Standing so close to El Panecillo, the angel, the virgin mary, who looks over all of Ecuador brought us all closer to the city and it´s energy. The statue is amazing, standing tall above our heads, we strain our necks to look up at her halo of stars. She stands atop a serpent, holding it´s neck with a chain. Certainly majestic, she watches over a magnificent view of the city of Quito, which streches through the valley further than the eye can see. The sunniest day since we´ve been in Quito gave us a fantastitic view,seeing the Basilica from afar, amidst houses, tall building, and city. Nonetheless, beautiful green mountains surrounded us, as it always seems to be in Ecuador.
After spending lots of time, and taking lots of photos, we ventured back to old town, the historic part of town to find lunch. Tessa and Jenn were the most sucessful in finding the biggest empanadas I´ve ever seen for only a dollar each!
A whole plate full of one empanada.
On to our next experience of Quito, visiting the Basilica. The most serene and beautiful church I´ve ever visited. Sitting in the pews, I felt an overwhelming sense of the prayers, confessions, sermons – all spoken within the church. Really, the overwhelming faith of the people of Ecuador. I walked, gawking at the beauty of the architecture and stained glass windows, as we all did. Taking pictures, and exploring the details of the church. If you look between the clock towers, through an opening in the wall in the shape of the heart of Jesus, there´s a perfect view of the Virgin Mary, atop the mountain we had just visited. It´s an incredible sight.
For broader views of the city, a few of us even ventured to the top of the clock tower, even fewer ventured to the very top, where more amazing views of the city, and closer views of the building entranced our eyes.
Overall, we have had an amazing Saturday exploring the religious aspects of this beautiful country, and their equally amazing monuments to Catholicism.
Chao,
amanda & the group
