Saturday is slow and the city shuts down on sunday with primarily locals populating the old city where every few blocks there is a church, cathedral, basilica (but no synagogues?) - the new city, where I am staying, is a ghost town but for tourists looking for something to shop.
There are police (federal, municipal, turistica) everywhere but they are seemingly the most docile and amiable group that I've ever come across - likely a reflection of the society.
This is a city of active churches, many many well used churches.
It was nice to have a lazy day and just wander the city doing nothing.
I'm attaching a foto of the central bank; their currency (like Panama and El Salvador) is the US dollar. I don't know if that is good or bad given our 50% slide against the euro - but it could be worse.
Quito in general, but particularly food, is very inexpensive.
Wandering up and down the old stone streets at altitude is awakening muscles. Finally found some nightlife,,, gotta go.
Nick
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