Alive and well - returning tomorrow (sigh) 3/7

One of many squares that surround catherdals in Old Quito late in the day. Note the Policia - they were everywhere and seemed quite concerned for the gringo safety. They warned us to keep track of purses and cameras as there are incidents of pickpocketing.

The orange and blue groups outside a artisans commune that is in the bottom floor of a cathedral.

Rich and Harvey traveling again, 37 years later!

Famous statue of an angel that sits high up on a hill over Old Quito. The Spanish influence can be felt here in the architectural style of buildings and of course the plethera of Cathedrals. It felt like some of the old towns we visited in Spain - Malaga, etc.

Indigenous people singing on the steps of a cathedral.

Interesting red glow thru the stained glass.
Some bascilica. And how!

Inside a cathedral - looks like Spain!

Lower wall of another cathedral.

Nice gargoyles!

The Bascilica

Returning from a quick shopping trip in a park directly across the street from our hotel in Quito. We stayed at The Hilton Colon Quito and it was really nice.

Connie with sales lady after purchases in park.

David Tivoli with his purchase.

I always wanted to do this...... Saw this mural as we drove by in the bus and snapped a quick image on the fly. Later, thru the magic of Photoshop I added the lady with the fruit.......

And yet another lady added in for fun!

A section of Quito as we approach

Quito from afar

Scenery on the way to Quito

Patchwork gardens in the mountain side. Click on the image to enlarge it.

Bobi couldn't resist the opportunity.

Local couple coming to the baths.

Chio and Connie exit the baths. There's Rich back in the pool.

Connie and Chio enter the baths. These pools are heated with water from thermal springs from the mountains. They are of varying temperatures and this pool was the hottest.

Most of the group - sans the photographer and a couple more.

The view up the waterfall.

That waterfall is just outside the baths.

Here's the other view back towards the town itself (Banos). Banos means "The Baths".

You're supposed to go from freezing cold water into the hot pools. The water is sluiced off directly from the waterfall and let me tell you - it's COLD. If you go back into the hot it's really pretty refreshing after a while. The first blast of the cold is a shock to say the least. This is probably my third trip back to the cold.

Here they are again....

This is just outside the local school. Manuel took us over to see the school because of Rich's interest in education - the business and all. They hope to purchase some land a build a better/ bigger school. This school is considered a real good one in rural Ecuador.

Snuck a look in thru the window. Too early for classes.

Boarding the bus for a short trip to the school.

The other side of the road from Spa Miralinda.

Outside the hotel - just about to leave.

View behind the hotel. The Rio Verde is just ahead of the bus.

Manuel is running for Mayor of Banos. This can be my "I knew him before" picture. Good luck Mr. Mayor!!!!

Chio admired this painting by Patty - her childhood friend and owner of the hotel. It was on display the previous night at the Womans Art Exhibition. We decided it was the least we could do to purchase it for her as a gift. We know can never repay the kindness shown us by our gracious hosts from Guayaquil. We hope you look at this painting when you put it up back home and think of us. We love you, guapacita!!!!!!