Quito and more.

Quito is the capital of Ecuador, 2nd largest city in the country.  A mere 40 minute plane ride from Cuenca, where we live.
We were advised to go there, by our lawyer, to finish our paperwork for our Cedula's which will allow us to become residents of Ecuador and take part in the benefits of being over 65 years old.  Namely, a 50% discount on travel, electric and water bills and tax rebate.
Boarding and landing are done outside in Cuenca and sometimes with a jetway in Quito.          

First impression of Quito?  Big! Ecuador's New York City.

The traffic is horrendous - A new roadway was just opened that cuts the travel time from 1.5hrs to 1/2hr from Airport to Quito

Beautiful Hotel with bedroom, great room and bath.

Scenes from "new" city vs. old city below

Large bike lanes - pick up a bike (free) at one end of the road and return it at the other.

??????????

All kinds of traffic.

We decided to stop at an outside café for an afternoon treat.

Love that chocolate/coffee

Next to where we were sitting, a fellow was repairing the awning (with duck tape).

Nice, even, walkways.

 Part of a city view - it's so large and goes on forever .......

More of Quito

Quito city streets

Most if not all of the walls around new construction had art work rather than graffiti  

On Sunday, Quito closes a few downtown streets for bike riding

Old Town Cathedral

 Old Quito

Very, very narrow streets 

Plaza

Clearly visible from the historic center of Quito is the 150ft. high winged madonna statue called the VIRGIN DE QUITO.  It is made of thousands of individual aluminum pieces.

The Virgin is standing on top of a globe under her feet is a dragon representing the devil in chains.

All the stops on our bus tour.

A meeting place on Sunday morning - in front of the cathedral .

More street scenes.

Shared dinner at Italian restaurant

We joined the 'clean plate club'

More to come of our Quito trip.

Sunday morning comin' down.......

Song title from Kris Kristofferson - thank you Kris.

After Mass at the New Cathedral (Catedral de la Immaculate Concepción) and lighting a couple of candles we decided to walk around and look for a place to have coffee.

 We walked through the park (Parque Calderon).

We saw people making music ( and selling CD's).

People selling goodies.......

and lottery tickets......

And flowers......

 flowers........

And more flowers.

Beautiful flowers!

We continued on looking for a coffee shop.

This would not do!

 We finally found a place called GODA.

Bob decided since there were 2 nuns sitting at a table it would not be too expensive!

After the best cheese empanadas and cappuccino, reasonably priced for an upscale
restaurant, we headed home to watch the  World Cup Soccer game.

Street scenes

We took random pictures today as we strolled in el centro

                                   Morning clouds over the mountains (from our balcony)

El Centro

These guys were juggling for the cars at a red light - moved when the light turned green.

                                                   Very Catholic city and country!

                         Clothes drying on grass after being washed in the river

Our visit to the coast

We decided to take the bus to visit our friends in Punta Carnero.
The first leg of the ride, to Guayaquil, was about 4 hours in a comfortable tour bus.  The terminal in Guayaquil is huge and the people very helpful.  It has 3 floors of gates and a huge food court.

Then another comfortable bus, with a movie (in Spanish) to Santa Elena. Another really nice terminal.  From there we took a taxi to Las Palmas De Mar, in Punta Carnero, the B&B where we stayed.
Bus fare from Cuenca to Guayaquil - $12.00 each, from Guayaquil to Santa Elena - $3.30 each, taxi to Punta Carnero - $5.00.

This place is amazing - It is immaculate, well designed for fun and comfort, right on the beach.  You couldn't ask for anything more.

The 'guard dogs' are Josie and Annabelle.  Friendly, beautiful dogs,with unique personalities. They can come and live with me anytime!

                                                                  Annabelle

                                                                View from our bedroom's balcony.

                                                           Our hosts, Heather and John.

                    Went whale watching - 10 of us in this boat including the captain with the white hat.

Before I got sick.............!

Town of Salinas

Saturday night we had an awesome meal shared with a family from Cuenca. The card game after dinner was really fun "Wizard".

We had a shrimp dish and salad that was so good, plus other dishes I can't remember the names.

Sunday found me swimming.

Heather works with their guardian's son on English.

Visited and met, finally, Dodie and Randy (FB friends) 

They have a lovely place with rental casitas

Another shrimp dinner out with friends, Richard and Janis, Heather and John, in Salinas.

Our taxi driver, on the way back to the bus terminal, gave us a quick tour of the area and the fishing boats.  This picture was taken in La Libertad, a town near Salinas. 

Arrived home just in time for dinner, safe and sound.

Had a wonderful trip - can't say enough goof things about the B&B, food and ocean.  Amazing!