Quito, Ecuador

A capitol city. Significant to Ecuador's independence from Spain. Significant to South America's independence from Spain. A capitol. The hills hold Quito like Atlas holds the world. The city is cradled between the shoulders of the Ande's foothills. Narrow sided it stretches on for miles and miles. The spine of Ecuador.

There are two sections of the city marked on our map; old town and new town. We have been told not to stray from these areas because it is not safe. We have been told to be careful within these areas because they are not safe. We stayed in old town, it was filled with the sounds of barking dogs, children playing or yelling, and car alarms. We stayed in new town, it was filled with the sounds of throbbing base, young inebriated adults playing or yelling, and car alarms. Old town has basilicas, cathedrals, and government palaces. New town has hotels, international cuisine and night clubs.

There is strength here. The presence of military, police, and many hospitals attest. The previous President was found to be embezzling millions of tax dollars for his toys and fancies. He fled the country when he was found out. The current president has brought national development to national economic resources. He has asked other country's corporations to leave. He has spent millions on new roads and improved infrastructure. He is in control and the people take pride in him.