The sign for the The Encounter Restaurant-LAX International

The last time I was in the restaurant was about 45 years ago.  I had not forgotten it and waited for the day to eat there again.  This landmark has stood the test of time.  As the airport has grown and changed, the restaurant has managed to survive in the middle of the U-shaped terminal.   The Encounter’s futuristic space age architecture has never changed.  You almost expect to see George Jetson flying around it in his spaceship!

The Encounter Restaurant-LAX as photographed from the airport terminal building

A closeup of The Encounter restauarant at LAX airport

I happened to be spending the night at the Hilton LAX Airport hotel between trips and decided to catch the LAX shuttle to the airport to have lunch at The Encounter.  It was very easy, I got off the bus at terminal 2 and walked across the street to the restaurant building and took the elevator up to the dining floor.

This is the ground floor entrance to elevator that takes you up to The Encounter Restauarnt at LAX

Since it was the middle of the afternoon, there was a mix of leisure travelers, mainly families and couples, grabbing a bite of lunch before continuing on their journeys.

Families dining at The Encounter Restaurant at LAX

The interior dining area of The Encounter Restaurant at LAX

The interior of the restaurant is done in some interesting colors and designs keeping with the space age look.  The interior design is certainly interesting to look at. 

the interior design of The Encounter Restaurant LAX

The interior of The Encounter Restauarant LAX

Being someone who loves to fly and visit airports, just sitting high above the ground with a great view watching the planes come in for landings was a great treat for me.

One of the views from The Encounter Restaurant at LAX

Another view through the window of The Encounter Restauarant LAX

Another view through the windows of The Encounter Restaurant where you can watch the planes land

I ordered a hamburger (1/2 pound) and an order of fries.    It was a huge meal and one to be eaten by someone with a big appetite. Sorry, I didn’t take any photos of my food.   The service was good and the servers were very friendly.

If you want to check out the menu for yourself, here is the link to the restaurant.

http://www.encounterlax.com/

The security lines at LAX can be long sometimes so make sure you have a couple of hours to enjoy a nice leisurely meal at The Encounter at LAX!

Steve Barrymore ssb11@prodigy.net

 To read about my other travels click here.

 Comments?  Please post below or email me at ssb11@prodigy.net

A wad of coin purses that a vendor is selling on the streets of Quito, Ecuador.

The traffic in Quito can be pretty crazy, so you really have to watch yourself to avoid being a casualty.  I use the same “crossing the street” philosophy in Quito as I do in Panama City, Panama.  That is… “look both ways, then run like hell!”

You do need to be careful in certain parts of the city, especially walking at night.  Be observant.   Usually pickpockets are the biggest threat.  Don’t wear any fancy jewelry and try to dress down to blend in with everyone else.  I have never been sucessful blending in with anyone else in a foreign city, but I like to advise others to do so!

If you can do some of these things, you have an opportunity to enjoy what I consider to be one of the great cities of the world.  I consider it one of my top 5 cities in Latin America.  As a matter of fact, if you want to see my list, you can click  here.   When you click ,it takes you to a travel site run by my friend Charlie at www.travelblur.com  He has some neat stuff there, and has won some awards. 

Anyway, check out the rest of these photos.

Quito Ecuador street scene

Quito Ecuador common street scene

Lots of hills surround Quito Ecuador. You can see El Panecillo in the distance on top of the hill

typical small store on the streets of Quito, Ecuador

one of several parks in central Quito, Ecuador

Entrance to the University of Central Ecuador in Quito. By the way, if you want to buy a logo shirt from the U. of Central Ecuador and don't know exactly where the bookstore is and have to ask directions, you better speak Spanish

Ok, that is it from Quito, Ecuador.  Hope you enjoyed it.    Quito is a fun place to visit.  It is an easy 4 hour + flight from Miami. 

When you fly out of Quito, make sure you keep a little money.  There is some really good shopping in the airport after you pass through security. 

