Quito

We were collected by a minivan at 6.50am, having told to be ready for 6.30 (apparently its normal for ecuador timing keeping). we had a bumpy ride for about 2 hours to a town near the mountains to visit 3 markets. The first was an animal produce market with pigs, sheep, lama, cows etc.

We nearly bought a lamb for $6 but decided it wouldnt fit in our backpack! the animals were all tied up with ropes and there was a lot of squeeling from the pigs as they were chased to get in the van by new owners. The second market was a mixture of more livestock, fruit, tools and furniture. the livestock this time was little more disturbing. clearly there are no rules in animal cruelty in ecuador. if you think battery hens are bad, then this was horrific. the hens were tied together by the feet, still alive but half plucked. there were baskets and cages full of what geani-pigs and rabbits - not to sell as pets but also for food. terry kept teasing me before we came that he was going to trick me into eatng guinea-pig - but i think after seeing how they were kept even he would have second thoughts! depending on how hungry he is!.

We then arrived at Quitoloa which is roughly 4000 metres above sea level so altitude was hard.
Quitoloa is a massive lagoon inside an active volcano....

Made our way down the long steep path took around 30 minutes. When at the bottom got a few snaps and had the choice to either get a mule back up or take the hour trip up.

Terry decided that he wanted to climb up another way for a snap so off he went while I choose the easier route. Next thing I look up and his climbing up the face of some kind of cliff. So as we walk up its hard work breathing is very diffcult a burning throat from the altitude and lost of breath. But we manged the hour trek up in 40 mins which we were both impressed with. Then we had some lunch which was really nice soup and chicken.
We came across an unexpected bull fight on the way back....

Then we headed back but got dropped off at the square known as Gringiomania. It was busy, Mostly a tourist spot but found an italian place and had a nice meal with Ben, Robin and Nadved. Then got taxi back to hostel.