So we´ve had a chance to dip our toes in Quito a bit over the last few days. Managed to get a little insiders tour from a gal from NY who was finishing up her orientation in Quito before she headed out to the coast to teach English. She had been staying with our host family for a month. She provided us with lots of good info and some scary stories. Needless to say, we won´t be taking any night buses in Ecuador. Something about the words,"high-jacking", "robbery" and "stabbing" that don´t sit well with us.
Saturday, we ventured into the old town and checked out all the old churches. Around every corner is another church from the 1600´s (and a nice lady telling you to wear your backpack on your front). Some pictures here. The most impressive sight was from the belltower of the Basillica del Voto Nacional. After climbing the belltower, you can cross the main church area (I know there´s a word for this mom, sorry) on a rickety wooden footbridge (See pic of Cecilia) and climb the tower. I was the only one to make this climb while C talked with some gals from the UK. Views of the city were amazing. In the background is Quito´s answer to the virgin on the hill in Rio, the Virgin de la Panecillo.
Sunday, we spent with our host family and studied up on our Español. Pancho (see pic of me and him below) took us on a Sunday drive around the city. With all the hills, there is no shortage of buena vistas over the city.
Coming highlights will (hopefully) include World Cup Qualifying match between Chile and Ecuador this Sunday, and a trip to the Amazon rainforest next weekend, followed by a trip to the coast the weekend after.
Adios! B
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5 comments:
Beautiful pictures! Sounds like you are having a great time so far.
Bestest of hugs from Seattle...it's raining and we just turned the heat back on - that sucks b/c that means summer is over.
You guys are an inspiration to me personally and I am constantly reminded to never Quito following my dreams. Hell is on the way in 3 weeks or so...stabbing, hijacking and robbery are going to be the least of you worries. By the way, my Spanish is fluent after I drink 8 beers, so I can be the tour guide.
I miss Quito (and you guys)!
Karin and I took quite a few night buses...no one told us it was dangerous! But we saw some strange people. I think the new town is supposed to be safe, and the old town is a little bit less safe...
hiya kids! :) so funny, i`ve got almost the same pics as you guys! such good times, and gorgeous surroundings! but i do think you guys cheated a little bit, me and cam got to know the city the hard way; walking (or more running) trough really rough areas, trying to get in to the trams the wrong way, going on a few night buses aso... :) but i guess not everyone has to make the same misstakes...
take care!!!
really cool site by the way!
The word are looking for is sanctuary, Brad! The pictures are awesome. We are enjoying SC...just finished a walk on the beach at Sullivan's Island with Anne. She says HI. We have a shiny red Altima...love to you both! MOM
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