last 2 days in Quito- what did we do?
photos to be added
School was finished on Thursday so we had 2 days to explore more of Quito before heading off. We looked through the highlights of Quito and decided to spend one day exploring the old city in full. To gain more knowledge we started our day at the City Museum that gave us a lot of history of Quito and Ecuador in general. The museum was well laid out and had plenty of 3D models and explanations. We finished the morning with lunch at the relaxing museum cafe.
After lunch we took a stroll around the streets and discovered a lovely area call la Ronda that has recently been rebuilt. Here there were cute little gift shops and restaurants. We ambled back to the main Quito square which was buzzing with local life on a Friday afternoon and also popped into the fabulous central library building. We had a map with some walking tours and followed one of them into the old market area. Here there were lots of local people selling goods on the streets. Barrie was carrying his large camera under his arm and we noticed 3 men that we walk past look at it, Barrie turned round to see they had stopped walking so told me that we should change direction. We walked passed the 3 men on the opposite side of the road in a different direction and looked round to see them following us so changed direction yet again and Barrie made it clear to them we had seen them. Fortunately we then continued back and they stopped following us so yet again no harm done.
In the evening, as it was our last night in the apartment we stayed home and I made a lovely vegetable curry with local fresh vegetables and my travelling spice kit.
on Saturday after a final breakfast out at En Dulce where we were able to watch the bakers at work we headed to Capilla de Hombre, a Museum honoring Latin Americans with extensive artworks by Oswaldo Guayasamín & artifacts. The museum is split into 2 part ones is a typical art gallery style the other part was the home of the artist Oswaldo Guayasamin and contained all his personal collection of art together with some of his own work. We were able to view the studio he worked in as well as the begd he slept in. Oswaldo born in 1919 and died in 1999, he was a very successful modern Ecuadorian artist and after accumulation great wealth he agreed with his family to open his house and leave all art works to the people of Ecuador as a national trust.
His art work as well as the building and location evoked many feelings, Oswaldo made many paintings about the conflicts in South America during his lifetime. This is an inspirational place to visit.
After the museum we hopped in a taxi and went to the are called La Floresta which is known for its street grafitti and restaurants. Unfortunately we had very little cash with us but were able to afford a couple of glasses of lemondade and dish of hummus in a very quaint cafe.
Late afternoon we left our apartment that had been home for 10 days to head to a hotel at the airport to be ready for an early flight the next day.