Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Quito Ecuador

We left the tranquility behind, and I braced myself for the big city of Quito, population 2 million, altitude 3850 metres. Arrival by bus was much as I had anticipated- noisy, tons of traffic, trucks and buses spewing black exhaust. The taxi ride from the bus station was another half hour of more of the same. Finally we were dropped in front of our hotel, right in the heart of the Old Town, on Plaza Santo Domingo. It is an incredible historic building, three floors surrounding an atrium. Beautiful parquet floors, chandeliers, and an eclectic mix of artwork on the walls.



Our balcony opens to a view of the plaza and the busy roads surrounding it. Here is what one sees from the balcony:

















We did our own walking tour this morning. The buildings are amazing.



 There was a demonstration in the main plaza, to raise awareness of missing young women. There were police ready in case things got out of control.

 I found the singing and the beauty inside this church very moving.


6 comments:

  1. It's great to read your posts and keep up with what you're doing! Have a good trip back!

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  2. FYI - the videos don't play for me.
    Is the grey metal box a toilet?
    Do you know what the billboard showing a man with labels for body parts is all about?

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    1. Sorry the videos don't play. Yes, that is a public toilet. The man is giving a massage, and the sign indicates the areas he can work on. It looked like a great massage!

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  3. Replies
    1. Too late. We just arrived home. We loved the artisans' market in Quito though.

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