4th day in Quito

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After 4 days in Quito we think we are almost acclimated to the altitude. Quito is 9300 feet elevation and we are about 1000 feet above the city in New Town (that's vs Old Town). Our 300 meter walk from our apartment to where we begin the 4 K trek into City Center is about a 9% grade slipping to 6% about 2/3 of the way up. A great way to work of breakfast. We have posted 2 photos of Kate making a return trip from the apartment after forgetting our water.

Yesterday we headed out on our first tourist walk. After about an hour of up and down hills with significant grades we entered the Historic district. Mike was amazed that the central square was almost a copy of the one he visited last year In Antigua Guatemala. The square was busy as usual and exceptionally beautiful. This reputed by the World Heritage folks to be the least renovated and most typical of all the colonial sites in the Americas. It was one of two sites that were the first receivers of World Heritage status in the 1970's. The other was Krakow. A few photos will tell the rest.

After a nice lunch in a small cafe (Mike ate Seco de Chivo -Goat stew) we turned to head home via the supermarket and, lo and behold, the thunderstorm hit with a vengence. Our "walk" to the bus stop was a real drench-er, even with our waterproof stuff on. After the first bus we still had to walk a couple K to the market. Estabamos muy cansado ...we were pooped. Took a taxi the rest of the way and crashed.

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Photos

Kate 1/3 of way up
This is Kate on her second round up this AM

The Arch at Roquefuerte
The buildings on the sides of the street are very old homes still lived in by Quitenos

Comments

[James]

6-9% grade
I remember a story in a science mag from many years ago regarding a study of 3 cultures where humans had long life-spans. Andes, Caucasus, and perhaps Japan. Scientists measured everything: food, # of children, blood types, education, water, sun exposure, labor, lifestyles. Nothing correlated. For example, one culture was mostly vegetarian, another mostly carnivorous. After eliminating the planned factors in the study the scientists realized that in all 3 locales the people during a normal day experienced, by foot, considerable elevation changes.

[Mikatyadventures]

Interesting you should say that
Over the past 9-10 years, arthritis in my hands, back,shoulders etc has grown steadily more painful. The worst has been in AZ where I had assumed the dry heat climate would at least reduce the pain. I have been here less than a week and I have not experienced a single pain. Mornings have always been the worst and now I wake up and feel just fine.I'm gonna pay lots of attention over the next weeks. Based on your memory of the study, I will make sure I keep up walking to and around town daily. Ciao Mike

[JoAnn]

Beautiful!
What an adventure. Looks like a wonderful city. Can't wait to hear more.

[Mikatyadventures]

Adventure
And our age (Mike 72 and Kate 1 month from being 70) it best not be our last.

[Star]

fast fingers
so you guys are off adventuring again. We are entering a new phase too. Sold the house in Boulder Creek -- still adjusting. We'll let you guys do the trekking. Thanks for the travelog.

[Ken & Debby]

Travel
This is a great way to share your experience. My traveling has been less impressive-10 days in New England. Saw the North Church in Boston-one if by land,two if by sea. Very prominent in height even today. Stay healthy! Ken

[jdanloe]

ENVY
Pat and I are enjoying the Shakespeare festival, but would like to trade weather conditions with you. We arrived just in time to experience the worst heat wave in recent memory -100+temps. Glad your enjoying your trip. With all the hiking up and down both of you should be in great physical condition.