The idea that we’ve only been in Quito for 24 hours blows my mind. It feels like it’s been 13 days already, like, if we left tomorrow, I would still feel as though we lived through a whole vacation. My day started with breakfast beside Meg, Shirley, Skip, and Rick. We were all out by 9am and venturing to the Iglesia Católica San Francisco where we witnessed a Catholic mass. I’ve never seen such spiritual passion fill a room that large. I was honored to witness them praying, touching displays and pouring themselves out surrounded by over a hundred others.
Afterwards, we went to the Convento y Museo de San Francisco where we were guided by one of the best tour guides I’ve had. He explained everything thoroughly and let us crack fallen lemon-sized coconuts between heavy stones. As we ventured through the Sunday streets of Quito, Skip insisted we try the churros – the US churros could never compare! It was beautiful to see all of the Ecuadorian mothers strolling with their family and flowers for Mothers’ Day.
After lunch, Carter and I bought some sick crystals from a vendor down the street and stocked up on snacks for our jaunt to the Basílica del Voto Nacional. Everything is significantly cheaper here! Our tour guide mentioned his daily wage is $15, which explains why everything typically ranges from 50 cents to $5. The Basílica Cathedral was insanely beautiful – definitely giving Cathy a run for her money – but it required us to climb a ladder-like metal staircase paralyzingly high!
Finally, after dinner, a bunch of us decided to Uber to the Virgen del Panecillo. The statue on a mountain had been visible all throughout Quito, so it seemed only fitting to end our stay in Quito seeing her up close. While the Ubers proved to be less reliable than in the US, we all got back without having to trek home. I can’t wait for Cayambe…and chocolate tomorrow!!