Quito is amazing

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Trip Start Sep 24, 2008 Trip End Ongoing Next
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  Quito, Ecuador
Sunday, September 28, 2008

Hello All,

I have made it to Quito.  I am surrounded by mountains with the city lining the hillsides and going on as long as the eye can see.  I have never seen such a sight as neighborhoods that stretch out all in uniform fashion for miles past your eyes glance.  This city is amazing.  I have spent four days here, seen a bit of the night life, much of the historical neighborhood, and a few of the parks. 
This city supercedes my expectations of the people, the mountains and the architecture.  In the four days I have been here my curiosity and travel has opened my eyes to a culture that transforms itself within a mixture of play and responsibility.  Each day has provided me with different experiences that have touched my mind and heart.  I spent my first night at a kareoke bar gathering set up by South American Explorers SAE.  The group walking down the street was composed of Germans, Canadians, English, Aussies, Norwegens and me the guy from the States.  By the time night fell we had taken up a substantial portion of the bar and yet were also welcomed by the locals singing Ace of Bass, the Eagles, and Elvis mixed into their own regional music.  Of the couple of beers that I had I paid for one...a delicious Ecuadorian pilsner.
Yesterday I decided to be a pedestrian and venture around the huge central park in the Mariscal district, camara in hand.  Today the experience was entirely different.  The trash laden park had been transformed over night into a melting pot of community from the artisains selling amazing paintings, ceramics and clothing to the turists and locals taking in all there was to see.and buy.  A large dramatic painting in hues of red, orange and yellow of the last supper was initially asked for sale of 120 dollars.  Easily could of been sold in one of Seattleīs art filled coffee shops for 750.  Even more than the community that affected my walk was how the park was clean of all trash that I had seen before.  Sundays seem to be a day of reflection here that we simply do not take the time to appreciate in Seattle.  Finding an open shop or restaurant is nearly impossible.  It is a day set apart to take care of your family, community and home.  Be it the one you sleep in or the park you walk through on your way to work.  
More mind blowing than the people have been in my short experience has been some of the architecture.  The ciudad historica presents to outsiders like myself sights I couldnīt have imagined.  I started at the Cathedral of Quito.  360 degree views from the highest tower of the Cathedral were unbelievable.  The climb to the top was astonishing enough.  Two dollars well spent to explore.  To get to the top you must cross over the top of the church on a wooden plank and rope walkway, followed by 85 degree four inch steps allowing only the pads of your feet to support the climb.  Again 360 degree views of Quito in the middle of a radical mountain range.  Walking into old town you lose sight of the barrios which are replaced by spainish style architecture.  There are 25 museums and sight worthy churches in the old town, each are within blocks of one another.  The Plaza de Independencia and Iglesia San Francisco.  I could spend the entire day people watching with a view of a brilliant centerpiece fountian amongst blooming magnolias at the Plaza de Independencia.  Even more impressive than the relaxing vibe you receive from the plaza was the San Francisco church.  From the outside you can view signs prohibiting photography, nothing to special.  Upon entering, the brilliance of gold that lines the walls lights up the room.  No over the top church compares to one in which there are secret doors and rooms, while also being lined in gold sculpture, designs and paintings.  Absolutely mind blowing. 
To say that the people here are generous is an understatement.  I have been given random advice from strangers about saftey that elsewhere would have minded their business.  They have an openness to travelers that I hope to glean for myself.  Each time I go out to eat their kindness and patience with me is reflected in our communal smiles.  The food here is amazing.  I cannot wait for what is in store for my trip.
Tomorrow I leave for Santa Rosa to stay on a rainforest reserve.  In December I will upload pictures of my trip so far and write again. 

Cheers,
Your Friend,
Ryan

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