After bidding farewell to the vibrant streets of Colombia, our journey led us to the enchanting city of Quito, Ecuador.
Our accommodations in Quito were nothing short of extraordinary, as we found ourselves nestled within a rare and fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site that once housed the former president of Ecuador. This historic building, aged 170 years, was full of charm and character, boasting quirky artifacts and offering breathtaking views of the city.
Our arrival in Quito coincided with a special occasion — Evey’s 4th birthday! What better way to celebrate than by immersing ourselves in the rich culture and history of this captivating city? Our exploration began in the heart of the old town, where we marveled at the awe-inspiring architecture of the Church of the Society of Jesus.
Little did we know that our visit would lead us to a hidden gem — a secret tunnel that transported us to the church’s roof, where we serenaded Evey with heartfelt renditions of “Happy Birthday” against the backdrop of spectacular views. And when I say “secret” tunnel, what I mean is a very tight tunnel where my giant husband literally squeezed himself through to get to the end. At one point he stuck while trying to pass by another traveler. He shared a very unexpected intimate moment with this traveler as they worked to get unstuck.
Our next stop took us to The Virgin of El Panecillo, a monumental statue that looms over the city. While the statue itself was impressive, our adventure took an unexpected turn when we found ourselves stranded atop the hill, unable to secure a taxi back to the city below. The moment provided yet another opportunity for Jason and I to work on joint problem solving skills without killing each other. We both survived. When we came back to the city, we were more then ready to indulge in some birthday cake and refreshments.
The following day, our exploration led us to The Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, the “Middle of the World City.” Our journey began with a visit to the Pululahua Volcano site, where we were mesmerized by the stunning vistas afforded by this unique natural wonder.
Continuing on to the Middle of the World Monument, we delved into a myriad of fascinating scientific experiments and walked along the equatorial line, straddling both hemispheres simultaneously.
As we savored our late lunch, indulging in the local delicacy of cuy (guinea pig), we reflected on our adventures in Quito and the unexpected twists and turns that had enriched our journey. Despite the challenges, Quito had captivated us with its beauty and charm, leaving an mark on our hearts. Though Quito proved to be a bit more dangerous than expected, we found solace in the warmth and hospitality of the locals, who guided us away from areas of potential danger. As we prepared to bid farewell to Ecuador and return home, we were reminded of the true essence of travel — the joy of exploration, the bonds forged with good friends, and the memories that will last a lifetime. And so, with hearts full of gratitude and spirits brimming with wanderlust, we set our sights on the horizon, eager for the next adventure that awaited us.
Until next time,
