Advertisement
It's cold here in the mornings and we have to layer up to have breakfast up on the roof top terrace. The view is so great and the sun slowly rises above the surrounding mountains and with a steaming cup of freshly brewed java,--all is well with the world.
We had a great day yesterday which involved a trip to the equator followed by a brief tour of the historical centre of the city. We then had lunch at a place called Cafe Modelo which was established in 1950 and the whole place is still filled with the original booths, chairs and tables. The menu is simple and offers local treats like humitas and empanadas verdes, but they also have pizzas and hamburgers. We tried our first Ecuadorian beer which was good and we really can't get over the prices. Everything is VERY inexpensive so our money goes far. A cab ride anywhere in the city is about $2.00, our hostel is $8.00 per person plus tax, breakfast here is $2.95 *all you can eat, so you get the idea. Last night we went into the newer, fancier section of the city to have dinner at a place called La Boca del Lobo which we'd seen in a program at Fred and Nicky's. The place defies description but the girls were crazy about it and each room is decorated in a different motif but all very colorful and original. The food was fantastic--stuffed mushroom caps, raclette of cheese and artichokes, baby shrimp in a savory tomato sauce, etc. It was really a fun night out and we'd go there again, although we probably won't since there's way too many options. Afterwards we strolled the streets a bit and that area is quite happening with lots of cool eateries and clubs. There was also lots of security everywhere, so I guess they've had their problems in the past.
Today we are heading out to the cloud forest north of the city to a place which serves as a refuge for animals that have been rescued from the illegal trafficking that goes on. It's a recommended visit, we had to call and let them know we are coming and we will be making a donation to the cause as part of our visit. It's a great opportunity to see some of the local fauna of Ecuador such as howler monkeys, Andean bears, Galapagos tortoises and ocelots. I'll know more once we get back but I think it will be both rewarding and educational to see the place.
Well, Fernando is waiting for me upstairs to have breakfast so I'm off. I wanted to do this early since it's almost impossible to get on the 3 computers here!
Advertisement
Tot: 0.104s; Tpl: 0.016s; cc: 13; qc: 50; dbt: 0.0433s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.1mb
Karlinas
non-member comment
Jealous!!
Loving your entries, looks like you are all having a blast and wish I was there with you!