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Published: December 17th 2010
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Decided to see a bit of the history of Quito today, so I went for a walk to the Basilica, . From the centre of the church looking towards the statue of Mary, one can see the statue through the small window at the end of the church. This is an extremely impressive church, made in the classic gothic style, beautiful leadlight windows abound, and as it is Xmas time, the inside of the church where the alter would be was decorated with a nativity scene. The outside of the church has many dragons and gargoyles facing outwards from the church presumably to ward off evil spirits. Renovation is happening here and some of the old lead lights have broken pieces which no doubt will eventually be repaired. After this I walked through the streets back to the hostel, where I came across a tent with marketers inside, here there were CD copies and MP3 discs of music including and poster of ACDC. Bob Marley was playing by the guy running the store. I purchased a beautiful El Paca jumper for Nic, for $30 which was less than the guy asked. Many of the shops here sell everything, and there are
many mobile phone shops, as many as food outlets. Other stores look more like pawn shops selling a wide range of goods from rings, watches, washing machines; TV’s to push bikes and motor bikes. I could have bought a Cruiser motor cycle seemingly new for $2500. Would have been nice to tour South America on this but luckily there will be three of us soon.
After returning to the hostel and falling asleep to my Spanish tutorials, I needed to get out again. This time I ventured further afield to the San Franciscan monastery. A year after the founding of Quito in 1534, construction of this grand church began, beginning with a humble temple of wood and straw. This first chapel was completed on 25 January 1536, the day of Saint Paul’s conversion, thus its name. The church was begun soon after, and took over a century to complete.
The complex was founded by Franciscan missionary Joedco Ricke, commemorated by a statue at the far right of the raised terrace in front of the church. (Fray Joedco is also credited with being the first man to plant wheat in Ecuador, something all beer drinkers should thank him for…).
It cost $2 to get in and was interesting if you like Christian paintings, and statues, all writing in Spanish so I missed a lot. I also visited San Diego and a few other squares. In Old Quito there are many public squares and each has its own statue of some heroic figure (general or otherwise) forging ahead with a sword or staff. It was a long walk back through the streets and still the thin air slows me.
Upon getting back to the hostel again, I caught up on archiving photos and one of my new roomies Renata asked if I would like to join her and some of her friends and some other backpackers for dinner. My initial thought was to rest at the hostel, but I decided to live up to my advice to everyone and never refuse and invitation.
We eventually after 20 minutes of trying, caught a taxi to the restaurant and the taxi driver didn’t know where to go, so he dropped us near where he thought we should be and we asked. Luckily Renata can speak fluent Spanish, this was a big plus when lost. Eventually after several conversations with locals and walking
a bit we found the restaurant “El Pobre Diablo” “The Poor Devil” (A definite MUST for anyone in Quito – mentioned in Lonely Planet book). A friend of Renata’s (Trisha-a lawyer from LA) had suggested the restaurant because it was her and her boyfriend’s last night in South America, she had heard the food and music was good. Well after having a delicious meal, the music started. A band called TriPolar. The guitarist was the only person in each of the three bands. One band had 2 tenor Saxes, bass, drums and guitar and played the most amazing jazz. The second was guitar bass drums and also played some very incredible jazz. The third with the same configuration played Stevie ray Vaughn, (Texas Flood) as the first number. At this stage we headed back to the hostel. It was a very enjoyable night; I couldn’t believe that such great Jazz music would be here in Ecuador! The food was great and the company excellent. Some great conversation was experienced including identifying and solving some of the world’s problems, and getting tips of what to do where; when Danika and Kell join me. For those of you who have not backpacked,
this is one of the greatest things about backpacking, information exchange. Backpackers are eager to share their good and bad experiences, this networking is essential when travelling without a guide, (and even more so when you don’t speak the language).
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