Quito was the first stop on our (at least) year-long adventure in South America and probably a good place to start. Ecuadoran Spanish is fairly easy to understand, they use US dollars, and the electrical plugs are the same.
Overall Quito was a city of friendly people. From Josef, our waiter in the first place we ate, who explained all the new dishes and how lunch is done in Ecuador — always with soup; to Leigh’s former ESL students who showed us the town; to Pedro the taxi driver who went to great lengths to return James’s cell phone after it was left in his taxi; to the restaurant staff who helped us figure out how to get the cell phone back – we had so many lovely encounters.
Like cities we’ve seen in Central America, Quito was a wonderful mishmash. The most expensive hotel in town is across the street from the cheapest hostel in town. Streets are full of a seemingly random assortment of shops, and every corner sold delicous smelling grilled food. Ice cream and juices are extremely popular – especially mora (blackberry).
It took Leigh a few days to get used to the altitude and we were both breathless as we walked up Quito’s hilly streets. It is an enormous city — very long and narrow and surrounded by mountains. We had an amazing view when we took a cable car (teleferico) ride most of the way up Pichincha Volcano where, at 13,000 feet, we could see almost the entire, snaking breadth of the city.
Other favorite places were the house and museum of painter/sculptor and art collector Oswaldo Guyasamin; the Botanical Gardens and Parque Carolina; and a lofty dinner at Cafe Mosaico in Itchimbia (the Cafe supports local strays and has beds for dogs and cats). A favorite food was locro de papa which is a creamy potato soup with avocado and cubes of cheese. Popcorn is also popular and often served with soup.
After sadly leaving Quito we winged our way to the Galapagos where we spent most of the time on a boat with no internet, hence the delay in postings. Stay tuned for our encounters with sea lions, tortugas, boobies, Darwin’s finches, and more!
Shekhar says:
What a lovely first impression! Thanks for opening our eyes as you open yours.
September 16, 2017 — 12:25 am
Kathy says:
Very cool. Thanks for the update. I love hearing your impressions.
September 16, 2017 — 6:52 pm
Chrystine says:
It sounds like you are having a wonderful adventure. What are the desserts like?
September 17, 2017 — 8:39 am
Cassandra says:
Jealous! Great start to the adventure
September 17, 2017 — 3:42 pm
Angelika says:
Hi Leigh and James, so great sharing your experience, and it was fantastic to share part of your trip on the boat through the Galapagos Islands.
Wishing you all the best in your adventure and I am looking forward to more stories!!
Angelika
October 4, 2017 — 2:54 pm
Janet says:
can’t wait to hear more!!!
October 6, 2017 — 5:01 pm
Ivan says:
Nice place. I am glad you are having fun.
October 12, 2017 — 1:20 pm
Rhonda says:
…and the best is yet to come I’m sure!
November 22, 2017 — 10:55 pm