In contrast to our Colombian exit, our entry into Ecuador was fast and smooth - we got a "Bienvenidos" AND a smile! We boarded a bus, listened to a man with a boom box on his shoulder (literally) who was free-styling to the beat of a "50 Cent" song, and then realized the bus we were on was heading in the complete opposite direction of where we needs to be. After hopping off and setting a price with a taxi driver, we started heading to the "Old Town" area - we tried to show him a map and point to the exact corner, but he wasn't really feeling that idea. The conversation went a little like so...cabbie: "No, I don't know where that hostel is." Us: "Would you like to see a map?" Cabbie: "Yes! Let me see it!" I hold up the map and point to the general area. While not even glancing in the general direction of the map, he waves his hand towards me and says "no, I can't see it." Ohhhhhhh k. Us: "You know, the park in San Blas is fine." A few minutes later, the skies opened and traffic descended. As we were just sitting and waiting, admiring the way the taillights reflected through the huge raindrops on the windows, the taxi driver turns and says, "I think you should pay me the $5 for the ride and $5 for my time I'm losing while sitting in this traffic." "Oh, thanks for the offer, but seeing as the traffic is not our fault, nor is the fact you continue sitting here rather than choosing a different route, I think we will stick with the amount we agreed on." I should have anticipated something based on the silence that followed, but I was just proud that I was able to find those words in Spanish. I was feeling sassy. And I guess he sensed that, because, coupled with his lack of knowledge of the area, he literally told us to get out in the MIDDLE of a 4-lane underpass freeway. After the customary "are you serious" protests from the both of us, we decided he wasn't joking, nor would he have known where to go anyway. The cars weren't really an issue due to the standstill traffic, but as soon as we stepped foot outside the cab, we found ourselves wading in mid-calf deep, very cold, running water. We ran across different overpasses, seeking shelter under various vendors' umbrellas for a few minutes at a time. Not only are we two Americanas with extremely large, abnormal-looking baggage running around at night, but we are soaking wet in our short-sleeved shirts, shorts, and sandals in the 35-degree weather. So, looking rough attracts attention...usually, it is negative. However, in this case, it attracted the concern of a gentlemen getting bread who worked for a hostel up the road...he took pity on us, gave us his umbrella, and escorted us to the dorms for our inspection. It looked clean, and sometimes, you are just too exhausted to care. What a night!
Quito Viejo
We spent the day roaming around the city and exploring Quito's historic district, beginning with Plaza Grande. There was a group of individuals, whether it be city-sponsored or whatnot, who ran a number of different activities for children throughout the plaza - chalk-drawing, jump roping, face painting, bubble making, and rides on a multi-seat bike. Since making and blowing bubbles doesn't ever get old, Hannah and I wedged ourselves between a group of children surrounding a fountain full of bubble solution to partake in the fun! What a great program for children and the community in general!
Meandering around, we found ourselves in front of the main Basilica, which dominates the Old Town's skyline. We climbed a variety of staircases and ladders to reach the many different viewing areas the basilica had to offer. The views of the city went on for miles and miles in every direction. The clock and bell towers provided a unique antiquity that charmed us for quite a while - many photographs taken there!
After a "tortillos con verde" lunch, we continued meandering through the streets of Old Towne, to the soundtrack of various street performers playing folk-like style, windpipe arrangements of classic ballads, like "My Heart Will Go On." Even as an instrumental, that song still irritates me. As we strolled into Plaza San Francisco, there were two things that stood out: there were two large "teams" of pigeons resting atop buildings on opposing sides of the plaza that would take turns swan diving through the plaza and about 5 inches above every bystander trying to enjoy the day (not ok!) AND there was a huge "Discover Firefighting" event going on in the plaza. Though we were afraid something on the fire engine may have broken if we climbed on top of it and explored like all the other children, we did partake in the one event. We waited in a line to gear up (legit - oxygen tanks, masks, and the entire suit minus boots) and crawl through a pitch black maze full of smoke. Though we could see that it was a simple L-shaped maze from the outside, when you are in there, all reason goes out the window! Without realizing it, my respiratory rate suddenly became over 35 and when my tank prevented me from squeezing over an obstacle they'd placed in the maze's path, I started to panic a little - mainly because after I finally made it over the teetering tabletop, I realized my shoe hadn't made it with me...so then I had to do that bit TWICE! We both eventually made it, but came out with a whole new appreciation for the difficulty, technique, and bravery needed to do such a "job" - a very humbling experience, indeed. So, for all of those firefighters out there, and really anyone who has MADE it through fire school - you have my utmost respect (yeah Lizzard!) No day would be complete without gelato at sunset!