Hope you enjoyed Ecuador.  Let me know if you have any questions. 

Steve Barrymore ssb11@prodigy.net

Read about my other travels click here

 As I have mentioned in many of my blogs from my other trips, people are usually interested in seeing what you eat while traveling in foreign countries.  So once again, I will publish a few photos of some of the food I ate with the Ecuadorian family that I lived with in Quito, while attending school.

A typical breakfast with my family, fried egg, bread, coffee, ham, cheese

The mother, Zaida with a big basket of rolls

Dinner in my home in Quito, meat, beans, rice

Dinner in my homestay in Quito, Salad, soup, juice, onions

When they made coffee for me, it was always half milk, half coffee, reminded me of cappucino. Very good

A bowl of soup. The soup was always very tasty.

another dinner at my homestay in Quito. Bread, rice, cauliflower, and meat

 The photo below is of Jesús and me.  Jesús is from Colombia and has a little storefront across from the Academia de Espanol.  Everyday he grills and sells plantains and corn on the cob.  Once he found out I had been to Colombia, we became fast friends.  He would wave at me everyday when I entered the school building across the street.

Jesús and me chatting it up around his BBQ grill

That’s about all the food photos I figured you would want to see.  My next blog about Quito will be my final one.  I will just select a few photos that represent what you may see when you visit. 

Steve Barrymore ssb11@prodigy.net

Read about my other travels click here

After class on my final day at the Academia de Espanol, Quito, Sila and I caught buses to La Mitad del Mundo, the museum on the Equator.  I had always wanted to be able to say I have stood on both sides of the equator at the same time.  I know, that is not a goal of everyone!

We had to change buses on the way to the museum. It was a pleasant ride. It gave me a chance to see more of Quito and the surrounding area.  The bus drops you off just a block from the entrance. 

Mitad del mundo

at the Mitad del Mundo museum-outside of Quito, Ecuador

Mitad del Mundo, I am standing on the Equator

the line of the equator at the Mitad del Mundo outside of Quito, Ecuador

There are actually two museums, each claiming to be the exact spot of the equator.  One is more modern, but the people of Ecuador seem to lean towards the one called Museo Solar Inti Nan that supposedly is right on the exact spot of the equator.  It has a lot of very interesting exhibits.

The museum was great.  There was a guide that met us and showed us around, often times stopping and explaining how things work on both sides of the equator. They actually let you observe some experiments.  Some of it may have been more myth than truth, but you could have fooled me!  It was very educational and well worth the trip.  They even have an exhibit on how some of the ancient tribes shrunk heads. 

The guide asks you walk on the line designated as the equator.  Shouldn’t be too hard, right?  Not so, I could not keep my balance.  I felt like I was taking a sobriety test—and flunking!!

some of the specimans collected from the Equator at the Mitad del Mundo museum outisde of Quito, Ecuador

a real shrunken head on display at the Mitad del Mundo Museum on the equator outside of Quito, Ecuador

All in all, if you go to Quito, this is an attraction not to be missed!

 Steve Barrymore ssb11@prodigy.net

to read about my other travels click here

After class one day, Sila from the school, and I took off for a place called El Panecillo, a hill where sits a huge statue of La Virgen de Quito from which there are incredible views of Quito.  Problem was, the bus routes were messed up and we got off at the wrong stop.  We ended up having to walk through the San Diego neighborhood and all the way up the hill to the monument.  I think it was about 2.5 miles.  Fortunately, the weather was cool.  It was a long haul, probably took us an hour.   Sila had on short heels, I don’t know how she made it up.  She is a tough little cookie!

We went up to the top of the statue and took some great photos of the city. 

