Dealing with a very nice, but somewhat unorganized realtor, I set out to look for apartments today. It was pretty much a bust. She told me she had lined up six places for us to look at, but we were only able to see two. It appears that the other four cancelled because they decided to go out of the city, visit family, go run errands, etc. The 'mañana' attitude rears it ugly head! (No the picture above is not of one of the places I looked at. Read below to find out what it is!)
Of the two places I did see, I ruled out one right away. The other one is not bad (nicely located, in fact), but it is completely unfurnished --meaning not even a fridge, stove, or light fixtures! Now I did tell her that I would consider unfurnished places, but I did not know that meant no light fixtures or blinds, or stove or fridge. She said the owner might consider working with me on that, so we'll see. I am optimistic that the other places will pan out.
I have placed calls to a nice couple of women I have been dealing with by internet. They have places to rent and are American. Perhaps one of those will work out. I hope to see those later today. If I can't set that up, then I will just head out and wander the city a bit.
I love the breakfasts here because they have amazing fruit. Each day I have been eating fresh papaya and delicious watermelon, plus assorted other goodies. They always have freshly squeezed juice, too, and watermelon has been my drink of choice. I must say I'm getting spoiled at the hotel here, so my plan is to wander out for lunch to a place with a more 'local' feel. The weather is amazing today --crystal clear air, about 75 degrees, and very sunny. I will have to wear a cap out, because the sun is very intense here. Wonder if that has to do with me being so close to the equator? ;-)
After spending the afternoon reading at the hotel, my Executive Assistant (Ana Maria) came by with her husband to take me on a tour of the city. We took a wide loop around the city for views into the valleys and the surrounding areas. Finally, we came back to the Historic Center where we had sangria and dinner in an old home that has been converted into a small shopping center around the central courtyard. Very nice place to have a drink. We then walked a bit around the Historic Center and saw lots of colonial architecture (circa 1600's and early 1700's). The churches and basilica, especially, were quite dramatic (photo at top is of the basilica by day). While the evening illuminations were nice, it did not make for good pictures with my little digital camera. I look forward to returning at night in a month or so with my large camera. Until then, just take my word (and UNESCO's, since it has been designated a World Heritage Historical Site) for it: the Historic Center of Quito is beautiful, especially at night.
Tomorrow will be a leisurely. I plan to do some fun reading and also some 'homework' reading --I have to read a large briefing binder for the staff meetings that I'll be in during the upcoming week. I should be able to slip in a little walking around the city, though, in the afternoon. If the weather is as nice as it was today, a longer walk may be in order.
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