I wasn't feeling 100% yesterday. My sleep has been quite messed up as I slowly adjust to Quito's 2900m altitude. Been quite anxious with the prospect of exploring this city on my own because of things I've read and because I can't speak the language. I've been worrying about how I'd cross the Ecuador-Colombia land border because of the Venezuelan crisis. But I knew it was time. It was time to test the waters again. I decided to walk to Centro Historico and test my sense of direction and intuition again. There were a couple of times I thought I was lost but I just kept on walking until I saw the Basilica. I made it and enjoyed just taking photos with my Fuji camera - something I haven't done in years - and just walking and taking in my surroundings. It was nice to back doing this again, like being welcomed back home by an old friend. Here are some photos from that day.
Basilica del Voto Nacional so far has been a favorite of mine. It’s neo-Gothic style blew me away. Its lines and patterns make for great photos.
Sunlight through its stained windows made it so beautiful inside. The rose window was also stunning. It also had a great view of the city and the Old Town from the top, you would have to endure steep (almost 90 degrees) stairs though to get there, so be careful.
There are a lot of other churches in the Old Town too. However, most were closed or photos were prohibited inside. But they were as grand and extravagant as they could be. Google Iglesia de la Compañía and you’ll get me. The church is decorated with everything gold, es loco! But it’s worth checking out for sure.
The Old Town also had plazas, big and small. The most popular of course is the Plaza La Independencia. So many people here always. It’s always alive, the steps of Catedral Metropolitana de Quito are always occupied with people.
And of course the Old Town’s narrow streets lined with colorful and quaint buildings of different shops, restaurants, and cafes. I’m a sucker for quaint streets and towns.
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