Touching Down in Quito

---

May 30: Touched down in Ecuador. The taxi ride into Quito was fabulous! The city is incredibly large, and the highrise buildings and highways seem to extend forever. Arriving in the Old Town, Ryan and I were able to get our bearings before locating an excellent little hotel ($5.00 per night) with fabulous views from the third floor terrace. After wandering the cobblestone streets and dining ($1.50 for dinner), we returned to our room to get some much needed sleep, only to be disturbed by a large demonstration on the street below. Ryan inquired at the front desk about the torchbearing crowd and blaring megaphones, and the keeper informed him that the march was in response to a robbery that occurred in the area a day before. The concerned citizens we watched chanting condemnations and carrying signs were actually addressing the criminals, declaring that crime was unacceptable on their watch. Good to know.

June 1: Today, we ventured north of the equator to Otavalo to drop in on the Saturday market. It was a bit dissappointing, as tourism seems to be the driving force behind the endless string of stalls, but I was able to get a good deal on a few fabrics and a pair of "Bolivia pants" which are very light weight and loose. At the moment, I'm waiting for a lull in the rain so I can eat. Ryan is sharing my time, so I'll have to end here. Stay tuned.

Hasta Luego,
Brian

---

Photos

Quito's Old Town
View from the Cathedral

Two Towers
View of the Virgin from Quito's Cathedral

Comments

[Brenda Spencer]

following with fascination
B, so happy to know you've arrived safely, and to hear the citizens response to crime and also the incredible, minimal costs. I'll be following your trip and am grateful to hear from you. Love to you, Brenda