Quito-Round 2  

This weekend, I decided to stay in Quito to see some things that I had missed the first time around.  This morning, I left early to El Parque Itchimbia.  It is set up high on the hillside.  There are views all the way around the park.  It was a pretty clear day, so the views were great.  It was nice to wander around and see what the park had to offer.  It is also home to the Palacio de Cristal.  It serves as a museum of sorts for different exhibits.  From there, I went to the famous Café Mosaico.  It is suggested to go there during mid morning to have the balcony (with an amazing view) to yourself.  I followed the advise and was the only one soaking in the view while sipping on a coffee.  After that, I decided to do the walking tour of Quito that Lonely Planet lays out.  I went back to Plaza Grande and visited the Palacio del Gobierno where Correa does some of his handy work.  From there, I visited numerous plazas and churches.  I also went to the famous street, La Ronda.  Unfortunately, it started raining, so the Basilica and going up to the top was out of the plans.  After getting grossed out by getting hit on by two transgender quiteños, it was time for a well deserved beer (or two).  Tomorrow, I start classes again.  This weekend, I am kind of up in the air of what to do.  My host family has invited me to go to a small town where Rosa's parents live.  I would also like to check out Otavalo.  I think it would be a good place to spend New Years.  I really appreciate the invite, and they have always made me feel extremely welcome.  However, I don't want to intrude and I wouldn't mind some alone time and a chance to explore Otavalo a bit.  Anyway, check out the pictures:

View of El Panecillo from Parque Itchimbia.

View of La Basílica del Voto Nacional from Parque Itchimbia.

Another view of La Basílica from Parque Itchimbia.

El Palacio de Cristal in Parque Itchimbia.

Plaza de Toros  . . . view from Café Mosaico.

The balcony of Café Mosaico.

La Basílica and the surroundings from Café Mosaico.

El Palacio del Gobierno where Correa works at times.

The toy soldier guards at El Palacio del Gobierno.


La Compañía de Jesús

La Plaza and Monastery of San Francisco



The famous street La Ronda.

Church and Plaza of Santo Domingo . . . here comes the rain.

Looking pretty ominous back in La Plaza Grande.

Monument of Simón Bolívar in the rain.

Christmas in Ecuador . . . am I crazy???  

I am in Quito at the moment.  I got here last Sunday in the evening.  This past week, I have been taking Spanish classes in a school called Vida Verde.  Monday and Tuesday I took 6 and 1/2 hours, on Wednesday I took 7 hours and on Thursday I took 4.  My schedule for next week will be pretty similar.  I'm enjoying myself.  I am staying with a host family near the school, it is actually the director of the school.  The family is extremely nice and very hospitable.  Their house is also in a great location.  It is a short 3 minute walk to the school, a five minute walk to La Mariscal area with restaurants and bars, and a 30 minute walk to El Centro Histórico.  I went today to the historical center to explore around.  I couldn't believe how many people were out and about on Christmas.  There were many stores and restaurants open as well.  The center itself was really impressive.  I also went to El Panecillo that has a great view of the city.  Last night, I participated in the celebration of La Noche Buena with the family.  It was really nice of them to include me in their festivities.  As I have said, I am really enjoying Quito and the opportunity to improve my Spanish, but it is much more difficult than I had expected to be away for the holidays.  Although, from the sounds of things, this year is a strange one with all the bad weather that has come.  The weather here has been pretty nice.  Today was gorgeous, in the 70's and sunny.  Early in the week, it was cooler and even cold at night. It still doesn't feel like Christmas, but now it has come and gone, which begs the question . . .  Christmas in Ecuador . . . am I crazy?  



Christmas tree in la casa de Rosa.



Mateo gets a big surprise on La Noche Buena.

El Panecillo

Christmas Day en La Plaza Grande.



Another busy street on Christmas Day.

Many of the churches were closed to tourists due to Christmas service.





When it is open, you can go almost to the very top.









View from El Panecillo.



View of La Virgen de Quito from her base.

Another view from El Panecillo and the monument of the Virgin.

Haven't shaved in a few days and really have no plan to start within the next few weeks.

Stained glass inside the monument of the Virgin of Quito.



A full view of the Virgin of Quito