Options Options

On the flight to Quito, the Riobamba team wait for their dinner.

The trolley is way up at the front, trundling back slowly.

When it does get here, it will reach Terence's row first.

Decided? asks Tilly.

The Red-Masked Parrakeet, says Terence. A girl one.

Not which PARROT, says Lydia. Which dinner?

No dinner, says Terence.

You should eat, says Tilly.

A boy one, says Terence. I changed my mind.

Ask for a Kids' Snack Box, says Lydia.

Okay, says Tilly.

But the trolley is ages away.

What're you having? asks Buzz.

Dunno, says Sweezus.

He looks like a person who has picked the wrong holiday.

We didn't know it was inland, says Arthur.

There's a massive volcano in Riobamba, says Buzz. And in Quito, where we're landing, there's El Panecillo, a volcanic hill.

Sweezus does not cheer up.

Arthur looks at the menu.

Smoked gouda cheeseburger, says Arthur. We can re-use the paper.

Pepperoni deep dish pizza, says Buzz.

And he'll have the same, says Arthur.

So Sweezus gets no say in the matter.

Unless he comes good before the trolley draws level.

Dinner, Saint Roley? asks Gaius. The trolley is coming.

Perhaps not, says Saint Roley.

You should eat, says Gaius. You seem to be getting better at keeping things down that don't suit you.

How about a snack? asks Simon. Here's something interesting. Think Jerky.

Ha ha, laughs Gaius. That's not really an option.

Yes it is, says Simon. I'll ask for it. But for myself, I'll have the grilled chicken and napa slaw with tangerine slices and ginger dressing.

Hum... says Gaius. I'll go for the mezze sampler. I could do with a clean out.

What's in that? asks Simon.

Wheatberry salad with quinoa, edamame and corn, sundried tomato and basil hummus, almonds and triangle pita pieces.

Gaius is being kindly, ordering this vegan option. He does not need a clean out, but he thinks Saint Roley might like the quinoa, or the almonds. Think Jerky is asking for trouble

The trolley rumbles ever closer.

Did I hear you say El Panecillo? asks Lydia craning backwards.

Yep, says Buzz.

Is that that hill with the cool view of Quito? asks Lydia.

Yep, says Buzz. And you can go up inside the statue and see even further.

Wow! says Lydia. Terence, would you like to do that?

Do what? asks Terence.

He is thinking about his Snack Box. What will be in it?

Answer: apple sauce, a beef stick, cheddar crackers, dried fruit snacks, an activity pack and Crayangles (which are probably crayons).

Would you like to go up inside a statue and see the layout of the city? asks Lydia

NO THANKS! says Terence. I bet it's one of my aunties.