Exploring Quito

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Interior Monastery San Francisco, Quito


Baby, anyone?

San Francisco Monastery

Adorable little ones on a school excursion

Thursday 2 December

Now, THAT’S what I call a transvestite – magnificent!
We tentatively ventured forth this day with the aid of imodium (bless it!). We had a very late start and began our self-guided tour of the Old Town (armed with a Lonely Planet) at about 11:30am. We saw many beautiful buildings (many of them next to remarkably ugly ones!), and enjoyed the friendliness of the people and the charm of the atmosphere of the city in general. Walked through the red-light district, which was only obvious due to the trashy prossie on a corner and the large-breasted trannie crossing the road with us. We are positive she was a baritone. 

First floor Quito Basilica

Interior Quito Basilica
The basilica was an interesting piece of architecture – gothic cement besser block  circa 1883. Noice. But the gargoyles were particularly noteworthy – iguanas and birds of the Galapagos rather than demons. Cool. We climbed the clock tower in the basilica, with many sharp intakes of breath on the way up due to each view that got more and more stunning as we ascended. At the summit (which was reached via a narrow winding metal staircase and a ladder), all we could do was sigh at the sheer beauty and vastness of the panorama before us. What a treat! And to think we nearly didn’t bother because we were fearful of the altitude affecting our ability to climb an obscene amount of stairs!

First floor Quito Basilica
The guidebook had the self-guided tour winding through the Old Town and through the parks into the New Town (about 3-4kms). We decided to press on, even though it was past lunch time, as neither of us felt much like eating just yet. So we kept walking and set our sights on a Chinese restaurant that received good reviews and was open 11am-11pm for our preferred lunch/dinner at about 4pm. We had some unimaginative, but appreciated rice and vegetables at ‘Chifa Mayflower,’ which was just what the doctor ordered. Once sated, we looked at our map and realised that we were only about another kilometre or so from our B&B, so kept going.

View from clock tower, Basilica

Gargoyle…bird…thing!

Interior clock tower, Basilica

The lovely Plaza Grande, Quito

3 old dudes on a bench, Plaza Grande

Our journey home was interrupted by a slight detour into the ‘Homero Ortega’ shop, which sells Panama hats (which, for those who are unaware, are actually made in Cuenca, Ecuador). Nic found a lovely man’s classic to fit, and John ordered one (to be picked up on our return from Galapagos). Good shopping.

Teatro Sucre, Old Town
We arrived at Casa Aliso around 6pm, but weren’t “allowed” to go to our room as a band was playing in the restaurant next door, and Patricio dragged us in there, handed us drink vouchers and instructed us to have fun. We stayed till about 7:30pm, writing in our journals, enjoying our complimentary red wine and the 4 piece contemporary band – the lead singer had an excellent voice. No idea what their name was.

Cool band at Clancy’s Restaurant

Clancy’s Restaurant, adjoining Casa Aliso
Came back to the room with the intentions of packing and then relaxing and reading for the rest of the evening. This ‘rest of the evening’ plan was thwarted due to the length of time it took to pack for Sacha Lodge – we only took one suitcase to the lodge, and it took some faffing about to get ourselves organised!

Hotted up taxi, complete with spoiler – who da man?

And the windscreen of same…Jesus taxi

About bontaks

Nic is the the 'Bon' part of 'Bontaks.' Together we are Nic and John - two travel-addicted teachers who enjoy every opportunity to go places, meet people and experience life.

2 Replies to “Exploring Quito”

  1. Quito looks like my kinda town – misty, overcast, cool and grey. How are youse two going? It's strange to think that you've got Kultcha and we've got Oprah! xx Chris

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  2. I am loving your journey – great photographs and I am salivating over the meal descriptions. One week to go and I'll be on holidays as well – but no where as exciting as south america, south coast caravan park most likely.

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