Pictures above: views from the rooftop of La Merced, countryside on the way to Otavalo, at a park near Otavalo, preparing the bisquechos in Cumbaya
The last three days have been incredible, to say the least. We have been so impressed with how our school's staff has welcomed us to the city and helped us to make a smooth transition into Quito life.We arrived late at night on Wednesday after a Toronto - Miami - Quito trip with our new friends & colleagues Mike and Tanya. As we exited the plane we wondered to each other where we would sleep that night and what was going to happen to us. Fortunately, we we
re delighted to find several Einstein teachers waiting for us with a big sign and bigger smiles! After meeting the nine other new teachers who had recently arrived from Canada, the U.S and Israel, we headed off in our school bus to a beautiful hotel in downtown Quito where we found a roomy suite with a stunning view of the Pichincha volcano (a bit of a step up from our previous residence)!
On Thursday and Friday we got to know the rest of the staff better, began to get our
bearings in Quito and looked at apartments along with our helpful 'buddies' Sandy and Barbie. On Friday afternoon we all herded back onto the school bus for a customized Einstein city tour. Our guide, Julio, showed us around La Merced, La Compania de Jesus and La Iglesia de Santo Domingo, three of the most striking churches in downtown Quito. We had the oppor
tunity to explore several areas that are usually closed to the public, including the ro
oftop of La Merced, a church built in the 1700s. From here we had a panoramic view of old Quito, distinguished by an enormous statue of the Virgin of the Americas (that can be seen from almost anywhere in the city) and the seven 'sacred mountains' that shape its skyline.
We also had a peek at La Ronda, a restored colonial neighbourhood with long, winding streets and a distinct, bohemian feel. Hidden behind each tiny street entrance, we discovered a maze of treasures waiting to be discovered: cafe's, artisan shops, music-filled bars, an open-air theatre...who knows what else? While walking by the window of a bar, a few of us sampled some canellazo, a traditional hot drink made with cane liquor, sugar, cinnamon and na
ranjilla juice. The taste? amazing. The price? 50 cents.
The evening ended with a wonderful dinner with new and old teachers at a restaurant that sat atop a huge hill, offering beautiful views of the city lights from all sides. We're both really looking forward to working with this group of open, friendly people!
We haven't stopped moving since we arrived in Quito - there is so much to do and see! Yesterday we left the city and explored the countryside with two families who invited us to come along on their daytrip to Otavalo. Otavalo is an unbelievable market and
we enjoyed haggling in Spanish and seeing the incredible craftsmanship reflected in the jewellery, rugs, paintings and clothing that stretched over eight blocks of the town. On the way there we stopped in Cumbaya, a small town that is famous for its bisquechos y queso. Of course, we made sure that we sampled the local (delicious) fare.
It was so special to share in this experience and also to benefit from the local knowledge of our hosts!
Today we are moving into our beautiful new apartment, which goes far beyond our expectations with a gorgeous view, a great terrace and a backyard for Soon-day, who arrives tomorrow (fingers crossed).
I think that's as quick a summary as I'm capable of, given how much we have seen and done over the past few days! Looking forward to hearing from you all soon.
~Libby
