Day 1 - Quito (continued)

Would you believe it, I made 2 friends! Since I now only have 1 day in Quito thanks to my flight problems, I had to decide what to do in 1 day. I decided to go to the historical centre of Quito which is a World Heritage site, most of the architecture there dates back to the 17th century with cobble stoned pathways and a glimpse into the past. I am a sucker for history, the more ancient the better. So Central Historical it was!

The receptionist at the hostel (God bless his soul) tried his best to explain how to get there in Spanish to me. After a while, just to be polite I said ok and 'si' because I didn't understand a single word he was saying. But I wanted to walk around town anyway, I find that it's the best way to get to know a place.

And also as usual, I was horribly lost after about 15 minutes of walking and had to ask people where this place is, and I think I was in the right direction because everyone pointed me in one direction. Then I was in a park and I accosted 2 boys who were walking along their merry way and asked them for directions. David could not speak English at all, Duver could speak a few words and instead of giving me directions, they volunteered to show me around, and they paid for my bus and train tickets. In return, I bought them lunch at a Colombian restaurant because they are Colombians and they are working as chefs in Quito.

So I managed to see the Basilica, a Gothic style church, the Garcia Moreno street (the seven crosses street), the Plaza Grande which houses the Presidential and Archbishop palaces, the City Hall and the Cathedral, and the Jesuits' Church (La Campagnia de Jesus), a building built in the 17th century. 

They taught me a few Spanish words and I taught them a few English words. They are very young, 25 and 23 and they thought I was their age. If only they knew what an old hag I am I don't think they would've hung out with me. Thank God for Amma's genes!

I always think that I am anti-social and don't get along well with people, at least in Malaysia I always think like that, but when I'm travelling I almost become someone else, I've always managed to make friends wherever I go. I should get to the bottom of this but that's another story.