Happy 4th of July from the Center of the World!!

Hello everyone,

I am in Quito, Ecuador, a charming, beautiful city surrounded by majestic mountains at 2800 meters. That's the metric system for "way high up." The air is thin and dry here. And clean (except when I walk past a bus).

I woke up late today.

I'm already enjoying this vacation...

And walked around, eating at Cafe Cultura (good, but not amazing - very charming atmosphere). Went to Old Town. Wow. Lots of beautiful colonial architecture, colorful buildings with shutters and ornate wrought-iron balconies.

Climbed up La Basilica. It's a huge church with two clock towers perched on top of a hill. It's fun. You climb and climb and climb. And then you realize that you can still climb some more. So you climb. But there's another level. So you climb...you get the idea. It's fun to climb in thin air. But when you do get past the clocks and up to the highest level, you're rewarded with breathtaking views of the Quito valley. The church is very large, so large that the two clocks in the towers are off by about 3 minutes to reflect the difference in time zones. Or not. Look, most of you haven't been to Ecuador, so I can make up whatever I want and you'll believe it.

La Compania. Wow. The inside is intricately carved wood patterns. Geometric patterns, patron saints, religious icons, crosses, the whole bit. So beautiful and original looking. Then, this is overlaid with gold leaf, very tastefully done, and not close to garish at all. I ran into two other travelers, and both were deeply impressed by the decorations, which reflect Spanish, Arabic, and indigenous influences. Wow.

I ate at Mama something-or-'nother. I forgot the name and didn't bring my guidebook with me to the computer here. If I went and looked it up, it wouldn't enhance your life any, so too bad... Anyway, they specialize in regional Ecuadorian dishes. I ordered seca de chivo. Goat in sauce with rice and vegetables. Has quite a resemblance to the Mexican dish birria.

The juices are incredible here. So pulpy and full and flavorful. Nice. Jugo de papaya. Mmmmmm, so good.

Tamale, I will walk around Old Town again. Why? Because I can.

The next day, I'm not sure, but I was considering going to Otavalo, just a little bit north of here. I just read about some tours offered where you can do a multi-day stay in indigenous villages and go horseback riding and waterfall hikes at Pechuga (or something like that - don't have my guidebook in front of me), and Otavalo is a great springboard for that. They're famous for their market. Have I ever mentioned how I love markets? This one is huge, but it has changed in years to cater to tourists. But whatever...I'm a tourist.

People so far are friendly and speak a sort of Spanish that I understand (as much as this is possible). The city is clean. Just the same, I'm looking forward to going up north into the country a little bit more.

I'll be here for five weeks, before flying back and going to the even more exotic land of West Virgnia.

Happy 4th, Ustad! Enjoy!!

Rick

Happy 4th back atcha.

Happy Birthday to the USA!

Happy 4th! Wish I knew what the emoticons for fireworks were!

So, one of these days, we're gonna sit down and watch all the video footage you shot during your travels...

Right on Ken.

I'll be looking forward to the photos. Be safe.

Awesome! Your imagery makes me wish I was there. well, I'll be relaxing on Cae Cod by about 8:00 this evening, and that ain't so bad, but Ecaudor sounds like a real adventure.

1.) Gerardo, of "Rico Suave" fame, is a native of Ecuador.

2.) Ecuador uses the American dollar as its currency.

3.) 1/3rd of Ecuador is park land or otherwise restricted. The people have to constantly battle oil companies, etc. to stay out of this land, however.

4.) The electricity and outlets are exactly the same as the U.S.

5.) For some reason, people always ask this, sooooo....yes, they have McDonalds, Burger King and KFC. Quito also has sushi, Middle Eastern, tons of Chinese, Indian, Mexican, Italian, Argentinean, vegetarian, And Brazilian food. I had Chinese food for lunch at Arbol de Oro (Golden Tree, near where I at lunch yesterday at Cafe Cultura). Big silly portions for $3.

I just got back from a very interesting exhibit of modern and ancient indigenous art (Fundacion Guayasamin). Very cool. The modern paintings were depicting the concerns of the indigenous people, and were very emotional. And many times, you could really almost taste the desperation, anguish, fright, or sadness from the paintings.

At the hostal where I am staying, they offer free internet access, and for some reason, no one ever seems to use it. It's just down the hall from my room, so when I come or go, I can bang out a few emails.

Tomorrow, I am going somewhere. I think. I may actually go south to a place near Latacunga, about 2 hours south (I know several of you like following along on maps). It's the Andean countryside, and I would go to an organic farm with llamas called the Black Sheep Inn (they have a web site), where there are numerous Incan ruins, volcano lakes, and other fun stuff. It's out in the boonies. If I don't go there, then I will most likely go north to Otavalo, but do treks to the outlying villages instead of hanging around the town. Don't know yet.

Ken,

You're missing out on a lot of nice hot weather here in LA.

Have a great time.

Steve

Re: Fun Facts About Ecuador That You Should Know!

My Inlaws live there...

Bear

Why Ken? WHHHYYYYYY??

Here I'm in Dallas, hot, humid, TX working, working, woooooooorrrrkiiiiiing!!

And You? You? yooooouuuu!!

Why you do this to me? WHY?

Yeah yeah I know! Because you can, Ken!

Enjoy it!