Ecuador 2011

I’m so thankful to have had this opportunity to travel to South America.  It was wonderful to see family members, but more importantly, to travel with my mom was truly a sweet blessing.  The Ecuadorian culture is incredibly warm and hospitable.  It’s extremely hard not to fall in love with them. Here are a few wonderful and unforgettable highlights of my trip.

 

 

Mom and I – on our way to our most favorite place in Ecuador…Quito!

The view from our seat. 

We arrived right in the mist of all the festivities of “Fiestas de Quito” celebrating Quito’s independence. We participated in a few of the traditional activities.  But first we made a stop at the cemetery to visit dad.

Tickets to Plaza de Toros for a bullfight – other than the initial “hooking” (in which the bull is stabbed between his shoulder blades) which was hard to watch – the rest was quite enjoyable and overall interesting.

Plaza de Toros – Here’s mom and Paqui.

 

A church called Basilica -- considered the largest church in Quito. With impressive building features of fine bronze doors, colorful stained glass windows and a tower with sweeping views of the city.

My friends were brave and climbed the towers, which are not for the faint of heart—perched at the top of 375 feet above ground. Yikes!

My beautiful friends.

Enjoyed a lovely dinner and afterwards took in the most breathtaking view of the city.

Our last night before heading back to Guayaquil and then NYC – Took a ride in what’s called a “Chiva” -- they are an open-air passenger bus with benches and a roof which holds a band -- and plays traditional Ecuadorian music.

A one story Chiva – peppered throughout the city.

Heading back home – the two weeks went by zooming, and saying good-bye is by far the hardest part of the trip.  But, surely I have treasured memories forever stored in my heart.