Day 3: The Trip Back to the Plaza Grande
On July, 10th we ventured back into the Plaza Grande. El Centro was lively with its Sunday crowd. We were tasked with taking time to observe the city and absorb the energy the city gave us. I revisited the lower level underneath the restaurant Hasta La Vuelta Senor. While there I couldn’t help but fixate on the architecture that surrounded me. The building had an open middle area where all of the shops and areas could congregate and enjoy the company of the warm atmosphere. Afterwards we heard a history lecture led by Carmen, a graduate from the University of Chicago who moved back to Ecuador. She took us to the beautiful churches of la Compañía and San Francisco. The intricate natures of the interior design. The beautiful blue and orange textile like designs of the tiles inside of the Church San Francisco had a distinct beauty that rivaled the breathtaking gold leaf that covered the la Compañía. Carmen continued to take us inside the wing of the Church San Francisco that held many old artifacts and paintings. As we viewed the many paintings featuring the 3rd Order of San Francisco, we discussed the background of the Ecuadorian nobility and their strive to be viewed faithfully in the eyes of the masses.
When we had personal time in our groups, Myles, Chase, Emily, and I traveled back into the streets to capture videos of the street vendors. We looked at food vendors selling ice cream and snacks as long as vendors who were selling blankets and souvenirs. Throughout this trip I am waiting to see how it will affect me and my art, but I can’t help but notice the way American cultural diffusion has affected them. I can’t help but wonder what other ways I may be influencing this new community.
A couple feeds the pigeons with bread that they brought.
Three elderly women sit outside the Church of San Francisco.
We walked around the sunny streets of Quito and captured all of the moments of interactions between the Ecuadorians and the city they love.