Hey, Jessica!

Once again we find ourselves in Quito, because all roads in this country lead to Quito, for the arrival of our friend Jessica. We arrived a day early and stayed at Hostal Chicago. Located between  the historic district and la Mariscal, the hostel boasts a roof terrace with a commanding view of the city, rooms with private bathrooms, and a pool table in the lobby. We were excited about the hostel until they hit us up with a 22% tax/service fee. We vacated back to the comforts of Posada del Maple in the Mariscal.

Jess didn't get in until midnight so the plan was to bus there to greet her. We were told that the Airport bus departs from Rio Coca for 2 bucks, but they failed to mention that the last bus of the night was 9 pm. We arrived at 920pm to find the only option available  for us was to take a green bus to Pifo (.50) and hail a cab the rest of the way ($8.00) or to take a cab from the station for a ghastly $25.00.

We took the very full bus about an hour to Pifo where they dropped us at the side of the road in what was probably not the best part of town. We waved at every car approaching because taxis do not have the roof light we're accustomed to in the states. Finally, one stopped and took us the remaining fifteen minutes to the airport.

Security regulations prevented our greeting with Carnaval spray foam as she exited from customs. Per usual United had decided that Jessica and many other passengers did not require their baggage at the final destination. We'd have to make the two-hour trip again to return the following day.

We hit the town for some sightseeing. The highlight of the day was the statue of the Virgin Mary on a hill located in the center of Quito. Completed in the 1970s, the Paneciello Virgen watches over Quito standing on a chained serpent. The Virgen  is special because she is one of the only depictions of her with wings.

We took a cab up to the statue because  guidebooks say the neighborhood on the way up was unsafe, however, we took the stairs back down through what appeared to be an unremarkable, same as anywhere, town. The stairs would be difficult to find if you chose to walk up. They are actually a number of staircases and paths winding through parks and past the beautiful technology college.

QUITO TRANSPORT NOTES:

The airport  is 35 km outside of Quito and takes a very long time to get to no matter how you travel. Cabs are 25.00 to and from the airport from La Mariscal or the historical center. The cabs take about 45min without traffic.

For the bus, exit the Rio Coca station to the east. (Not the main exit). Buy airport tickets at silver ticket booth at the end of the platform.The buses are green. After 9pm take bus to Pifo (.50) and hale a cab the rest of the way (8.00).

There are three major terminals in the north and one in the south.

Rio Coca only serves the Quito region.

Terminal Terrestre (north Quito) services most of the northern routes including arrival and departure to Colombia.

Quitombe (south Quito) is the biggest, most modern and best terminal in Quito. It services all of south Ecuador and also has limited routes going north to major destinations.

Hey, Quito

We arrived in Quito later than expected. Actually we planned on stopping at a town north of the city, but due to the time we pressed onward to the capital city. Contrary to our normal precise planning we had no reservations. The main station in Quito was much more basic than we were used to in Colombia with its entirely open air design with tin corrugated roofs above the platforms. The bus station stalls were almost entirely closed, except one offering computers. We hastily made a reservation and jumped in a cab.

We disliked our initial hostel in the historical part of the city due to the outdoor bathroom facilities located on a different floor entirely. We moved to the vibrant Mariscal area which we found much more comfortable at the Posada el Maple hostel.

La Mariscal teems with hostels nightlife and restaurants. According to our new friend Alejandro, the area was formally the worst and most dangerous part of the city. Chaplin  restaurant became our favorite hangout because of the cheep beer and of course Alejandro the owner. Spirited games of Foosball and a game we tough them brought laughter throughout the night.

Beer pong was a hit. We improvised ping pong balls using bottle caps. 

The convent and museum of San Francisco was a complete surprise from its unassuming facade and the treasures within. It is one of Quito's most historic churches, remaining and withstanding earthquakes and eruptions since the 16th century. Religious artwork in the Quiton Baroque style was just as impressive as the wildly ornate frames surrounding them. 

Then we got to the chapel. Holy crap.

123 years ago an impressive basilica was constructed. Admittance to the European style cathedral cost a mere 2 dollars, which was a bargain for the fun of climbing around its innards and towers. Of course it took some coaxing to get Rob to join me for the towers due to his loathing of heights, but time and again I would scamper up a level find something cool and run back to convince him to go up just a bit more.

The cathedral allows you into the choir beneath the enormous stained glass rosette to view down the nave. From there you climb higher above the trusses of the sanctuary to find a long wooden path running along the attic to a lone ladder at the far end. The ladder leads to two more incredibly steep ones on the exterior of the spire far above the pulpit. The view was impressive, but quite unnerving due to the height.

The bell towers were an equally enjoyable adventure. The clocks were comically not set to the right time, and they didn't even match themselves. Inside the towers you'll find a tourist trap style store and s coffee shop with million dollar views.