Sheraton Quito Hotel

... houses a huge monument of the world in the middle where the equator line runs through. There park is absolutely huge and was fairly deserted when we where there, probably due to the quiet season. It is kind of cheesy but we still posed at the equator for the obligatory photo or 2. There were heaps of museums in the park but we decided to see just the one which housed an exhibit on all the cultures and tribes within Ecuador which was pretty interesting. All in ...

... house. Cute and cozy on the outside, but bare bones the inside. It wasn´t much more than a thrown together bed in a box room with about 4 feet of space to put a table and our packs on the floor. We walked into town for a great dinner. For about $3 here you can get what´s called a Bandeja Paisa which is just the local platter. You just order that and it can come out with whatever on it, but usually has white rice, egg, a ...

... town - maybe drinking more guanabana smoothies, before doing a bit of homework and then jumping on the internet. And so my observations for the next little while are likely to mirror this ´common´ exitance, hence the ´parking meter man´ story... And the observation I'll make about the sound the green walking man makes when you cross at the lights - its like a bird chirping and I like it :) <br><br>Hope everyone is well, take care<br><br>Vanessa <br>

This is the only holiday where I've felt I'm part of a travel programme. Just walking out of the airport was like entering a different world as the faces are so different, just like the pictures in the travel books. People also wear ethnic clothing around the town and the woman carry bundles in stripy material over their shoulders.<br><br>The only hitch so far was Ian's bag going missing on the flight over but he got it back next day ...

So after only one week in Quito I have decided that our schedule was just nowhere near enough time to actually get to know the city. Too many Spanish classes and not enough wandering and sightseeing. We at least got to see El Panecillo (the Virgin-topped hill), a war memorial, and the Basilica (pictures to come, maybe tomorrow?). We also ...

... men are chasing after me. Oh ****, I keep walking while they run up and grab me. The *******s start ripping my backpack off, going through my pockets while I struggle to keep them away. They ripped my backpack off, stole my digital translator, and took off. Oh ****, my digital camera was in my day pack. I hesitate and start chasing after these fools. I start haling towards them yelling POLICE! Ayuda (help)! Police! Ayuda! loud ...

... and some on horses. They were pretty colourful. Apparently it happens every Monday at 11am. Iglesia De San Agustin Church, was beautiful. It had lovely wood carvings and the entire ceiling and walls were painted brightly. La Catedral had a museum and the actual church was located upstairs. There were paintings of all of the past Bishops and examples of the robes they wear. Was not able to take photos so I got some postcards instead. It had a very beautiful alter and the ...