Old Town Quito, Ecuador

The things we saw today! (as in on Mulberry street),  everywhere Ian and I went had another surprise for us.

Tomorrow we leave for Yanayacu Biological Reserve in the Andes rain forest, so this is the end of any city photos for while.

The Lavanderia. The day started with dropping off our laundry at the local hole in the wall.

 5 pounds of laundry washed, dried and folded for $1.80. No need to own your own washing machine here.

Walking through the Parque El Ejido we came upon a comedian doing a show to a large group of  laughing fans.

Street vendors and fresh fruit are everywhere.

There was a huge peaceful protest by  university students that stopped traffic and took over the street for a mile.

Culturo authentico.

Iglesia de la Basillica do Voto National.

Not sure why someone parked their car halfway into the store???

Wonderful babies everywhere being held instead of in a stroller or baby carrier.

The main attraction is this plaza, a must see in the tour books.

A communal lunch in a very popular vegetarian restaurant. If there is a free chair, the next in line gets it, so we ate with other people. Two women we met said they commute an hour a half each day to work! Lunch cost $2 for the complete meal of the day: soup, main dish and dessert and was delicious.

La Ronda, a famous street featured in "The Week".

La Ronda above and below, very picturesque.

More street vendors, this time with fresh coconuts, yummmm.

The Military College.

Not sure what kind of internet will await us at our next stop, and we are going to be there for a month. I know it's not going to be anything like the hotel we've been in the last 6 days! Here's what the directions to the reserve had to say: The bus is only $3 for a 4 hour trip... ask the driver to make sure you get off where you are supposed to... walk for an hour ... look for Jose... the dog is friendly...