The Center of the World

 I enjoyed Gabayasamin's work who painted big hands to represent the hard work of the local people.

The Archbishops palace across from the park was packed because the president was expected. 

Here is R at the Cathedral. He especially like the relief on the doors

A Bordello across from the church used for secret meetings on independence.

The School of arts was active in the 16 &1700s students worked in the church (too bad they didn't allow pics) putting gold leaf on the walls and carving the wood, painted figures. The figures were polished to a porcelain like sheen with sheep badder. Who da thunk! From  1605-1756 they worked on the church working in Baroque and Morish styles. No candles alter one section burned and had to be re-gold leafed.

We ate lunch at the monument at the middle if the world. The yellow line represents it and goes up to the monument behind us. 

On the trip  back to our next hotel we saw gas prices at $5.20 /gal. The gas is government subsidized & $1.25 is what the general public pays. Surprisingly enough the top product of Ecuador is Oil.  

There are 4200 varieties of orchids 150 varieties of humming birds am I can tell you from experience Equidor is known for chocolate—yumm. 

Out hotel, Cabanas del lago, is between the lake and an active volcano. It is besutiful. 

Hope the volcano doesn't erupt!