Kongo and his photo group headed to Old Town Quito in the afternoon before going into the Amazon jungle. They went there for some street photography. It was exciting and peaceful, tense and mundane. It was a study in contrasts. There were hundreds of people in Plaza de la Independencia (also called Plaza Grande). It’s a beautiful setting in front of the presidential palace, cathedrals, grand hotels, and market shopping. Trees, statues, and fountains grace the square. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This is election time in Ecuador and people in the capitol city are fired up. This race pits Incumbent President Daniel Noboa, representing the center-right, against leftist challenger Luisa González, a protégé of former President Rafael Correa. Vocal supporters from each camp were out in force to shout slogans for their candidates. Although the demonstrators were peaceful, a watchful police line was placed between the two groups. It made for some interesting photographs.
The crowd in front of him is reflected in the glasses of this National Police Officer.
The action in front of Metropolitan Cathedral was one of many activities going on at the same time. Ice cream sellers hawked their wares. Couples kissed and frolicked. Families strolled about. Street performers performed. Shoe shiners shined shoes while customers read the paper. While the police presence was conspicuous, it wasn’t onerous. Everyone seemed to be having a good time.
One woman chose the busy chaos around the demonstration to pose for a photo shoot. Notice the faces of the men to her left watching the whole thing. It was that kind of day.
The Virgin of El Panecillo atop Panecillo hill in central Quito can be seen from almost everywhere in the downtown area. The huge statue stands 135 feet high and is constructed of 7,400 aluminum pieces. The tallest winged Virgin Mary statue in the world, the statue represents the Virgin of the Apocalypse from the Book of Revelation.
In late afternoon, the setting sun lit up a number of historical landmarks. Iglesia de El Sagrario (Church of the Sanctuary) was Built between 1617 and 1715. It is considered one of the most impressive colonial-style churches in Quito. It is also considered one of the most impressive colonial-style churches in Ecuador.
At sunset, Kongo retreated to a rooftop restaurant to capture the Quito skyline in twilight.
Kongo called it an early night and headed back to the hotel. He was scheduled for an early wake-up call because tomorrow he was heading for the jungle! Stay tuned.
Travel safe. Have fun!
