All Around Quito

After being in two places at one time, we traveled to El Panecillo.  From El Panecillo you are able to see the historic and angelic cathedrals of Quito, the monument of La Cima de La Libertad which marks Quito’s independence, but probably the most captivating of all, the La Virgen del Panecillo.  La Virgen del Panecillo or the Virgin of Quito stands 134.5 feet tall.  She stands on top of a globe with a serpent chained to her feet, symbolizing a triumph over evil.  Once we felt that our cameras had captured as many different angles and pictures as possible, we headed to downtown Quito.  

On our arrival we noticed many people standing outside of the Palacio de Gobierno.  We assumed it was a protest, however, we would later learn that the Ecuadorian president, Rafael Correa and Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez addressed the crowd in commemoration of Ecuador’s Independence Day, May 24^th.  As we admired La Virgen del Panecillo from La Plaza de San Francisco, I noticed two Ecuadorian kids; one giving his friend a boost over a fence.  It was a moment in which, as an observer, you can’t resist the urge to take a picture.  I was lucky to document this moment with the click of a button, in the form of a smile-provoking and heart-warming photo.  It was comical because a second later, the little girl in the photo shouted to her friends to look at me.  I felt like my disguise was blown so I asked them if they wanted to see their pictures and they swarmed me, and we were all able to capture their warmth.  Their laughs and smiles were contagious and in the midst of the beautiful commotion, I felt my inner kid spring out and join them.  It was a charming moment that will forever stay with me. 

Now that our heartstrings had been pulled, we continued to stroll the streets of Quito.  We saw many enthralling landmarks such as the luminous and decorative La Compañia de Jesus, which was stunning.  The inside of the church was completely symmetrical, so much so that a fake staircase was painted on one side to complete the look.  We stood in this church allured by the church’s divine beauty.  We proceeded and stumbled upon a strike, it was very interesting.  It was not large in numbers, but I do believe the protester’s voices were heard due to loud band music, chanting, and numerous posters.  While we were absorbing the air of protest, Sebastián Cordero, the most famous Ecuadorian film director appeared.  On our way out of downtown Quito, we passed La Basilica, which stood strong, fierce, and grand like the face of a beautiful stranger that is so striking you can’t help but stare and admire its impeccable nature.

 This day will forever be etched in our minds.