We were blessed with perfect weather for Saturday's planned trip to the top of Mt. Pichincha, 14, 000 feet about sea level and reached via cable car.  As well as a must visit tourist stop, it is a site sought out by bikers from around the world.  Check out the cable car, Titus, bicycle racks adorn every car and  a zig-zag path has been created for travel down the mountain.  The altitude was seriously affecting one of us on the ride up the mountain.  The value of Reiki was demonstrated, when Charito move next to her and used Reiki to calm her anxiety and give her a peaceful experience at the top of the mountain. 

The photos give a small idea of the beauty of  top of the mountain and include Mary Lu's having photography fun and Charito's giving thanks to the mountain for being there for us and moving the clouds away, to show the full beauty of the Mt. Pichincha.  Additionally, there is a photo of a very old and still used picnic area.  Great care has been taken to preserve the sanctity of the mountain. and preserve the environment.

From there, we drove through new and old sections of Quito to the home / museum  / and Chapel of Man, which was built and donated to the people of Quito by internationally recognized artist, Oswaldo Guayasamin (1919 - 1999).  As an expressionist artist, he used his gift to force others to see the pain, grief and horrors that people can bring upon each other. As we left his house we read a quote of his which said (paraphrase) We are responsible for all the children of the world, as if they were all our own, if we do not accept that responsibility we will be a burnt ember hurtling through  space.  If you do not know his work, please take time to visit   www.guayasamin.org, for what may be an emotional artistic experience.   Guayasamin, was also a collector of ancient Columbian artifacts, which are included in his collections.  Unfortunately, no photos were permitted but I copied one from the internet and there is a photo of his pool and one of the artifacts in the photos below.

 Next came our Ecuadorean fast food at Ceveichat de la Ruminaui.  We discovered delicious seafood at a marvelous price.  We ordered take out, but before leaving received small bags of coconut candy from one of the staff.  Then on to Charito's mother's house for a brief dinner and to visit her mom.  Please note the Swan photo.  Charito's mother "painted" it using butterfly wings and grasshopper legs - while raising 12 children!. 

To round out the tourist part of our day, we moved from exquisite art and artifacts to the Artisans Market in  historic Quito.  A photo of us entering the market follows, as does one of a pianist puppet.  Unfortunately the great majority of the market is multiple stalls of mass manufactured items of alpaca, silver, and leather.  Fortunately, we discovered a talented artist, Alba de Columbia and her two children, selling handmade jewelry on the street outside the market.  Some of us did find a few other goodies, but we decided to wait to the next market - where maybe - just maybe - there might be more originality. 

The more originality came on a brief stop for tea at Charito's sister Rosie's home.  We were welcomed into an exquisite apartment filled with Rosie's paintings.  The most unique is included in the photos. The view from her apartment gave a glorious sunset golden view of Mt. Intisana.  Then home to an early good night and packing to leave at 6:15 a.m. for our Sunday train trip to Machaci