I did not sleep well at all!I got a headache, I´m guessing from the altitude, I did not eat much at breakfast yet I know I missed out on a lot, but the fresh juice would have to do until lunchtime. Jorge was on time and I am happy to have stayed downtown since I did not have to ride in the van to get downtown, I joined the rest of the group to start our walking trip of this Spanish heritage city. We started walking down a street called of the street of the seven crosses. It takes this name from the several churches alined on both sides, each with an exterior stone cross. We arrived at the main city square "plaza grande", Jorge explained that it was a typical square of Spanish cities, the 4 main powers distributed around it: Presidential Palace, Archishops Palace, Municipal building and the Cathedral. We then visited the cathedral, it was gothic work of art with paintings from indigenous artists that blended Spaniard paint technique with local traditions, we found a painting of the holy family that included llamas instead of cammels and snowcapped mountains in the background. I was particulary amazed and stood in awe as we entered La Compañía church, the outside had a beautiful stone facade yet the inside was covered in gold...gold ceiling, columns, alta... everything in gold leaf. Nothing can prepare you to understand  the contrast between the outside poverty seen in shoeshining children and the opulence of the church. I was also impressed by a painting that reminded me of Dantes inferno. Each sin with its punishment illustrated in detail.We then visited San Francisco plaza and church and ended in a gallery called the Tianguez (awa for market). It  was a nice fare trade shop, I got a couple souvenirs for my nieces. I really enjoyed this part of Quito. To add to the cities beauty it was a nice day with a clear sky and a beautiful view of Pichincha volcano and the nearby panecillo hill wear a winged virgin overlooks the city.

I did not sleep well at all!I got a headache, I´m guessing from the altitude, I did not eat much at breakfast yet I know I missed out on a lot, but the fresh juice would have to do until lunchtime. Jorge was on time and I am happy to have stayed downtown since I did not have to ride in the van to get downtown, I joined the rest of the group to start our walking trip of this Spanish heritage city. We started walking down a street called of the street of the seven crosses. It takes this name from the several churches alined on both sides, each with an exterior stone cross. We arrived at the main city square "plaza grande", Jorge explained that it was a typical square of Spanish cities, the 4 main powers distributed around it: Presidential Palace, Archishops Palace, Municipal building and the Cathedral. We then visited the cathedral, it was gothic work of art with paintings from indigenous artists that blended Spaniard paint technique with local traditions, we found a painting of the holy family that included llamas instead of cammels and snowcapped mountains in the background. I was particulary amazed and stood in awe as we entered La Compañía church, the outside had a beautiful stone facade yet the inside was covered in gold...gold ceiling, columns, alta... everything in gold leaf. Nothing can prepare you to understand  the contrast between the outside poverty seen in shoeshining children and the opulence of the church. I was also impressed by a painting that reminded me of Dantes inferno. Each sin with its punishment illustrated in detail.We then visited San Francisco plaza and church and ended in a gallery called the Tianguez (awa for market). It  was a nice fare trade shop, I got a couple souvenirs for my nieces. I really enjoyed this part of Quito. To add to the cities beauty it was a nice day with a clear sky and a beautiful view of Pichincha volcano and the nearby panecillo hill wear a winged virgin overlooks the city.

As the airplain prepared for landing, we dove into the clouds and before us the mountain surrounded valley was it up, you could see this strip of a city from above and just not believe how long but how narrow it is. I got off the plain and thought altitude is a myth, but as minutes went by in the inmigration line a slight headache moved in to my head. After picking up my luggage, I walked out into the crowd of people waiting for someone. I thought now how am I supposed to find my guide among so many signs, faces, flowers... overwhelming already.... to my surprise there he was with a Latin Trails sign and my name. He greeted me and assisted with luggage on the way to his vehicle. Jorge, was his name and he was very friendly. My trip was off to a good start, the soroche (altitude sickness started to move in), I wanted some rest so we headed for the hotel in the downtown area of town.After a 30 min. drive we reached the Patio Andaluz, a beautiful colonial building with an indoor patio-restaurant. The staff was friendly and the room to my relief was very nice. I had to get some rest... Jorge would be there to pick me up next morning to join the rest of my group for our first tour, the city of Quito...