At 2820 metres, Quito literally takes our breath away. The city is built at a great altitude amid a network of hills, mountains and volcanos which doesn´t make it easy on our lungs! This didn´t stop us from huffing and puffing up and down the steep and narrow cobblestone streets of Old Town which is known for its beautiful colonial style buildings.

We took it upon ourselves to climb the steep stairs of the Basilica on our first day after a long nap. We were amazed to realize just how high up we could climb into the clock tower past the inner workings of the enormous clock (the numbers are almost as tall as Brett). We walked across the original roof of the Basilica and under the newer one along a narrow wooden bridge to the gazebo-like tower on the north side.

For the days that we spend in Quito we take Spanish lessons every morning for four hours. I am only getting marginally better at speaking Spanish but so much better at understanding it. Yesterday, for example, I went into a shop and announced that I love gluesticks when I just wanted to buy one. I guess I have four months to practice!

After our lessons we have time to take in the sights around Quito. Tuesday we explored La Mariscal which is modern compared to the old town. Tourists and the English language are abundant and every second shop is a travel agency boasting of last minute Galapagos prices. Very tempting, yet we still stand our ground on giving it a miss this time. Wednesday we went to the East part of Quito and rode a gondola up to the top of a mountain for an incredible view of the massive city. The air is even more scarce at 4100 meters!

It is recommended that you do not walk around Quito at night and to take a taxi even for very short trips. It is also smart to keep only a small amount of money with you. We have felt very safe in Quito so far despite all of the horror stories we have heard. For example, a French girl was throttled by a man near our hostel in daylight as two others rifled through her backpack. We have always ventured outside of our hostel together and rarely after dark. Friday night we went out dancing in La Mariscal with a large group from our hostel and had a blast.

Our hostel, The Secret Garden, is great for meeting people. It has a network of very steep stairs that go up five floors on one side opposite a courtyard filled with fountains and plants. The garden terrace is where all the socializing takes place. A table is set for however many people are staying for breakfast and/or dinner and you cannot help but talk to your neighbor. We spent many a night on the terrace around a fire raging out of a wheelbarrow taking in the night lights of Quito and talking to other travellers about places we´ve been, places we´re going and places we´d love to see.

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