my table and held out candy. I just said 'no gracias' and now I feel bad. Maybe I will see her again and give her a coin. $1 is a lot of money here.  Can't give it away all the time and I know they select me. Hell, I'm the tallest person I have seen all day!
This room is a little less than expected. I am here until Friday.  I have to make arrangements tomorrow.  Buenas noches.