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Published: July 23rd 2009
Having settled into my accomodation, which was ideally located between the Old and New Town areas of Quito, I ventured into the unknown, alone, with nothing more than a packed lunch and a handful of Spanish phrases! These served me well enough though as I ended up playing football in the park with, I kid you not, Pablo and Claudio! At this altitude, nearly 3000m, 30 minutes was as long as I could manage and although I chatted in Spanish with my new amigos for a short time afterwards, I was once again struck by the wonderful, universal language... that is football!
On Tuesday I went with the 3 Irish girls in my dorm to the Teleferique - a cable car that took us to 4,100m above sea level, where we had a wonderful view of Quito and the Valley of Volcanos. It was so cold and tiring to walk even short distances but so worth it for the views... some of which reminded me of home.
In the afternoon we set off for Mitad del Mundo - the middle of the world - 1 hour and 3 bus journeys later we arrived at the monument which supposedly marks
the line of the Equator. Having visited the northern hemisphere, in a somewhat underwhelming fashion, we returned to Quito by taxi!
I spent the day on Wednesday exploring one of the city´s largest parks, Parque Itchimbia. The views over the city were once again spectacular. After a wee snooze and an amusing conversation with some local schoolchildren who were out for a school trip, I climbed what felt like the neverending steps of the Bascilica and discovered the Old Town with its Plazas and the oldest street in Quito.
Before catching my flight to Lima this evening I will visit the New Town for lunch and chill out in Parque La Carolina. I´ve really enjoyed my short stay in Quito, a seemingly huge city but with less than 2 million inhabitants. With its many parks, wonderful views and many friendly people it was a perfect place for me to come and relax before starting work in Peru next week.
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AKT
non-member comment
Great to read your own personal blog
Was about to sleep walk to bed and thought I could JUST keep my eyes open long enough to peak at your blog. So here I am, blaming you for now being wide awake, having been so entertained by your stories, adventures and pics!! Certainly a great motivator to keep thinking of you and, more importantly, to pray for the Lord's continued blessing every step (and flight) of the way. I have an early start tomorrow so must, as John would say, " be single eyed"! Night, night and love - AKT xx