Today I actually had the chance to see the city and meet some of the people in my study abroad program. All of the students come from an array of places: the U.S., Belgium, Australia, Mexico, Spain, France, and Switzerland to name a few. We explored the city today, and luckily the temperature was somewhat warm, but since it was in Celsius, I'm not sure how warm. It was perfect however, while we toured the Historic Old Town of Quito.
We toured historic cathedrals that were restored from the times of the Spanish conquistadors. Then we visited the Presidential Palace in the capital city. In one plaza a military band blew trumpets, while in another a local rock group performed in front of a large audience of teenagers. Every few meters different vendors sell food, CDs, arts and crafts, etc. Despite the size of the city, the people are all friendly and polite.
Quito is a contrast of the modern and the traditional, with the Historic Old Center surrounded by newer structures. It's a city where politicians and accountants interact with farmers and villagers from the mountain. The city still seems to have no end until your eyes meet the snow-capped volcano Cotopaxi in the background. But tomorrow we are leaving Quito for a day trip to visit the small crafts town, Otavalo.




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