The day time view from our room was breathtaking and you could see for miles.
We were up and out the door by 7:45 am to have breakfast before out tour. Yes, we were eating again!!! The buffet was quite good and they had a chef making omelets.
The view out of the restaurant windows was even more spectacular during the day.
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We hadn’t even taken the tour yet and we were all enamored with Quito. At 9 am sharp Jorge arrived and we began an interesting morning of touring. .
Our chariot, with Sylvana as our very competent driver.
The views from the hilltop were nothing less then spectacular and we couldn’t wait to get into the city proper.
The streets in Quito are very narrow and the entire city is built on a mountainside making the roads very steep and winding. There are very unusual traffic patterns but our driver was expert in her driving skills.
Interesting buildings
The Basilica was spectacular but yet unfinished. Inside pictures were prohibited but we did get to go inside and take a peek. There was a Mass in progress so we didn’t stay long.
Super narrow streets and they are not all one way!
Ecuador is celebrating there independence from Spain so there were great festivities occurring in downtown Quito. The police were out in full gear. Notice the fancy swords. We couldn’t get a good answer out of Jorge when we asked him if the police really used those swords.
Some interesting sculptures on the balcony
We were lucky enough to be in town for the celebrations and got to see some extraordinary costumes and watch a great celebratory parade.
Check out the little girl - she was having a blast!
The monument built in honor of Ecuador’s Independence from Spain.
Buildings in Quito City Square
This is NOT the one percent staging a protest. It is the military camping in the plaza to protest something else. Not sure what and couldn’t get a good answer.
On the balcony of the Presidential Palace with our tour guide Jorge.
Looking down on the parade route from the Presidential Balcony.We were eventually thrown off the balcony by the military police because we stayed beyond our allotted time!!!!
One of the two guards standing outside the entrance to the Presidential Mansion. They change guards every three hours. At first glance from a distance we thought they were statues.
We weren’t able to get into the Presidential Courtyard without an appointment so we had to take pictures through the gates.
Ecuador has a democratic government and their elected president is only allowed two consecutive four year terms like the USA.
Sure would have liked to see the inside of the palace.
The parade continued for a long time and each group’s costumes were more stunning then the previous.
Both the older and younger generations were represented in the celebration. How lucky we were to be there to share in the festivities.
Some of the interesting art work for sale. Ron almost bought this one.
As we walked along the streets we were taken in by the magnificent architecture of the La Campania Church.
The oldest colonial building in Quito houses the Museo Franciscano where paintings, art and furniture are on display. Also on the Plaza San Francisco is the ornate, gold decorated La Compañia church
Unfortunately we were unable to take pictures of the gold interior but we did find some pictures on the internet.
Although it was spectacular to see, unfortunately it is in disrepair.
The church courtyard was very impressive and well maintained. There were several parrots and birds that were free to roam in courtyard. The parrots were responding to Patrick by squawking at him.
Our three hour tour was regretfully was coming to an end and we headed back to meet our driver. She drove us back to our hotel through some difficult traffic and at one point had to drive the wrong way down a one way street.
Old Town Quito closes off all of its streets to cars on Sunday. They have laws similar to the Massachusetts blue laws many years ago. No alcohol is sold anywhere on Sunday and all retail and food stores are closed. It makes walking around the squares and plazas easy with no cars to contend with.
Hills like San Francisco
We got back to the hotel around lunch time and meandered across the street to eat. Ron asked for a simple cup of coffee but had no luck getting anyone to understand he wanted some milk to put in it. After several tries in English and Spanish he drank his coffee black.
We had two hectic days of travel and a busy morning of site seeing and no real good sleep since leaving home so we opted to go back to our room for some rest.
Kelly and Patrick went back into town for a while and walked around. Ron napped and I blogged.
Clouds had been hanging over the mountains most of the day but around four they lifted and we were blessed with the opportunity to see the snow capped peak of the Tumbaco volcano from our hotel balcony. What an incredible unexpected sight!!!!
The clear sky did not last very long and we could watch the clouds rolling back over the peak until it completely disappeared again.
Pink clouds over the valley at sunset. Just spectacular!!!!
Then it was time for another great dinner. And I thought I was going to lose weight on this trip. If the food continues to be this good we should all have gained. UGH! but a good UGH!
The main course for the four of us was beef medallions with au gratin potatoes and every one had a dessert but me. Good Debbie LOL!
Another good meal and then off to our rooms to pack and get to bed early for our adventure in the Galapagos Islands. We are being picked up at 6 am then off to the airport for our flight to Galapagos, then we will be transported to the boat the Galapagos Legend. Later we will be doing a tour of one of the islands – geeze, I’m tired already so I better get to bed. Ron already under the covers and the clock is ticking.
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