But, Why Colonial Quito?

Pleasant weather wraps you comfortably. Rain downpours from October through May or anytime these days, don't last long. The rainy season is deemed "winter."

Mild-to-cool climate dominates. Typical noon Andean temperature remains at 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 C), as the nighttime low dips to a mere 43 degrees Fahrenheit (6 C).

The sun rises like clockwork at 6:00 AM and sets at 6:00 PM except for a slight variation that a slight wobble in the earth axis jiggles as the world turns.

Touring can and should include waterfalls, jungle, beach, volcanoes and ever so much more.

That's not all I can come up with for the many people who ask. That's why I bought a top floor apartment with a mini balcony to welcome the sunrise in the middle of the world...well, almost. I bought it on my first visit. I guess that makes it love at first sight!

Since Quito sits pretty close to 10,000 feet high (2,800 metros), the oxygen level is lighter, which can create a problem for some.

Before hiking, I recommend giving yourself a couple of days for your system to adjust.

All I notice is that to hike uphill, I become a tortoise until my metamorphosis after I've been here awhile. I come here often just to keep in shape!

Besides the colonial churches, you can explore:

• the plazas with free entertainment on Sundays,
• local food,
• colonial architecture in homes and apartments,
• the quaint little shops,
• museums,
• the parks,
• art galleries, and, naturally,
• El Panecillo.

Angel Rea of Huayras Expeditions is the only tour guide I can personally strongly recommend and remains my very favorite.

On any holiday or festivity, parades strut through. The best is a seven-day event beginning the last of November and culminating December 6, Fiestas de Quito. Parades waltz past the shops throughout the city on any given day during Fiesta. In the historic center, dancing spills out to the streets at any moment.

The college is close by, and apparently they got off early and felt like celebrating!

The indigenous perform their ribbon dances as the fiesta and the drums roll.

Other celebrations just as festive but of shorter duration, keep the rythym going. Sometimes, as for independence day - El Grito de La Independencia - Ecuador's 4th of July - a Saturday closest to August 10 will do.

Intermittently throughout the year, religious celebrations or processions divert traffic. The balance between prayer and joy fills the air exploding into the night complete with fireworks.

To venture outside the colonial area, the trole - the trolley - will wheel you for 25 cents regular fare - 12 cents for tercer edad (senior citizens). Trolleys and buses are best for those who speak Spanish fluently and can move quickly.

Sometimes they are packed to the gills, and having your pockets picked is easy. My pockets remain empty, and I let jam-packed trolleys go on without me and wait for one with more room. The short wait is well worth it.

I am amazed that a city of over two million can have so many caring people:

• Angel, the tour guide, who has become family to me,
• Sandra, the storekeeper, who loaned me a cell phone her son "wasn't using" so I could use during my stay,
• my attorney, who answers my legal questions on the phone or in person free of charge because she didn't "do" anything,
• Cesar, the carpenter, who referred me to his super, American-educated bone specialist, when I fell and dislocated a bone, leaving me "good as new" after two $5.00 visits. With the same $5.00, he included electromagnetic therapy!

And the list is endless!

Quito's airport is unexcelled, and they're building another one outside the city.

If the shopping lust bug bites you, a taxi directed to a mall can take care of that.

Internet cafes pop up all over the place and cable TV in hotels can make you feel right at home.

Cabinas - telephone booths - that mark how much it's costing you to talk to anyone back home -wherever home may be - are the next best thing to cell phones, although cell phones can be purchased with cards if you're staying awhile. Movistar and Porta service most.

Plus, wait until you ascend on the teleferico (cable car), the highest in the world!

One exception to the joy is the following:

CHILD OF QUITO

Where is your childhood?

Your hands are stained,

Your life is strained

From shining shoes

For tourism's sake

To make small change

And in exchange,

Where is your childhood?

Does no one care? Does no one dare

To change the status quo?

Your little box So well prepared To polish shoes.

Where is your childhood?

Beyond the shops of Quito Colonial, you can trot over to the Mercado for crafts of undisputed quality. I'm showered with lots of oooohs and aaaahs for the Christmas gifts I give from here any time of year.

On this website, you will discover what I have come to know and love here.

As in any large city, daytime safety has an edge over night. If you dress conservatively and blend in as much as you can, you should be OK. It helps me that I look like a local, as well, but being blonde won't hurt as long as you don't look rich or vulnerable.

Also, I have been told to watch for credit card fraud, so I do.

Please continue to keep checking as I discover new things to share with you about the Quito I love with its colonial ambiance.

They just added extra street lights through Garcia Moreno Street for you night owls.

For Safety and Travel Tips, go to:

www.travel-security-and-safety.com for excellent information on safety wherever you go.

If you're simply looking for travel elsewhere, try: www.best-travel-links.com, the big WebDirectory about Travel and Vacation. A great time and money saver for your research. It features selected links and articles.

Also, you can learn tips for a family vacation such as, planning for adventure, all inclusive, affordable and friendly types to ponder on.

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