August 1, 2018 - Visited Middle of the World

Our itinerary called for the visit of Middle of the World (Ciudad Mitad del Mundo) today. The grounds contain the Monument to the Equator, which highlights the exact location of the Equator (from which the country takes its name).  Over the years, countless tourists have had their pictures taken straddling the line drawn down the center of the east-facing staircase and across the plaza. There is a yellow line divides the 2 hemispheres. One can stand on the yellow line with one foot in north hemisphere and the other foot in south hemisphere.  We did just like thousands of other tourists and took a lot of photos at this spot.

In addition, the LNASUR (Union of South American Nations) headquarter is located next to this monument.

Then, we got back to Quito to visit the El Panecillo which is a 200-meter high hill of volcanic organ located between southern and central Quito. In 1976, the Spanish artist Agustin de la Herran Matorras was commissioned to build a 45-meter tall stone monument of Madonna.  The virgin stands on top of a globe and has wings.  Locals claim that she is the only one in the world with wings like an angel.

Then, we had a walking tour to visit the Quito Old Town which is also known as Centro Historico. After numerous of earthquakes through the Quito’s old town, it is the best preserved historic centre in Latin America.  Quito Old Town was, together with the historic centre of Kraków in Poland, the first to be declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO on 18 September 1978.

First we walked by the Presidential Palace to visit the most magnificent church in Quito; Iglesia la Compañia de Jesus. Iglesia la Compañia de Jesus is among the best-known churches in Quito because of its large central nave, which is profusely decorated with gold leaf, gilded plaster and wood carvings. Unfortunately, there is no photo allowed inside this church.

Then we visited Iglesia de San Francisco which has the distinction of being the largest architectural ensemble among the historical structures of colonial Latin America. The Church houses the city's beloved Virgin of Quito.

After we got back to hotel, we did venture out to the nearby market for souvenir shopping.  We all decided to stay in the hotel for dinner.  Metropolitan Tour (the Ecuador local tour contracting company) did ask the hotel staff to provide a small cake to celebrate Corrina's birthday.