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October 3, 2010

Quito Old Town

Ali Travel Tips & Stories Ecuador, language class

On the first day at the language school in Quito where I was taking a Spanish class for a week, one of the teachers took us for a tour of the city. We spent lots of time in the Plaza de la Independencia where the governmental building is. We got there in time to see the changing of the guard. I love how the changing of the guard is such an event in so many other countries.

P1050054 — soldiers in front of the Presidential Palace

P1050058 — soldier in front of Presidential Palace

P1050063 — Me with a guard. Not quite as statue-like as the British beefeaters, but close.

P1050064 — view of the street from the Presidential Palace

P1050071 — Basilica del Voto National (in back)

P1050077 — Church & Monastery of St. Francis

15 Comments

Andi
October 3, 2010 @ 10:57 PM

Quito looks so lovely!!! What a great place to learn Spanish. 🙂
- Ali
  October 3, 2010 @ 11:04 PM
  
  It definitely was!
Jaime
October 4, 2010 @ 12:50 AM

Awwwwwwww thanks so much (you know why)!!!

I love the pictures! I seriously thought the change of guards only happened in London. So this happens everywhere? Why not here…hmm thats weird!!!

Its crazy how you were there just a few weeks ago and then bam a few days ago chaos and all hell break loose because of the Coup. It seems like such a peaceful lil city~
- Ali
  October 4, 2010 @ 12:38 PM
  
  Apparently the British military helped Ecuador win their independence from Spain, so there is some British influence in the changing of the guard. But it does happen in quite a few other countries. I agree, why not here? The people who are in Quito right now said everything was almost back to normal the day after the coup, so who knows. But I’m glad I wasn’t there when it happened!
  - Chris
    October 11, 2010 @ 1:19 AM
    
    Great pics. A friend’s parents said they may spend a few weeks in Ecuador and we couldn’t figure out why. Your blog answered our question. Great pics.
    
    Also, the US’s version of the changing of the guard takes place at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery.
    - Ali
      October 11, 2010 @ 6:57 AM
      
      Thanks! Ecuador is a beautiful place, your friend’s parents should have a good time. And I had no idea we had a changing of the guard, thank you!
ayngelina
October 4, 2010 @ 10:52 AM

Nice photos but be careful, remember my sister was robbed of her camera her first day visiting me. Literally 20 feet from the Secret Garden.
- Ali
  October 4, 2010 @ 12:40 PM
  
  Yes I definitely remembered reading that post about your sister. I was super careful the whole time I was there and luckily didn’t have any problems. Thanks again for the hostel recommendation, it was a nice place.
Andrew
October 5, 2010 @ 2:16 AM

Beautiful pictures. Love the one of you with the guard.
- Ali
  October 5, 2010 @ 7:11 AM
  
  Thanks Andy!
Migrationology
October 6, 2010 @ 12:00 PM

Great photos! I was in Quito almost 4 years ago on my University internship. Back then I barely took any photos…Great reminder of this beautiful town!
- Ali
  October 6, 2010 @ 12:46 PM
  
  I really liked Quito too. I love taking pictures so I always take tons. Thanks for stopping by, glad you liked them!
Mitad del Mundo | Ali's Adventures
October 17, 2010 @ 8:48 PM

[…] trip to Quito, Ecuador would be complete without a visit to Mitad del Mundo, Spanish for Middle of the […]
Michael Hodson
October 31, 2010 @ 7:53 AM

really great shots – thanks for sharing
- Ali
  October 31, 2010 @ 12:56 PM
  
  Thanks Michael!