We set off to explore downtown. First stop was a return to the basilica since there was decent visibility despite the clouds.
We had seen a sign that said it was $2 USD to visit the church itself, and $2 to climb the tower. However the church didn't look that interesting from photos we had seen, and so we wanted to climb the tower for the view. Except you can't do the tower without doing the church. So now it was $8 USD ($11 CAD) just to see the view. No thanks. Not worth it to us.
We noticed quite a few dogs in some of the shops.
This one looked pretty relaxed!
Fancy doors at a monastery along the way.
Next up was the Antiguo Circulo Militar building. It doesn't look like much from the outside, and there were only a couple of tourists inside. We had to sign in with a military guard. It was originally built between 1918 and 1936 to house the Armed Forces Officers Club, but now is part museum and part display space.
The building itself is very interesting.
Chess, anyone?
Fancy chandelier.
My reflection taking the photo above this one!
Notice the wood floor.
The design is made from tiny pieces.
They had a really good display of photographs.
The Virgin del Panecillo statue is a popular viewpoint in Quito.
We were going to hike up there, but we read that many people have been mugged doing so. Most people either take a tour bus or a taxi up there. We had memories of when we were mugged in Zacatecas, and that was enough to put us off the idea. We thought about taking a taxi up, but then got sidetracked and it ended up raining in the afternoon.
The central plaza in Quito.
Palacio de Carondelet.
The presidential palace. Normally open to tourists, but it wad closed that day.
Notice the barricades. There was some kind of military thing going on.
This church was fancy.
I can't imagine the work that went into this.
The library building has a pretty little plaza.
Decorated with hummingbird statues.
There were two of these odd looking big trees, we believe they are Brazilian Pine trees.
We found the antique books section.
We weren't allowed in.
But the girl was enthusiastic about showing some to us.
We don't think she gets many visitors!
This one was from the year 1524!
Scenery along the way.
This was another church where they wanted $6 USD each to get in. No thanks.
This church on the other hand, was totally free!
Again, there was some kind of military thing going on.
Pigeons!
The interior of the free church was spectacular.
There's no money in the church business!
Wow.
Back outside to find somewhere for lunch.
Looks like the rain is coming soon.
We didn't eat here, but it was pretty.
We ended up finding a cheap "almuerzo" lunch place. There are common all over Ecuador and offer a set meal for a cheap price... usually between $3 to $5 USD per person. This one was one of the cheaper ones, at $2.50 USD ($3.40 CAD)...
Chicken, fries, rice, beans, a few pieces of salad, a bowl of soup and a glass of juice.
For $2.50 USD ($3.40 CAD) per person.
We walked back to the hotel after lunch, but got a little wet in the last five minutes. Almost made it! Relaxed in the room and had a nap while it rained for the afternoon.
For dinner, we had seen a pizza place that advertised gluten free pizza, and it got fantastic reviews. It was a bit pricey, but then we could afford a more expensive dinner after lunch was so cheap!
I had a regular pepperoni pizza and a beer.
You can't have pizza without beer!
It's just a small place.
Ruth's gluten free pizza.
Ruth had a lemonade as well, and the bill was $23 USD ($31.50 CAD) for the two of us. Like I said, a little pricey by local standards, but it was very good.
This morning, we are up at silly o'clock (3:10am!) to get to Quito airport for our 5:55am flight to Manta.
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And in Canada...
You see some beautiful buildings, churches and views in your travels.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing !
Sue