At 9,200 feet above sea level, Quito, Ecuador is the second highest administrative capital city of the world (after La Paz, Bolivia). The central square of Quito is located about 16 miles south of the equator, and less that one mile from zero latitude, making this city pretty much “the middle of the world.”
On my way to the Galapagos Islands a few years ago, I had the opportunity to spend time in this significant city. I even had a private tour guide take me around the Old Town of Quito on one of my days there. As we drove to Old Town, we stopped at a fresco mural which explains the history of Ecuador, and then took in a scenic view from a hill overlooking the homes, churches, and a bull-fighting stadium of Quito, all surrounded by some of the Andes Mountains.
The church bells of a Basilica, near the main cobblestoned street of Old Town, struck noon just as we arrived. The Plaza Grande, several more churches, and a fabulous local arts and handicrafts fair trade market were part of the day’s itinerary.
And then yes, I went to (the very touristy) “La Midad del Mundo,” the center of the earth, the middle of the world. A place where you can actually stand on the north and south halves of the Earth at the same time.
What I loved about my day was noticing the windows of the homes and buildings of Old Town. Each with a different paint color, most with balconies and railings of iron, and many decorated with flowers and plants.
At an elevation ranging from 7,375 to 8,688 feet above sea level, and surrounded by some of the Himalayan Mountains, I am sure that Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, will inspire me to take photos of the windows of that city when I am there in October.
Sweet Travels!
More of my blogs on my photographs of the windows of various towns:
Facts from Wikipedia
For more photos, see Delicious Baby