Day One - Quito, Ecuador

Indeed Quito is a beautiful and unusual city. I have traveled all over the world, but Quito has something special that not other city in the world has it. I think is the combination of colonial european, modern city and traditional. Also the majestic mountains that sorround the city adds to its unusual looks. The clima is unique. I have seem big and full palm trees in Quito. The same kind you find in Casablanca Morocco. Some of the streets remains of CasaBlanca, some others are so similar to Spain and Italy. The choices of food are something else. So many wonderful restaurants. My favorite La Ronda cafe. The churchs and the Basilica are incredible work of art and architecture. I could walk for days in the downtown city. Specially at night time. The lit palaces at the piazza di Independence are magnificents. There is so much art at the museums. So much tradition and history. All I can say is Quito is so Beautiful and worth to put up with its altitude. A jewell on the Andes!

Rachel, I know exactly what you are talking about! I was born and raised in Michigan and married an Ecuadorian. My wife and I are headed to Quito for Christmas, and I can't wait. I've never found such a beautiful and diverse place! Enjoy your time in Ecuador...I know you'll be back!