Wednesday 27th April 2015
Up at a more reasonable time and after another good breakfast at the hotel we have a chat with Daniel in Reception about a possible walk down to the historic centre of Quito. He advises us against such a lengthy walk at this altitude and he introduces us to Gustavo, the resident hotel driver who takes us first to Columbus Travel where we meet the delightful Maria Soledad Loaiza who has been Gail’s contact all along. Gustavo waits while we have a chat with Maria who gives us a small gift of Ecuadorian dolls as a memento of our visit.
We then head off back to the historic city centre where Gustavo drops us off at the impressive Plaza Grande ( also known as Plaza de La Independencia ) where a local brass band entertains us in front of the Presidential Palace.
In common with so many ‘latino’ cities the square is very crowded but as always middle-aged and elderly males account for the greater part of the assembled masses with hardly a female in sight. Emily Pankhurst would be turning over in her grave!
All the tourist guides had told us that the real ‘ must see’ in Quito is the Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus and once you get past the singularly unimposing facade the gold leaf -laden interior is simply breathtaking, if only for the obscene opulence on display. The contrast between the unbelievable wealth on display in the the cathedral and the daily struggle of so many Equadorians raises so many of the age-old questions about the Catholic Church. No photos allowed.
We continue our walk in this southern end of the historic part of the city taking in a visit to the interesting if unspectacular Museo de la Ciudad and the El Panecillo Monumento de la Virgen de Quito. Whilst not quite the Christ the Redeemer of Rio fame this statue of the Virgin Mary nevertheless dominates the Quito skyline as one looks to the south-west.
The other major church in Quito, the Basilica del Voto Nacional , is our last port of call for the day but on the way we find a restaurant near to the Plaza del Theatro which provides us with a more than acceptable lunch.
The final walk up to the Basilica is a real tester with Gail in particular feeling the effects of Quito’s 2800 metres above sea level.
The Basilica is a fine example of a classic Gothic Cathedral but observing the ever more threatening skies we decide to limit our time there,hail a taxi and head back to our hotel.
The body clock is still well and truly out of sync but hopefully we will both be ready for a 8.30 start the next day with Gustavo.
Cheers
The Obese Ferret
2geonomads 
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