This post is far from complete. I will post anyway and update when we next get wifi. They have to be in order Apologies it's unfinished !
The bathroom and I became well acquainted. Something messed me up, was it just IIBS, the salad at Bogotá, altitude sickness? Who knows! By breakfast, brave faced, I joined Simon enjoying Ecuador's version of empanadas, arepas, fruits and coffee. Very nice, but only slightly restorative!
Buenos Dias, como están? Our walking tour of Quito old city began. From our hotel the narrow streets passed a Bohemian area once popular with tourists, reclaimed by channeling the cars and river below. Sadly a lack of covid support meant the artisans, musicians drifted, bars closed, the area now less desirable; fortunately being Sunday not an issue. Great graffiti! We did however have a great view of “Virgin de El Panecillo” (Virgin Mary with wings) from the plaza de Santa Domingo. The tallest aluminium statue was completed in 1975 based on a wooden sculpture “Virgin de Quito” created by Bernardo de Legarda in 1734.
Our cultural history tour becan in earnest as we traversed the street if the 7 churches and crosses - with a few detours! The Spanish influence clear in much of the architecture and the many churches and cathedrals, even the modern cathedral. Ecuador is still an 85% catholic country. We witnessed the start of mass in the highly ornate St Frances Basillica; observing briefly from the upstairs choir stalls listening to the organist!
Spanish noble families gave their eldest female born to the church. In the adjacent convent the still practicing order is reclusive. We saw the unique visiting hatches were in time of need family could visit their beloved.
A tasty detour next up some stairs emerged at a chocolateria. An enjoyable tasting followed! Sourced from select Ecuadorean cocoa bean producers, the hand picked beans are harvested year round as Ecuador is on the equator. The delicious chocolate beans were mixed with sugar and organic flavours. Starting with the more bitter 100%, we tried 85 %, 70 % (So creamy) and lastly 60% combined with flavours. We purchased ginger and 70% our favourites.
The morning was lovely but the sun strong. We visited a Panama hat shop, the exquisitely made straw hats were used by the Ecuadorean work force building the Panama Canal. So Panama claims the glory for an Ecuadorean product! I loved the one i modelled, however settled for a much less expensive one from the local market stall!
Standing in independence square, Quito’s main plaza, at noon we had almost no shadow! This is the central square of the city and the symbols the executive power of the nation. Simon Bolívar influenced by the French Revolution secured independence from the Spanish in 1822, creating a United States of S America. After his death in 1830 the union disbanded, however Venezuela Bolivia and Ecuador retained the same colours.
Discussing the indigenous Andean influence and lack of seasons we entered a local gift shop. After donning traditional Andean ponchos and masks, much hilarity ensued. Ancient ceremonial Ecuadorean dance to celebrate the solstice was absolutely nailed by los gringos! This tourista caused chaos, and remains chaotically confused!
Our tour culminated with lunch at a local typical Ecuadorean restarrant; the famous potato soup with fig and cheese (as a cheese cake) Accompanied by traditional drinks;
Canelazo: from, cinnamon, naranjilla (a tart orange fruit), water, and sugar. Simon bravely added aguardiente liquor(60% sugar cane alcohol ) its strength demonstrated by burning blue when set alight!
Colada Morada: (corn flour, Andean blueberries, cloves cinnamon and spices) served with guaguas de pan (sweet bread in the shape of a baby) to honour their ancestors for the day of the dead, the most celebrated festival for our guide whose childhood was spent with his Andean grandparents, whilst his parents worked.
In the afternoon we took the TelefériQo cable car up the slope of dormant Volcán Pichincha to the summit of Cruz Loma. Spectacular panoramic views of Quito greeted us. You could see the city sprawling, swathes of white flowing through the volcano lined valley. The further 2.5km elevation made me feel much better; a natural high! We wandered up to see the summit, visit the llamas and of course swing!
Confusion reigned over Uber and taxis, so we dented up in taxis with insufficient change. We knew we got ripped off ! But charmingly so.
This never-ending enjoyable day culminated in watching the sun set at the hotel roof-top bar over dinner.
Too tied to blog I finally crashed. Hence I’m behind and this garbled long offering! Sorry will label photos when wifi allows.
Walking City tour
Famous artists quarter abandoned since covid!
Starting walk along street of 7 churches with diversions! View of Mary with wings
More churches, cathedral, convent hospital
San Francisco church Sunday mass
More churches Jesuit church oarliament square last church
potatoe soup celebrating the solstice Panama hat no shadows as on equator!
Teleférico and views
Our hotels roof top bar at sun set
We stayed at Mamma Cuchara in Quito Ecuador
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