El Centro Historico de Quito

I spent my first real day of sightseeing. I was intrigued by the ice cream lady. It was a very slow process. I had my first meal in a restaurant alone but I managed to understand everything. Fortunately there were only two choices--fish or chicken. I also took the trolleybus for the first time despite all the warnings about thieves and pickpockets.I had no problems and one gentleman even gave me his seat.
I spent a few hours walking around the historical center. It was very beautiful and well-preserved;I wasn't expecting that. I visited many churches but the most memorable was La Compania. I have never seen so much gold in one place. It was like standing in the center of the sun.

I am having a great time with my Spanish class. I was afraid that four hours a day would be too much but it goes by fast.

Woman making icecream by spinning a copper bowl
in a bucket of ice.

View from the Plaza de Independencia

Rooftop in the historical center of Quito

Church La Compania

Interior of La Compania
You can't have too much gold

Plaza de San Francisco

The monastery of San Francisco

Inside San Francisco church 

Inside San Francisco church

Inside San Francisco church

Plaza de San Francisco

Indigenous woman in Quito