The last couple days we have been exploring Quito, one of the largest and best preserved historic centers of the Americas. It's a beautiful city that is more modern than I would have expected. The capitol of Ecuador, Quito is surrounded by mountains and is itself at a breath-shortening altitude of 9300 ft. There aren't many tall buildings; instead, the city's 2.5 million inhabitants are sprawled across the expansive Andean valley.
In addition to the Spanish architectural legacy that makes it an attractive place, Ecuador seems to care a lot about communal spaces with many beautiful, large parks. Even though it's a big city, you don't get the sense you are trapped or totally out of touch with nature.
In a interesting tradition, every Monday the very popular president Rafael Correa comes out to wave to the people gathered outside the Presidential Palace. We were there to wave back at him. I couldn't imagine such a tradition ever happening in the US, but I did like it.
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