February 19-20 – Quito, Ecuador

February 19, 2018 – Flying to Quito, Ecuador
I had to wake up early and be on a shuttle to SFO at 5 a.m. Since I decided to fly Business Class at least I got to hang out in the lounge until boarding at 7am. The first flight was to Atlanta. We arrived early so I had 3 ½ hours to kill. I, once again, went to the lounge.

The flight to Quito was uneventful and we landed at 11:15 pm. After meeting the tour guide and 3 others from my group we drove to the hotel. I climbed into bed at 1:15am
February 20 – Quito, Ecuador
I woke up at 7am and headed down to breakfast. OAT is consistently choosing hotels with great breakfast buffets. This was no exception.

The group met at 9 for a preliminary meeting and then at 10 we set out for the colonial section of Quito. Getting there you drive through a fairly modern city until the streets turn into cobblestone and you know that you have arrived. The city has grown quickly is 35 miles long.
First stop was a church which was surrounded by police. Our tour guide jumped out to find out what was going on. It turns out that it was the 100^th anniversary of the modern police department and a special mass was being said. In their honor, the church pulled out the pope mobile and decorated it with flowers.
We went to the main square and learned about when Ecuador became its own country. We went to the Presidential Palace (their White House) and learned more history. Continuing our walk we went into the famous Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus Cathedral which was built by the Spaniard Jesuits in the 1600’s. The interior is 99% gold leaf over wood. Unfortunately, I wasn’t allowed to take pictures. Now it was time for sampling Ecuadorian Chocolate with a chance to buy. Yes, I bought some.

Next up was more walking until we met a street vendor who our guide, Fatima, knew. He was a pickpocket before turning legit and he answered many questions about his life doing that.
About 1pm, we went and had lunch at La Negra Mala where the song “black mean woman” was written. The food was really good and the owner came out to tell us about the history of the house and the song.
Before heading back, we met a “street woman” (it is legal in Ecuador). She answer our many questions. She works 2 weeks a month and then goes back to the countryside where her children are. A good day she makes $50.
We got back to the hotel at 2:15pm to rest and repack for our 3 days in the Amazon rainforest. We will have electricity in the rainforest but no WIFI. I’ll post my blogs for that part of the trip on Feb. 24 when we return to Quito.
While put today I bought Coca tea which may help avoid altitude sickness. I’ve been taking pills but hope just the tea works.