UNESCO world Heritage site
From Journals of Latin America in Quito, Ecuador on Apr 20 '07
One picturesque bus ride of Banos and its active Volcano I arrived at Quito the nations capital. First impressions of Chicago Hostel...for the old people lol! Good rooms,clean etc...not much activity mind! Within about 10 minutes of being there the snake I was given by my Jungle family got broken...hoping its not a bad omen!But seriously I thought it would last more than 6 hours!!
THe first impressions of Quito are somewhat unnerving it seems the place is full with security with the biggest guns and it seems to be shared with many new travelers. It´s as if your in Rio all over and you get nervous...which isn't great as it could be unjustified but that the state of mind your put in!
I got up for Bike Sunday...the centre of town is closed for everyone to cycle around! Like the tour hitting winchester place was filled with lycra sadly the biggest fans were the 50 year old men...
The city is made up of two parts the old and new town and its joined by a parkland and ´gringo land´bars etc. Personally the new town didn´t do all that for me some spooky gothic churches but nothing particularly new. ALthough the ´trole´buses are bloody useful at 25 cents to and from the centre of town just watch your pockets!
Old town is definitely more impressive all the buildings are colonial and the Plaza de Grande stands strong with its churches and government buildings plus the usual excessive numbers of armed police! The centre and plaza de San fran were something but just didn't get the vibe walking along the streets!Shame!
ANyone comes then agreat hostel is the Secret Garden ornate jungle walls and a rooftop terrace overlooking the old town. Many people just use Quito as base camp for the Glapagos Island i got the vibe. Many a flea market and a sugar coated cheese bun I decided to bite the bullet and avoid the 30 hr bus to Bogota and fly...whimp!
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