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Last views of Colombia, flying over Bogotá
In 2010 we had spent a month traveling through Ecuador, so we had not planned to spend very much time there this time around. However, we did want to drop by and say hi to my host-family from when I had studied abroad in 2007. In cahoots with my host-sister Daniela, we planned to surprise my host-mom Lucy (which we did to great success) and revisit Quito just as the city was preparing for the big Fiestas de Quito. Here is our week in photos:
Plaza San Francisco
Started in 1550, Iglesia San Francisco is Quito’s oldest church
XVI century Iglesia Santo Domingo
A peek down the Calle Venezuela reveals the Basílica del Voto Nacional
We arrived the day before Thanksgiving, and at just the mention of the holiday, Daniela promptly made plans to whip up a magnificent impromptu Thanksgiving dinner. Lucy’s Christmas spirit pervades every corner of the house, and even the refrigerator was given a holiday make-over.
A glimpse of the cozy living room bursting with Christmas spirit and Valeria’s chocolate Eiffel Tower
The next day we took a 15-minute cable-car ride to soar to over 1300 meters above the city. We had taken the TelefériQo ride in 2010, but it had been a cloudy night, and we had soon found ourselves riding in a cloud to eerie, foggy silence. This trip was much clearer.
The beautiful and intricate Basílica del Voto Nacional
Iguana gargoyles
Pelican gargoyles
To get to the steeple, we had to cross this narrow boardwalk that traced over the main aisle of the basilica.
Steeple views
The hillside Panecillo, “little bread loaf,” with the Virgen de Quito perched on top
Plaza Grande
Catedral Metropolitana de Quito
Street art on the side of Museo de la Ciudad
La Ronda
Umami, a favorite downtown café
Bringing crepe-making to Quito!
Suitcase-bed, original backpacker gear, Museo de la Ciudad
Consulting the wooden floor-map
Julien and his friend, Nathalia, he met while studying abroad in Madison in 2008
Kicking off celebrations over a week before December 6, the official day recognized as the founding of Quito.
Enjoying dinner at Vista Hermosa
Terrace views from Vista Hermosa. Our two shadows are waving from the inner courtyard of a nearby building.
Looking to the Basílica del Voto Nacional
The impressive Basilica del Voto Nacional by night
Capilla del Hombre, Oswaldo Guayasamín’s (Ecuador’s most famous contemporary artist) great final project housing much of his socially motivated art.
In case of emergency, call the alien ships
Graffiti correcting graffiti
Juggling in the Parque Carolina
Chanel, my family’s dog, living the dream: seven potential balls to fetch.
Tops
Contemporary art-ing
A favorite Calavera Catrina
This Framerican Life 
I noticed you changed the map at the beginning of the blog…. this new one is so colorful!!! I like it!! Why and how did you decide on this one? Is the bull the symbol for Quito? I am so glad you went to see Lucy and family. I liked seeing the fridge as snowman… I had never seen that before.
Plaza San Francisco, It looks like you took a picture of the nun. Love the views of streets festivities and all the streets and the churches of Quito. I especially liked the picture. the one of Vista Hermosa…. The golden colors make it especially beautiful.
After seeing the video, the pictures of the Basilica, it was easier to know about the boardwalk passage to the steeple.
Julien hasn’t forgotten to juggle!!
Love to see your hair… it is so long!!
Be well… and happy…. you know how much we love you!!!!
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