Eakdistrict
as it is by the four ruling powers of the colonial period; The Government Palace, the Municipal Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace and the Cathedral.
The San Francisco Church is the oldest in the city, with a symmetrical white-walled facade dominated by twin bell towers. Nearby, the La Compania Church, represents Quito baroque, and has been recently renovated so that the awe-inspiring gold leaf, which covers every inch of pillars, arches and domes, is quite dazzling. Another must is the newly restored Museo de Arte Colonial and its superb collection of the 16th-century works.
The roads are narrow, taxis sound their horns, street vendors sell their wares, and the one-way streets are congested. Hiring a car is not recommended; better to leave the driving to the locals who know the local road etiquette.
My Patio Andaluz Hotel was a large converted colonial merchant’s house, on four levels, with an enclosed court- yard in the middle; oozing with character, including a noisy plumbing system.
Nightlife is centred on Calle La Ronda. Wondering through this long street with throngs of restaurants, artisans, poets and music as well as children enjoying the atmosphere with their parents— and as far as I could see, all is perfectly safe.
The white architecture and elaborate churches of the old town are in sharp contrast to modern Quito with its plush hotels, expensive flats and vibrant nightlife. Here the American dollar, which also serves as Ecuador’s domestic currency, seems to be liberally spent.
I was eating in one of the modern restaurants in the Mariscal neighbourhood when a Chiva (party bus) drove past, full of people dancing and drinking, with a live band on board.
It only takes a couple of hours to drive from Quito to reach the cloud forest where the vegetation growing on mountain sides, gets more light and space than the rain forests, and at some point during every day, is enveloped in cloud. Here is a diverse and unique range of bird life and flora.
The new tourist train is the pride and joy of the region. There are three stations operating one train a day, but the enthusiasm and plans of expansion are palpable. The main station in Quito, Chimbacalle, is full of girls in uniform, directing the crowds and informing passengers about the building of the