On Sunday, we started the day out well by eating what ended up being rice with 1/4 of an egg in a small tienda with roaches on the wall. When we saw them, we ate/stopped eating a little faster than we were before - however, we did have entertainment in the form of three drunk men (mind you, it is 8:30am) serenading the jukebox that was playing at maximum volume. However, once we got to El Ejido park, everything got better! We found a family renting out random bikes...garage sale purchases or products of various thefts maybe? Whatever it was, we embraced the low-riding, crooked bikes with no brakes and began riding with other locals in the middle of huge streets that officials had shut down for "ciclodia!" Now, it's cool already simply pretending you are a car, just on a bike, riding down the dotted line...but throw in two amazing parks with their respective flash-mob style, outdoor jazzercise classes and you have a REMARKABLE day! These people, of every age, shape, and size, were KILLING IT!! These dudes in spandex shorts and hi-tops created a series of extremely complicated steps that the masses seemed to pick up in one attempt! We watched for about 30 minutes before trying it out for ourselves - even the basic, "cool-down" steps were pretty darn complicated. Hannah and I only had to make fools of ourselves for about 2 minutes before a lady came by collecting money for the class - at which point we turned and exited semi-gracefully. The other park had a similar, less-complicated jazzercise class as well. Though I am not sure it was due to the fact we were there during "Semana de Movimento" (week of movement), or if this is how Quitoians roll, but the entire park looked like a movie set! Cheer teams were practicing, Dads were teaching sons to catch, girls were playing Ring-Around-the-Rosie, friends were playing futbol, old colleagues were playing rounds of tennis...at any moment, I was expecting a huge camera crew to roll trailing two actors or something! It was just...HAPPY! Elated and filled with an experimental spirit, Hannah and I tried the "Nica" style of riding - one person sitting side-saddle on the horizontal bar running from the seat to the handlebars while the other steers and pedals. This is probably quite difficult on bikes with brakes and that actually steer straight. Mission Ride Nica Style = Fail! All I remember is we ended up on the cement, tearing up from laughing so hard, and slowly becoming aware of how many others were laughing at us as well! After returning the bikes, we recovered at an outdoor cafe that was broadcasting a local futbol game. One of the most care-free, pure FUN days we've had on this entire trip!!
Monday brought a VERY cool "Changing of the Guards" at the Presidential Palace. First of all, the guards carry long bamboo sticks with little Ecuadorian flags on the end of them instead of guns. Plus, they SING!! There were various bands playing patriotic songs while the guards marched into position. Also, THE PRESIDENT himself, along with his family and all important members of his cabinet, came out onto the very open, very exposed balcony to address the public and watch the festivities as well! That would NEVER happen in the States! It was soooo much fun seeing the pride in the eyes of the locals - plus, everyone sang the songs...no one to proud for sing-a-longs! Afterwards, we took in the lovely views of the city from our hostel's terrace and practiced some dance moves ;) Before dark, I took a long walk to Rocodomo, a ROCK CLIMBING gym in Quito, but sadly missed the free climb hours.
That is actually the President, his family, and the cabinet!
Our scootering journey requires its own post, so until then, MISS AND LOVE my friends and family!
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