El Panecillo-the statue at the top of the hill

Quito Ecuador-El panecillo

Quito Ecuador-El Pancello-shot through a door at the top of the statue

View of Quito Ecuador taken from the walk up the hill to El Panecillo

view of Quito Ecuador from the walk up the hill to El Panecillo

Quito Ecuador-the walk up to El Panecillo

After we waqlked to the top and finished our tour, there were no taxis to take us down.  They were attending a funeral for one of their own.  When we started walking down, it started raining and lightning.  I did not feel good about the situation.  Finally after 20 minutes a taxi came by and we grabbed it.  It was a fun day!

Next-a visit to the Musuem of the Equator-

Read about my other travels click here

Steve Barrymore ssb11@prodigy.net

AS part of the presentation, the Spanish Ambassador made some remarks along with comments by some other people involved in the art community.  The television cameras were rolling.  I was pretty much distracted by the lady in the fish net blouse that was standing in front of me. 

After the presentation, Manolo introduced me to several famous artists that he knew.  Here in the first photo is one of his friends from the art world.  Manolo is on the left.

Quito, Ecuador, Guayasamín Exhibition-Manolo with an artist friend

In the second photo his friend is autographing the back of a guest’s shirt.

Quito, Ecuador, Guayasamín Exchibition. Autographing the back of a guest's shirt

Manolo also introduced me to the well known artist, Miguel Bettancourt, who told me his daughter was doing PhD work at M.I.T.  Miguel invited me to visit his art gallery, but I told him I was running out of time in Quito.  I would catch him the next time.  Manolo then introduced me to Guayasamín’s daughter, Berenice Guayasamín.

We stepped outside where there was a very large wine tasting event on the grass.

Quito, Ecuador, Guayasamín, Exhibition-wine tasting event

 It was during this time, I noticed a man in a wheelchair  to whom many people were speaking.  Manolo told me the gentleman was the Secretary of Anti-Corruption for all of Ecuador, Sr. Alfredo Vera Arrata.  Manolo knew him and asked me if I wanted to meet him.  Of course, I couldn’t pass up this opportunity!

 Manolo went over and spoke to him and then motioned me over.   As we approached, I noticed four big, burly, steely-eyed bodyguards standing around the Secretary.  They were all staring at me with suspicion.  I finally realized I wasn’t doing myself any favors by being the only gringo in the crowd approaching the Secretary of Anti-Corruption with my hands in my raincoat pockets.  The large bulges under the bodyguards suit coats told me those weren’t cell phones they were packing!  When I stepped forward, one of them unbuttoned his coat.  I was hoping he was just getting a phone out to call his mom. 

I quickly leaned over and in Spanish told the Secretary what a pleasure it was to meet him.  He asked me what I was doing in Ecuador and I told him I was studying Spanish and living in Manolo and Zaida’s house.  He wished me luck and told me to study hard.  I felt like I had just met the Pope!

Steve Barrymore ssb11@prodigy.net

To read about my other travels click here

Next-visiting the great statue of El Panecillo

After visiting the Guayasamín museum earlier in the week, I was surprised to be told by  Manalo, the father of the house where I was staying, that he and his wife Zaida, were going to take me to a private showing reserved for members of the Foundation of Guayasamín.  The Spanish Ambassador was going to be there along with members of the press to honor an artist’s works.

My teacher at school told me I was very lucky to be going to this type of event.  I dressed in my best clothes which really weren’t very good and took off with Manalo and Zaida to make my impression on the Quito art society. 

Here is the sign at the entrance explaining the exhibition we were attending.

When I walked into the main where they were preparing for the presentation, I felt like everyone was staring at me.  I was definitely the only gringo in the room. 

Everyone was doing that Latin kissing deal.  I thought “wow, this is my chance to get kissed by lots of beautiful Latin women welcoming me to Quito”.  But no, it wasn’t going to happen.  I don’t think they wanted to rub their Louis Vittons up against my green rain jacket and sweatshirt.  Rats!  I knew I should have purchased that fake Armani scarf in the street market!!

Anyway, Zaida at least was glad to have me there as evidenced by this photo.

