Around 10 PM on May 7th I arrived in Quito, Ecuador. As the plane touched down, I was able to see specks of light, resembling stars, that formed the shape of mountains. When my group arrived to Hotel de San Francisco, we raced up the stairs, and then another flight of stairs, each flight narrower than the last, until we see this view from the rooftop. Looking around, I couldn’t make out much, everything was just those starry lights in mountains. However, I felt the potential of Quito, the certainty that those stars will soon turn into stories.

The next morning, a few of us made our way up the stairs again, to see Quito wake up with the sun. Given that we are so close to the equator, the colors of a typical North American sunrise are short-lived. Nonetheless, it was great to see the city in color for the first time, welcoming adventure. Our first day was described as ‘a tour of the city’ where we would explore some of the city’s most important landmarks. Every place we visited, I remained in awe of the new perspectives that the different views provided.

After our phenomenal breakfast of papaya, black coffee (so so good, like, actually life changing), scrambled eggs, and bread with mango marmalade (also life changing), we headed to the Iglesia de San Francisco; the first Latin American church I have been in. I expected the alter to be grand, plated with gold, and all of my expectations were met with even more gold. As we entered, there was a service going on that was serious yet calming, almost chilling. Being careful to not make noise and be an obvious outsider, I really wanted to look through the eyes of those who sit in the pews of the church weekly. We were there for different purposes, but taking in the same amazing view …

After seeing the community that the alter of Iglesia de San Francisco creates, I tried to put the local perspective into everything I saw.

We toured what used to be the monastery of the church, but now is a museum, and learned a lot about both the origin of the church and the Catholic religion of Ecuador. It took 500 years for the construction of the church to be complete. Many of the people who belong to the church are descendants of generations that worked hard to make it what it is today. We eventually made our way to the top of the steeple, and when we did, this was our view…

From the hotel view, to the steeple one, the city of Quito presented something different. This view made me feel more immersed in the city , there was plenty to look at from every angle. From the church, we headed to the town square and to lunch. On our walk, we passed through SO many people and vendors who sold everything you could think of. The city is normally busy, but I assume the fact that it was Mother’s Day made it even more-so. I saw decorations, beautiful cakes, trinkets, and flowers; all for the mothers of Ecuador. Given that we are here to study chocolate and roses, this day is a glimpse into where those products are traded in-country.

Speaking of which, we had our first chocolate tasting at Yumbos Chocolate. About an hour long presentation, the chocolate keeper explained what makes Ecuador chocolate special and allowed us to try everything from fine-flavored variety chocolates, hot chocolate, and a brownie (which was my favorite.) Given that this stop was spontaneous, it was well worth it and gave me practice for our future chocolate tours. If you were wondering, there was a nice view of Iglesia de San Francisco from the chocolate tasting window.

Everything I saw on May 8th was a special sight to take in and appreciate, but I will end with this last one. In our free time, the whole group of 12 ventured to the Basílica del Voto Nacional. This structure is the largest neo-Gothic church in the Americas. It looks a little something like this from the front …

… And this from the top…

Again, an entirely new perspective. The pictures truly do not do it justice and I still cannot comprehend the vastness of Quito. Looking back at this photo, and many others , makes me wonder the role each individual building plays in someone’s life.

After a day of taking in new smells, sounds, and views, I experienced an environment that many others call home. Quito is both a bustling city, and a quiet one. With history that dates back to a little over 400 years, there is still so much to explore.

Brooke Eyler
Current Location: Río Napo, Ecuador