Ecuador - June 1, 2023

 Settling In

We are finding our rhythm as we get to know our neighborhood here in Quito, Ecuador. We did our first big grocery shop and I figured out the washer/dryer combo machine (I have never used a 2 in 1 machine before!) so we are getting into our routine. It is so interesting to see the price difference between items made in the U.S. versus in Ecuador, especially since they use the U.S. dollar as their official currency. For example, the Spiderman toy is just under $50! 


Also, David might starve, because we are definitely not buying peanut butter at this price.

I just adore the picture below of Richard and the boys walking back to our apartment with our grocery haul. We can walk through Carolina Park on our way to and from the store, which makes for a really nice outing.

TelefériQo

Tuesday was Richard's last free day before he had to work for the rest of the week. So we made the most of the day by heading up the TeleferiQo, a cable car that took us up over 13,000 feet! I think I was the only one who was feeling nervous about heights, the boys practically had their faces pressed to the window the whole time.




Once we got to the top, we had a beautiful view of Quito's many mountains and volcanos. It is unusual to get blue skies, but the clouds parted intermittently so we could soak up the views. Richard, Rick, and I each took a turn on the columpio en las nubes while David watched skeptically from the side.


We also enjoyed exploring some of the hiking paths and the many lookout spots along the way. 

Historic Center

Since Richard is back to work, I needed to get the kids out and about. I was a little nervous about navigating a brand new city, but between Uber and an abundance of taxis, it was not nearly as difficult as I thought it was going to be!

We started with the Basilica del Voto Nacional, a cathedral that is still under construction for over 100 years since it was first started. It is an absolutely stunning example of architecture and I especially loved all of the stained glass.

We then walked four blocks south to the Plaza Grande, one of the most important plazas in Quito and renowned not only for its historical significance but also because it is where the official government buildings are located. 
From this point I really was not sure what to do next, so we pulled up Google Maps and realized that we were right in front of Catedral Metropolitana de Quito. We decided to go in and purchased the tickets that also included a tour of the domes. Since we were the only people there on this Thursday morning, we got a private tour up to the top. The stairways were narrow on the way up, but the views of the Plaza Grande and El Panecillo (the large statue of the Virgin in the background) were well worth the effort!




After trekking back down to the bottom we were more than ready to head back to our apartment to eat lunch, rest, and relax! Both boys said walking on top of the church was their favorite activity!



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