A Glimpse of Quito...

Il 14-17 aprile

Quito, Ecuador

Ecuador is one of the world's greatest exporters of roses and so it was fitting that, on our first day, we tour a rose plantation in the Otavalo region outside of the capital city. From planting to pruning to cutting to measuring to packing to shipping, the process is done with expertise and great care and the variety of roses a treat for the eye. Of course, a tour of the area must include a stop at the famous Otavalo market and the purchase of arts, crafts, clothing, and scarves occupied all of us for about an hour...and much fun was had! 

Lunch at the Hosteria Hacienda Pinsaqui, a beautifully restored colonial property built in 1790, (one of whose guests was Simon Bolivar), was a delight; the hacienda's interior and its beautiful lush property were a calm retreat and a welcome respite.

www.haciendapinsaqui.com

                          

                           

Quito, surrounded by the Andes Mountains, has a charming historic area and, like Peru, the Spanish influence is everywhere. There was a political demonstration going on outside the presidential palace when we were there and signs were a plenty with pictures of people who have mysteriously disappeared...a call for justice was the sounding cry.

And finally, a trip to this capital city needs to include a stop at “La Mitad del Mundo” (Middle of the World) complex where we had photo opportunities standing on the equator and in both hemispheres...lots of laughter and a lot of pictures!