Monday, November 26 ,,, still in Quito

We started the morning excursion at nine after a leisurly breakfast enjoying delicious food from the expansive buffet which featured breakfast preferences from all lover the world.  There was fish, rice, and vegetables for the Chinese guests,  hard rolls, meats, cheeses, beans and tomatoes for the Europeans, and all American waffles, eggs, bacon, sausage and lots of fruit.  The American style breakfast really does seem to be favored by everyone from wherever they come.

Our first stops were at scenic overlooks and although the extensive history that Isabella shared was interesting the views were far from great due to the deep early fog or haze trapped in this valley of the Andes.  We did stop at the Basillica and were interested to see that the neo-classical facade features the typical gargoyles in not so typical form.  One end of the building has gargoyles which represent the Galapagos with tortoises, lizards, boobies and fish while the other end represents the Amazon showing, different fish, alligators, iguanas etc. 

From there we made our way to the central governement square and found places in the crowd among the many locals who came to view the changing of the guard and see the President of Ecuador and the officials who attend the ceremony every  Monday.  And no, the guards do not serve from Monday to Monday but rather only two hour shifts.  But the ornate pagentry only  takes place on Mondays and the population sees their officials and enjoy the emotion of patriotic anthems and parading horse guards, rows of beautifully dressed soldiers, and the handing over of the ceremonial sword.

After the ceremony protestors, who did not disrupt the occaision called out to the president both in favor or or opposed to national oil, education, or health issues.  Very obvious protests but very polite.

We met together again and went to visit an old church nearby the colonial center which was competative with the cathedrals fo Europe in its ornateness and the massive amounts of gold.  It is under restoration.  Gold, silver , and platinum is what the Spaniards sought in South America and it is what they found and stole from the Incas.  Muxh of it went into churches and palaces.

High above the city wwe saw the statue of the Virgin Mary that dominated the night sky last evening.  Unlike most Madonnas this one has wings.  The sculptor felt she needed them to soar high above the city and close to God.

We returned to the hotel for a lunch break and after just an hour 12 of us headed outside the city to the Middle of the World monument and the IntiNan Museum.  It was not the cuggested tour but enough of us wanted