Quito, Ecuador, Zaida and me at the Guayasamín foundation exhibition

Next-a chance meeting with a very important person from Quito.

Steve Barrymore ssb11@prodigy.net

To read about my other travels click here

We traveled by city bus.  It took about 45 minutes.  I enjoy riding the buses in Quito because it gives you a snapshot of the everyday lives of the people living in the city.  The buses are always packed.

The nice thing about riding the buses with Sila from the school is that she is always helping me with my Spanish while we are seeing the city.

The museum is located in the residential area of Bellavista. 

The museum not only displays Guayasamín’s works, but also pieces from his personal collection.  A lot of his art reflects the struggle of mankind, especially the poor .

Here are some photos of some of his works both outside and inside the museum.

Quito Ecuador-guayasamín museum outside

Quito Ecuador-Guayasamín museum outside

Quito Ecuador-Guayasamín museum

Quito Ecuador-Guayasamín museum-inside

Quito Ecuador-guayasamín museum-the outside as taken through a window

Quito Ecuador-Guayasamín museum-inside

Quito Ecuador-Guayasamín

At the museum you can get a guide, which I highly recommend.  Ours spoke Spanish only, so it gave me a chance to practice my listening skills.  I missed a lot in the translation, but it was still a great experience.

You can read about some of my other travels here

Steve Barrymore ssb11@prodigy.net

More Quito (next)

To read about my other travels click here

After receiving the assignment to go to the market to buy fruits that I have never seen nor heard of; the next big challenge was to give an oral presentation in Spanish to the rest of the class about the various  kinds of fruit and what I had learned about each.  The other students all had to do the same, so we were pretty much in the same boat.    Thank God for the Internet to do our research!

I actually found the challenge of the presentation to be fun.  We were all sympathetic to each other’s plight so everyone paid attention.  It was a great exercise to help us improve our language skills.

Here I am wowing(??) the class with my presentation.

Here I am presenting my market research to the other students at Academia de Espanol

Notice the fruit on the platters in the foreground.  One of the teachers labeled each type with it’s name.   Here are some of them closeup:

Photos of the fruit from my presentation

Photos of some of the fruit from my presentation

The name of this fruit really is "Tuna"-don't get it confused with the fish.

The Tuna fruit was really sweet and delicious.  Once you understand it is not the same as the fish, you can really enjoy it!

After each presentation we all got an opportunity to sample each kind of fruit.  I thought it was a great teaching exercise and an opportunity to learn more about Ecuador.

To read about my other travels click here

Steve Barrymore ssb11@prodigy.net

I really enjoy the street markets of Latin America because they are always so interesting, plus the vendors are always willing to talk with you.

The previous afternoon,  my teacher had given me the names of a bunch of different kinds of tropical fruits to research on the internet.  Most of them I had never seen nor heard of.  My assignment the next day(Wed.) was to go to the market, buy each of the fruits, and be prepared to give a show and tell report to the other students. I was supposed to show each fruit and tell some details about each one; like how it is grown, its growing season, flavor, uses, etc.  That sounded fun.  I was up for the challenge.

 We walked 3-4 blocks to a big indoor fruit market.  The best way to give you the idea of the market is to show a bunch of photos here.  You’ll get the idea.

Quito, Ecuador-produce market

Quito, Ecuador=fresh produce market

Quito, Ecuador-fresh produce market

Quito, Ecuador-fresh produce market

Quito, Ecuador produce market, Avacados and peanuts

Qutio, Ecuador-fresh produce market

Quito, Ecuador, fresh produce market. Melons and Star Fruit

Quito, Ecuador, fresh produce market

Quito, Ecuador -fresh produce market

quito, Ecuador-they also sell some meat at the produce market. I'll just throw this in for good luck!

Pretty interesting stuff….huh?  My next step would be to put it into words and do my best to explain it to the rest of the students in school.

Steve Barrymore, ssb11@prodigy.net

Next-Making the presentation to the other students

To read about my other travels click here