School trip take two

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Actually managed to be on time today and we set off walking from the school to Quito old town. We´re heading for the Panecillo (literally translated as ´little bread roll´!) which is a hill in the old town with a giant statue on it. ´The Virgin of Quito´statue lines up exactly with the Basilica we visited on Tuesday and can actually be seen straight though a heart shaped window in the centre of the church. No idea how they managed to be so exact!

Took a rather interesting local bus part of the way where the driver´s aim seems to be to throw as many people off the bus as possible by taking every corner way too fast. I honestly don´t know if it´s more dangerous being in the path of a bus or actually inside it! I hope the 10 HOUR! journey to Cuenca is a little safer. Walked to the base of the hill where we were lazy and got taxis the rest of the way - might as well arrive in style and the all-knowing Lonely Planet does suggest not walking upn as it is notorious for muggings. We weren´t even allowed to take bags with us or wear jewellery. That was news for Louisa, Matt, Jack and Bel who had walked up last week! Still can´t decide how dangerous Quito is actually supposed to be as the teachers are forever asking if we are ok and have we had trouble and Lorena will barely let us walk out of the house without taking a taxi.

Walked around the panoramic area which had gorgous views of Quito old town. I´ve only just realised how huge Quito is. Everything I´ve seen has been on the north side of the Panecillo but there is as much again on the south side which is the industrial area of Quito. Had photos and bought yet more postcards before getting taxis back down again. We stopped off at a cemetery rather bizarrely. It was really interesting actually with all the coffins put into slots in walls with a decorated slab over the front. Kind of got freaked out by the empty slots though - did not look inviting! We then went on to a museum at the Franciscan monastary of San Diego. The tour was in Spanish so it took some concentration but I managed to get the gist of it - maybe my Spanish isn´t as bad as I think after all! Dragged on a bit especially when I didn´t understand and most of the rooms seemed to be filled with dingy paintings of saints who all looked identical in my opinion but we got to climb up to the roof. Literally just a sloping, tiled roof. Not quite sure why but balancing rather precariously for photos was certainly an experience. We also went through a hidden door in the altar to some random stone room behind. No idea why or what it was for (my Spanish isn´t quite up to that!) but always fun to go climbing around places.

We then walked back into the old town where we sampled fried banana. Not really a fan - it just tastes burnt in my opinion! We then had hot chocolate in a cafe which seemed to have some weird greasy stuff in it which Sarah and Imogen was convinced was cheese. Not sure about that although they do put weird stuff in their food here such as popcorn in soup! (Actually really quite nice)

After lunch we went out again to El Jardin shopping centre in an attempt to get some more clothes. No luck as everything is surprisingly really expensive! We did, however, get the most sinful ice-creams ever which made up for it!

Got home in time for our private salsa lesson which Lorena had organised. Danny, out instructor, was so good although I do need a lot of practise to do it properly! He invited us all to a bar later that night as his band was playing so after dinner we took a taxi into Mariscal. The band was really good and we even got up to salsa. Sophie and Sophie were even persuaded to get up and do a rendition of ´Twist and Shout´interspersed with bits of ´La Bamba´. I stayed firmly seated! Lorena went home after a while but we went with Danny and some of his friend to a salsa club where we seemed to be the only non-Ecuadorians. So glad to see no American tourists! It was a tiny little cave really with graffiti all over the walls. Really cool and we stayed til three salsa-ing the night away. Really not going to be awake for school tomorrow!

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Photos

View over Quito
The old town taken from the Panecillo

On the roof of the Monastery San Diego
No idea why but it was fun!

Some random bit of the monastery.
Thought I should actually have a photo of the inside!

Salsa lesson
Lorena and Danny showing us how it´s done!

Sylvie, me and Lorena
Making me feel very pale!

Comments

[Ellie]

Wow . . .
Hey Katherine! Love the views in your photos - I look forward to seeing the lovely album I'm sure you'll make when you finally return. I have a question, however; what happened to the 'no cleavage' idea?! And *how* are you managing to look quite so pristine in such a climate? [feels dishevelled and grimy whilst looking at pictures]. Ugh, v jealous, as always ;-) Also, did I see the word 'postcards'? [pricks up ears] Keep having fun! Ellie x

[jeannie]

how are your two left feet?
Well if Anna brought us Bollywood from India, you'll certainly be bringing us Salsa back from Sounth America. Only three in the morning? Thought you could keep going longer!! Love me

[Anna]

Salsa!
Wow, salsa dancing!! Looks like you sort of know what you're doing, you can put my two left feet to shame when you get home!! By the way why do you look so white? You've complain enough about the heat and the sun... hasn't it had any affect on you yet (tan-wise I mean!)? Fried banana sounds like an interesting experience. How is it done? Should I just fling one on the frying pan at home do you think?