Quito in the daylight

A very old city with lots of violent history. Overthowing the Spanish took awhile. There were many rebellions and so they have lots of slain and executed heroes. When I looked out our window this morning, I was greeted by a huge statue of the Madonna. People were also setting out their stalls at 6 am. Linda, Anne and I walked around our neighbourhood after breakfast (Robin needed more rest) and found great plazas, old churches, a cathedral, lots of people selling on the street and small stores full of less than quality goods. I was taken aback by the number of police out on the streets. There is never just one cop, but many. During the morning rush hour trolley after trolley crammed with people stopped just below our hotel. I watched during breakfast. There were too many police to count. They disappeared after the rush but every corner has police presence. The locals wear their back packs backwards to prevent theft. I was warned by a shop keeper to keep my hand on my camera at all times. At one point, there was a great gathering of police and motorcyles flashing their lights. Turns out they were shooing some ladies away from a corner they wanted to work.

It is a strange place as there are indigenous people in traditional dress and then those who are trying to be more of the modern world. There were many children in school uniforms but many who were running the streets, shining shoes, selling trinkets, manning concession stands.

This afternoon the three of us went to the National Cultural Museum. Anne, being a retired anthropologist, wanted to go there. It was a great exhibit but we wish there had been more explanation in English. Not speaking the language here is a problem. I had less trouble in Thailand. Linda speaks a little Spanish so that helps. It was sunny this morning, clouded up this afternoon but was a lovely temp all day.