Day 7 in Ecuador - Fruit, Churches, Sex, and Ballet

It’s a busy day today in Quito!  We meet with Elena, our cheerful and knowledgeable guide, and walk through the open air Santa Clara Market.  It’s a massive array of vibrant colors, and tastes, and smells with individual stalls of fruits and vegetables, 

  


meat and seafood,

  



and flowers.

  

This is one of 52 similar markets in Quito where people shop 364 days of the year.  It is only closed one day each year….carnival in February!  There are several religious shrines in the market which is typical.

  

Elena also arranges flowers.  A bunch of 25 roses cost $4.00.



This is appropriate for the meat market!  The meat and seafood markets are mopped with a bleach solution every 30 minutes to prevent flies and foul smells.  



This is a dried fish that is typically prepared at Easter.



A huge empanada!  Fried dough is good anywhere!



Our next stop is a walking tour of old town which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Quito is South America’s oldest capital filled with colorful homes and wonderful architecture.  The houses were once all the same color, and many residents wanted the opportunity to change the exterior colors of their homes.  The mayor agreed, but the trim and most doors had to remain white.  Additional, stone on the exterior of the home had to remain in its natural state.

  

The basilica is a huge Gothic stone edifice and neighborhood landmark with stained glass windows and carvings representing Amazonian animals.  It is one of the 20+ churches in old town, and we will be visiting seven.  Unfortunately, mass is being conducted, and we cannot go inside.

  
  

Independence Square is a large gathering place surrounded by trees, government buildings and churches.  At the center is a large statue.

  
  

The eagle is a symbol of freedom and is both on the Ecuadorian flag and also on the statue breaking the chains of servitude.
  

Quito is known as the San Francisco of South America…..one side of the street 



and then the other!



A church…



and another church… 


and another church… 


and another church filled with gold leaf!  

Ecuador is 80% Roman Catholic, and although, many citizens do not practice religion daily, the church is honored and held in high esteem.

Sex working is legal in Ecuador, and a meeting with a local sex worker and discussion has been arranged.  She tells us her story of growing up in Columbia, falling in love, and moving to Ecuador.  She began earning money as a prostitute to support her family since her husband said it would be temporary.  After years of domestic abuse, she left her husband and established a home for herself and two children.  However, she was not well educated and felt sex working provided the best financial security for the family.


Dressed in torn jeans and tee shirt, she looks like anyone you might pass on the street.  She is now forty, and has been in the business for twenty years.  She charges $13 for 10 minutes…$3 for the hotel and $10 for her.  She has regular monthly medical care from the government, all customers must use a condom, and some of her customers are regulars and have become friends.


We ask her questions…the legal minimum age for sex workers is 18, some customers are unhappy and have become angry but not violent when they are not satisfied sexually in ten minutes.  The hotel rooms are now equipped with a panic button if she has a problem.


She discusses how proud she is of her two children who are smart and are being well educated; a son interested in robotics and a daughter who wants to enter the tourism industry.  They know about their mother’s profession, and the reason she is a sex worker.  It is an unusual opportunity for us and an emotional one.


A hat shop is filled with primarily different styles of Panama hats.  Great price at $45 but how would I get it home since it comes with a large box?  And, where would I wear it?  I don’t buy one, but I may regret it!

  

Robyn looks like the Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland!



The Virgin, a large aluminum landmark statue overlooks the town of Quito.  

  



A late lunch is served at a small local Ecuadorian restaurant in a house over 100 years old by a friendly and energetic chef and homeowner.



And we end our tour of Quito at The Virgin statue!

  



Whew!  What a day and it hasn’t ended yet!


The Jacchigua Ballet, a high energy Ecuadorian folk dance experience, offers me a chance to see a cultural part of the country’s history.  We are the guests of honor sitting on the front row which is wonderful at first, but I am so tired after a very long day.  Even though the performance is colorful and entertaining, it is difficult to keep my eyes open.  I wonder if the performers notice as my lids start to close.

  


Tomorrow is our final day in Quito, and a treat is in store!  Buenos Noche!


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