Breakfast at hotel. Orientation to the program with Victoria. Then Intiñan Museum that has a permanent exposition that details the Andean ancestral cultures. Saw replica of an ancient home and saw way of life and traditions of indigenous people long ago.
Visit El Panecillo for panoramic views of Quito. Before the Spanish arrived, the hill known as El Panecillo (small bread roll) was used by the Inca for sun worshiping. In the early 1800s, the Spanish military took advantage of El Panecillo's strategic location and elevation (9,843 ft), and built a fortress to protect and monitor the city. we were able to see Cotopaxi's snowy peak in the distance.
Walked and explored Quito's colonial center, with Independence Square. Saw the Presidential and Bishop Palace, as well as the Cathedral. Visit La Compañía church, one of the most beautiful churches in Quito, legendary for its gold covered interior. Visit the historic San Francisco church and convent, raised up above a wide stone paved court originally known as Tiangues, a place used by the indigenous inhabitants of Quito to trade products.
Lunch at local restaurant including an introduction to Ecuadorian food products and typical Ecuadorian cuisine.
Before dinner, a lecture: The Past, Present and Future of Ecuador. Dinner at hotel.
Photo 1. Found out the accuracy of Equator mark differed from my GPS.
Photo 2. Carol and I were surprised that our 47th anniversary info was passed on by Road Scholar office.
Photo 3. The men, dressed as early “penitents,” served us a special dessert which was made eerie with by adding some dry ice to the plate. The blurry photo was chosen to show how my head felt that first few days. Tomorrow though, fly back down to sea level and next stop – Galapagos Islands. Now I can compare how the body adapts to the movement of our boat/home for the next week (-:
Click here for today's online photo album.
https://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/2012GIMPDay2Of17
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