Classick keeping Quito Classy (Part II of Classick's Visit)

Oops.  As you may have noticed...there has been a brief hiatus in the Heads Over Heels blog.  Oops.  Instead of regaling you with excuse after excuse, I'll just say SORRY.  And that after our AMAZEBALLS trip to Chile I knew I just HAD to get back on the blogging train 1) so that you people can see what we're up to and 2) to finish the documenting of our little adventure that is swiftly coming to an end...so without further ado, let's travel back to November when our dear, dear friend Classick visited.  His visit wasn't all owl monkeys and anacondas...we also showed him the sites of plain ol' Quito...

Now that you're filled in on our jungle adventure, I should tell you about the rest of Classick's visit.  First off, it is just the most fun to have people visit us here.  We relish the time with familiar faces and love showing off Ecuador to friends and family.  Classick arrived Thursday so that he could spend Friday adjusting and recovering before we left for the jungle.  Javier and I had to work Friday, so Classick was on his own.  He felt good and was able to walk around Quito quite a bit!

Classick made it to Quito!!

Friday night we went to Ananke for dinner.  They serve delicious spiced wine and have a gorgeous view of the valley down below.  (Also our friend Tiffany came with us!)

After the jungle I was quite tired. (Photo credit: one Matthew Classick) and Javier and I had to return to work.  

So Classick took a trip midweek to Cuenca where he spent one day hiking in Cajas National Park.  He shared some of his pictures with me so that I could share them with you!

Cajas is just breathtaking.  Javier and I went to the park last year when we visited Cuenca and hope to make it one more time before we head back to the USA!

When Classick got back to Quito on Friday night, we took him to the local food market (same one Anthony Bourdain visited!).  He was super adventurous and tried many of the local options.  (Some look more appetizing than others...)

Like the fried dough with honey....yes, please.

After our traditional dinner we headed to Abysmo for a less traditional beer.  The cervezas in Ecuador leave something to be desired, but we had heard Absysmo served artisanal options and were looking forward to trying some.  

Javier and I were impressed, but Classick thought that they didn't hold up to his options in the USA.  We struggled through them regardless.  After some beers we took Classick to old town to watch some salsa.  (We watched...no dancing.)

Saturday was rainy, but our only real day to tour the city, so we set out to see the sights.  We started in Iglesia de la Compañia.  Visitors are not supposed to take pictures, but rebel Classick snapped this one to show you readers that magnificent gold that covers the ceiling and walls.

Visiting the churches in old town presents an interesting paradox.  They're brimming with tourists (like us) but also frequented by devote parishioners who light candles and say their prayers.

 I usually straddle the line and light a candle.  As usual, the pictures don't really give you the feel of the scene or sound of the creaking wooden floor or smell of the incense that encompasses the space.

Classick wanted to try a traditional almuerzo.  In Ecuador you can get lunch for $3 that includes soup, a plate with a protein (usually pork or chicken), rice and a juice.  We walked just a few blocks and found a spot. Don't our soups look yum-o?

After our big day out we stopped by Hotel Quito for some cocktails.  The views on both sides of their 9th floor bar were beautiful.  Clouds had moved into the valley creating a misty and beautiful scene.

I'm not sure that we really improve the view, but it is at least a good picture of us!

On the other side was one of the most beautiful sunsets I've ever seen in Quito.

It wasn't centered over the volcano like I wanted...but the colors were truly beautiful.

It was our last night so we headed to the Mariscal where many of the young folk in Quito go to hang out.  We found another spot that brewed their own beer.  (Javier and I were once again super impressed with Classick being less so....)

And then the boys found a foosball table....and I lost them....

No trip to Quito could be complete without a visit to Gonzalez Suarez Hot Dogs (especially late night!) and Classick was brave enough to try the traditional crumbled potato chips on his dog!  

A bit tired after the foosball marathon...we had a simple breakfast in the park before Classick's flight.  We had just a blast sharing our jungle adventure and his visit to Quito with Classick.  But it was also nice to chat with our friend and catch up in a way that we struggle to do over email and quick FacetTime calls.