October 15 to 20- Week 3 in Quito

Every Monday morning at 11AM, a 'Changing of the Guard' ceremony is held at the Plaza Grande in front of the Presidential Palace. This particular Monday was  bright and sunny so we thought it a perfect time to check out this famous happening.

                      Plaza Grande is a huge plaza only a few blocks from our apartment.

Of course there were many people , Quito natives plus the odd gringo, aleady there.
                                        Many younger school kids were also invited .

 

Pretty cute!

 

This is how children from baby to around 5 are carried by their mothers. A shawl is all that is required!

 

The ceremony started promptly at 11AM and I had my camera ready. First the band came marching and playing.

                         Then the horses with soldiers came riding past.

 

And then the actual guards men marched past us as well.

 

 

The Ecuadorian flag was raised on the Flagpole over the Palace.

 

And El Presidente waved to his loyal followers! The man waving in the middle.

 

Aftwards we walked home through some very crowded streets.

 

We sometimes shop at a large grocery store called SuperMaxi. Our family somehow thought that just because we are very far south that Christmas is forgotten here.

No so at all, the same eartly Christmas trees- remember it's only October!

 

 

Later that week, we finally went out to dinner at one of the many local restaurants near our apartment. It was very pretty and totally empty but for us.

 

I had a really delicious rib dinner! Yummy.

 

Plus good beer & wine.