Thursday January 26, 2017

We started our day by sharing breakfast with other guests at the hostel. Right after breakfast we walked to a hair style place that we had seen the day before. It was less than a block from our hostel. Mike got a haircut and shave for $4, and I got a haircut for $4. For us Canadians, we could not believe how affordable this service was, and the quality was excellent.
We spent the day following many of the walking tours that highlight the historic buildings in old town Quito. We paid too much for coffees in the morning ($5.50 for two small) but found some excellent pastries and really good quality organic chocolate. The highlight for me was the Basilica Cathedral, a huge structure that is over 100 years old. The Basilica featured beautiful stained glass depictions from the bible, and ornate architecture.
In the afternoon, we went back to the hostel to take a break. Later we returned to the hairstylist so that I could get a pedicure, for the excellent price of $5. After a brief rest, we headed to a restaurant called "Leña Quiteña" to try a local specialty called "cuy". This is roasted guinea pig! Mike wanted to try this traditional South American meat dish, but we found it was very rich and fatty, and not to out taste. We walked around the old town looking for a cafe, but did not see anything we liked. I think that it is worth mentioning that we were walking around the Old Town area in the evening, and we did not feel unsafe at any time.
We returned to the hostel for tea and coffee. We played cards for awhile, then chatted with Jenny from California and Alma from Finland. They told us about a really good restaurant for lunch, but they could not remember the name. So we got general directions and a description and vowed to try and find it the next day. We had a good laugh about trying to find this restaurant with the description of "a green banner, red tablecloths, and a grill near the entrance." After a very busy day, we headed to bed.

twin spires of the Basilica from a distance

part of a plaza and street in old town

One of the many plazas in old town Quito

Presidential Palace

Narrow one way street sloping down

Colourful apartments with balconies

Twin spires up close

Entrance to the Basilica

View from the terrace of the Basilica

A plaque with some of the history of the Basilica

Inside the cathedral

Local plaza with a statue and a church steeple in the background

Entrance to the Iglesia de la Compania, most visited church in Quito