Day III- January 4th, 2oo7
We started our tour at 8.30AM to see cathedrals, famous monuments and museums. Our first stop, however, was an artists' mirador of Guapalo- overlooking a valley in which the Franciscan Community resided. "Guapalo" is the native (Quichua) way of saying "Guadalupe," because they were unable to say the Spanish version of the word. The view was stunning with cascading valleys, steep slopes- everything so green. I could definitely see it being an artists' site.

Mirador de Guapalo- Franciscan Village below

Steep slopes formed by volcanic activity

After only a few minutes, we hopped back on the bus and drove up to the Catedral Santo Domingo. From afar it was an impressive Gothic Cathedral, but up close, the architecture was unlike anything I have ever seen. On the outside, instead of the typical gargoyls of the Gothic period, there were animals indigenous to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. With turtles, iguanas, monkeys- something you would imagine to be comical, seemed completely fitting- as though gargoyls would look ridiculous.

Gabriel Garcia Moreno- the President responsible for the creation of the Cathedral



Some iguana-gargoyls

Tortugas

Inside the church was a typical Gothic Cathedral with high vaulted ceilings, apses, stained glass windows- and out behind a massive column hopped a little white bunny! I guess he lived in the cathedral- he seemed to know his way around. I was kind of sad though how he became such an attraction in the church that half of the group didn't even look at the absolutely remarkable structure of the church. After a little more exploring- back to the bus again!

The bunny


Inside of the Cathedral


Mateo con San Mateo

We went to the Plaza de San Francisco and to another cathedral. In this cathedral, there was a golden ceiling carved of wood in the "Mudejar" (Moorish) style. The colors were vibrant reds and cerulean blues. At the front of the cathedral, we were first introduced to the star of Ecuador. Historians only recently discovered the true meaning of this unique 8-sided star. One median to distinguish the equator, another for the equinox and the last two, the solstices.

My personal representation

The star (and variations of it) can be seen all over the city, but mainly in the churches. The most beautiful one I saw was in the floor of a Franciscan Church- in the choir section. For some reason there was a large interest in Stigmata in this church and many (most) of the figures featured- statues and paintings- had slashes across their faces, holes in their hands and chests.
It was an interesting mix between native traditions and beliefs combined with Catholic figures and traditions.
There was a beautiful courtyard in the middle of the cathedral with flowers and palm trees- exotic birds in and around cages. In the center, a beautiful fountain with the Virgin at the top of it. In the surrounding terraces, there were displays of nativity sets from all around the world.
Saint Francis was supposedly the one who created the idea of the nativity in order to visualize the hold journey of Mary, Joseph and Jesus. There were nativity sets displayed not only here, but all over the city. The Franciscans were one of the largest groups of Catholics to occupy
Ecuador during the colonial period.





After the San Franciscan church, we went to el Museo de la Cuidad. We learned how Quito transitioned from natives of an agricultural society to the colonial/European influence as well as the strong Catholic influence. The city only recently grew with the oil boom and is now the second most populous city in Ecuador at nearly 2 million (first is Guayquil) P.s. they had lots of stuffed guinea pigs at the museum.
The last official stop of the day was the Virgin of Quito- a massive statue situated in the hills of Quito, overlooking the city. The statue of Mary is depicted gracefully stepping on serpent representing evil. She can be seen from many parts of the city and looks completely surreal in front of the bright blue skies and green grass; almost something out of a Dali painting. She represents also the combination and acceptance of both native culture and Catholic imagery. Unlike any image of Mary seen in most Catholic depictions, this sculpture has very powerful female representation, much like the earth godesses of native tradition.

View from the Museum

Close up from the top of the hill

The top of the hill had a beautiful view of the city and some little stands selling over-priced things. We only stayed for about 10 minutes before we went back to the hotel.
We had the entire afternoon to do what we wanted- which started off pretty rocky. No one wanted to do any specific thing, break off into groups or volunteer to lead. We left the hotel in a group of nearly 20. We looked like our own tourist attraction- people were staring out of the bus windows at us- it was the first time I really felt like the stereotypical "American." I can't stand large groups, but Matt and I couldn't find people to break off with. It just seems too intimidating and rude being such a large group speaking a foreign language. I guess that became the day's quest- becoming a local tourist.
I really have to say, though, that the Ecuadorian people are overall so much nicer and willing to help- making you feel less like a tourist and more welcome (in contrast to Spain at least!) No one gave us an attitude or refused us service. Most people addressed us in Spanish even when they could speak English. Spain was completely different- everyone though you were stupid because you were American.
Anyway, we ended up (as a huge group at first) at The Magic Bean- which had excellent reviews in our guide book- however, 6 of us waited outside with the same opinion of large groups. We eventually go our own separate table in the restraunt- good food, good conversations- then embarked on a lovely walk around the city.
As a group of five, we walked around the botanical gardens and a vivarium (where we petted a live boa constrictore! -although we couldn't take pictures of our own, we had to pay for them to take them of us).
We got lost a few times, ate some 30cent cotton candy, found some tourist informations for the other two guys we were with (now I really want to go to the Amazon!) We had a great time- nothing spectacular or overly eventful, but really fun.
Back to the 30cent cotton candy- I really don't understand how people survive. If we can sell the same product for $5 in the US, how did this man support himself, buying gas to run his cotton candy machine for 30cents a pop!? He spun it up fresh just for us and smiled the entire time doing it. There must be something we are doing wrong!

Ryan and the Cotton Candy Man

The condor- the city's bird

Some good-old American culture!

We came back to the room for awhile and relaxed before we went out for dinner. Then Matt and his roommate, Darian, and myself and my roommate, Nicki, all set out for dinner.
We found a little hole in the wall place (it was literally the space between two houses with a metal awning over it) that served pizzas, empanadas, sanduches (sandwiches), and sopas. There was nothing over $3 on the menu. I had the most amazing cream de aguacated soup and various other things. For four of us, our bill was less than $12 and was seriously the most delicious food!
There was a little garden and fountain with fish, pretty garden lights. After, we just headed back to the hotel to pack and relax in preparation for our 6.00AM wake up call. We were heading to the Galapagos in the morning.