Lake District

So a small addition to my previous notes (refer to the Volcanic Activity blog) on Quito as I stopped here for a second time en route to elsewhere. Well this venture was on my own back and I made several mistakes in quick succession. From my place of stay i went to catch the metro bus (tram) to the historical centre of the city. First i tried to enter via the exit, the turnstile stopped me, then I put the 25 cents into the ticket box only to have the coins rejected because it only took the 25 cent coin and not 10's and 5's pieces. Once I finally got the tram, I caught my finger in the exit turnstile... And to cap it off I soon realised I forgot to charge my camera battery... You would think I'm new to travelling or something.


Those setbacks aside, I strolled around and found the church (La Compania de Jesus) which I caught a glimpse through its door the last time i was in Quito only now I had time to go inside. It was as spectacular in decor as I had expected (google it for pictures). 'Elaborate' knows no bounds with colourful statues, detailed paintings and intricate wall sculpturing, it really was the most eye catching church I've been in (I am yet to visit the Vatican). However as I sat and mused, I think I'd prefer to have a white-wash simple building so I wouldn't be distracted from the purpose of the church. However the average South American churchgoer seems to be able to channel their prayer through the art around them, so to each their own.

I also had more time to wander though the backpacker area (Mariscal district) and came across the ever prevalent Irish themed pub which made me laugh (bear in mind where I have just been, far from any building that could be considered western). I found a second hand English bookshop and chatted away to the Essex ex-pat, my first conversation with an English native speaker in 2.5 months... It was nice to be unrestricted in my speech!


Like the first time in Quito I had a dull headache from the quick change in altitude, and it was rather strange to experience cold weather, as if my body was not sure what to make of it! But finally the jumper was needed. Also my hands dried right up to their sore selves, which may have also been caused by the bathroom soap. However I am using coco butter to soften them and it seems to do the trick. It was just a flying visit as I arrive one day and flew out the next heading south.