Tales from Galapagos: Quito, Ecuador

In May, 2018, we took an amazing trip to the Galapagos. My next few posts will highlight the trip and all the amazing wildlife we saw. Our journey started with a long series of flights to Quito in Ecuador (Bristol to Amsterdam and then Amsterdam to Quito). Quito is a beautiful city in the Andes mountains with an elevation of 2850 meters. Altitude sickness can creep up on you so you have to drink lots of water, eat a bit less than you normally would and cut back on the alcohol (I know, just what everyone wants to do while on vacation!). The hotels all have oxygen tanks at reception for those suffering the effects. It was a strange feeling - lightheaded, out of breath after even the smallest amount of exertion - weird. That, plus the jet lag meant we weren't at our finest that first day.

We had a city tour and a trip to the equator as part of our cruise/tour package. Here are a few of the sights.

Yep, it was one of those kinds of tourist trap places. You pose for your photo at 0, 0, 0 latitude, and then visit the gift shops. Corny, but also necessary, after all, how many people can say they've been to the equator?

And to be fair, there actually was a pretty cool little science exhibit that talked about the weird things that happen at the equator or on either side of it - like water swirling in the opposite direction . . .  which is actually a myth as water swirls most prominently in the direction is enters the sink!

 Back in Quito we saw some fun street art - just like Bristol!

 And some amazing architecture. The Spanish influence is strong here.

 And the love of gold leftover from the Incas. This is the entrance to one of the churches (we couldn't take photos inside). The place was covered in gold leaf that was all applied by hand. The alter area alone took 10 years to finish! A labor of love for sure.

 And this is the virgin mary statue on the hillside. Yes, she has wings like an angel, which is a bit unique.

 The courtyard of a monastery - beautiful.

This photo was taken back at the Equator site and gives a good view of one of the active volcanos around Quito. You can see the clouds which are there most days and give the whole city a mysterious vibe.