now that my job in ecuador has ended i thought i would share the journey i took to the center's new site in the south of quito. the hour long trip would begin with a ride on the ecovia, the bus that runs on the street directly in front of my apartment building. then a short walk took me to the trolley, the other main busline in quito. after the trolley, i would climb into a crowded van or car "taxi" that costs 25 cents to take me a block away from my final destination. these vehicles were not yellow cabs, but extremely run down vehicles owned by non-professional cabbies. a minimum of six people need to squeeze into the care before it would go. in the photo above there are seven of us although only four are visible.
the south of quito looks more like what might imagine an ecuadorian city to look like. it is poorer and more run down than the north which looks pretty much like any other modern city.
one thing i love about the south are the amazing views of the mountains bordering the city. i will miss these views. the photo above is my view while waiting for the first bus i took on my trip home. below is a view from inside the walls of the center.
jordan and i are going to the beach tomorrow and will be there for a few days. if my sister has time she will start her guest blogging about her experience cooking in italy. and when i return more photos of the south. i can't believe we leave in less than two weeks!
have a great week!
things here are getting really busy so i apologize if i don't respond to your comments as quickly or thoroughly as usual.
Gotta love a place with mountains.
Posted by: shula | July 02, 2007 at 10:36 PM
Hej, this view is so great. And the imagination of a one hour's ride through ONE town.....i live in a village here (200.000 inh.);))
Have a great time on the beach!!
Posted by: Uschi | July 03, 2007 at 12:11 AM
i remember when i lived in colombia and the surrounding mountains were just breathtaking. i did not mind the crowded bus rides.
have fun at the beach. enjoy your last days there.
Posted by: jessica | July 03, 2007 at 01:07 AM
I enjoyed this view of Quito. Have a great time at the beach....and soon...welcome to Denver!
We are going to the first Friday gallery walks this week...maybe next month I'll bump into you!!
Posted by: Stephanie | July 03, 2007 at 09:52 AM
That backdrop is beautiful risa, I love the colourful clothes line against the stone buildings. To live there must be an amazing experience in itself, thank you for sharing a unique part of the world. Have a wonderful break!
Posted by: cruststation | July 03, 2007 at 01:57 PM
Enjoy your break. Though I'm interested in hearing about Italy, it has really been wonderful to get such a personal viewpoint on a part of the world you don't hear about as often.
Posted by: ambika | July 03, 2007 at 03:43 PM
Wow, those views are fantastic. I can't believe you only have a few weeks left in Ecuador. I hope your last days are truly wonderful... enjoy the beach. xo lj
Posted by: louise | July 04, 2007 at 01:13 AM
what a journey it has been. Does this mean I will have no Ecuador to visit anymore on my blog roll?
Posted by: tiel | July 04, 2007 at 06:01 AM
so nice to see these photos. love the mountain views. enjoy your beach trip risa! xo
Posted by: shari | July 04, 2007 at 09:52 AM
love those views of the mountains.
you reminded me so much when I was in Peru and Bolivia so many years ago. the extreme contrasts between rich and poor areas in the same city.
have a wonderful time on the beach and enjoy these last few weeks before a new exciting chapter begins.
I don't know if you told me before but how long were you in Ecuador?
Posted by: simple me | July 04, 2007 at 04:12 PM
It is like a movie..... Have fun at the beach!! xoxoxo
Posted by: A Fanciful Twist | July 04, 2007 at 07:01 PM
Awesome pics - what a great view...the mountains are amazing!! love the coloured homes...a really nice post!!
Posted by: Anastasia | July 05, 2007 at 04:55 AM
Have fun at the beach! How I miss it. =)
Posted by: Julia | July 06, 2007 at 01:10 PM
And I will miss exploring Ecuador and your small vignettes too, Risa.
see you, g xo
Posted by: gracia | July 08, 2007 at 02:58 AM
enjoy your time at the beach risa!! and thank you for sharing these pics. the mountains around quito are beautiful! love the clothesline as well. and you brought back memories for me of the minibus taxi :)
xo
Posted by: amisha | July 09, 2007 at 08:52 AM