Photos from this trip (none)
Saturday, July 24, 2010 - I'm still feeling the effects of the altitude, so we took it easy today. First, we moved one block to the Hostal El Arupo because the La Acala was full. Then we took a walk to the Saturday market in the Parque Ejido. Although some tour books describe it as grand, the Quito market I saw was one tenth the size and had significantly less local color than the Otavalo market. Finally we went to the anthropology museum at the Banco Central to see their ceramics collection.
Friday, July 23, 2010 - I slept for 16 hours straight. We are staying at La Acala, a bed and breakfast in the Mariscal District (AKA Gringolandia). It is several blocks from the music that permiates the streets day and night. I really like this place. La Acala is quiet, has local charm, and the staff is very helpful.
We met Eric at ten and shared a ride to the Instituto Geografica Militar. After purchasing maps, we took another cab to the Abya Yala Bookstore. Eric and I purchased Ecudorian archaeology books in Spanish. Then we walked to the SuperMaxi to stock up on bottled water and groceries. Lastly, we added minutes to our Ecuadorian SIM card (It is the same number as last year). Now it is time for an afternoon nap to allow my body to get accoustomed to the alititude.
Thursday, July 22, 2010 - George and I flew to Quito, Ecuador with a short layover in San Jose, Costa Rica. The trip was uneventful. It was a red-eye, so we got zero sleep.
George's Vacation Diaries:
George's website for Ecuador 2010 - July and August 2010
George's website for Belize 2010 - July 2010
SAA Meeting in St. Louis, Mo. - April 2010
Camping in the Big Sur Highlands, Ca. - June 2010