August 10th is independence day in Ecuador. Specifically it marks a declaration of independence in Quito in 1809, although gaining independence from Spain for the whole country wasn't fully realized until after the Battle of Pinchincha in Quito in May of 1822.
History lesson aside, the whole country has a holiday and many Quitenos head to the Coast for a last summer hurrah. As new residents of the city, we opted for a staycation. Via double-decker bus, we visited many of Quito's tourist highlights, including:
- the Basilica, Quito's gothic cathedral that looks like Notre Dame (look out for that flying buttress!) except the gargoyles are inspired by animals from the Galapagos rather than demonic creatures. Iguana gargoyles are scarier than demon gargoyles.
- the Centro Historico, or Quito's old city where there are loads of picturesque churches and plazas, narrow old timey streets, and beautiful houses.
- the Plaza Grande, which includes the Presidential palace and where we saw many citizens attentively listening to a large screen projection of President Correa delivering his 4 hour state of the country address.
- the Panecillo, a surprisingly steep hill in what used to be Quito's southern border, but now due to it's vast expansion is now in the middle of the city. There is a huge statue of an angel? the virgin mary with wings? on top. There were also loads of families celebrating the holiday by flying kites and eating roast pig. Yes please!
We had a blast cruising around the city and seeing people out and about enjoying their holiday. Viva la independencia!
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| The view of Quito from the Panecillo |
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| The Basilica |
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| Going through the Centro Historico toward the Panecillo |
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| Let's go fly a kite...... |
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| No dignity when you are a roasted pig head. |
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| Arrgh! |
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