Quito An All-Time High for Visitors
Ecuador struggles to get media attention. Between the high profile of Columbia’s drugs and Peru’s Machu Picho it has been a challenge for Ecuador to get noticed. Unfortunately some of the coverage it does receive does not provide an objective view of the multifaceted opportunities for foreign visitors.

Quito is Ecuador’s capital and the nations governmental, political and a center for art, architecture, crafts, dining and shopping. Walking the hills and meandering through the narrow streets of Quito is an absolute delight for in every window and in every storefront showcase there are treasures that are distinctive to Ecuador (and lost in such destinations as Shanghai and Mexico). In fact, Quito’s downtown streets are the largest, best preserved and least altered Colonial Downtown in the Americas!

Newbie’s to Quito may find themselves slightly dizzy or sleepy upon arrival and the feelings are not do to fatigue or excitement but rather a result of the elevation of the city; it ranks as one of the world’s highest altitude capitals with an elevation of 9,200 feet above sea level. Year-round daytime temperatures hover in the 70s F and may dip in the evening to 55 F, presenting visitors with delightful spring-like weather. The dry season typically runs from June through September and the rains last from October to May. To be safe rather than sorry, consider the weather as changeable.

Quito is a modern city and the center for political and power and financial enterprise. It is also important for historic districts, Baroque architecture, churches, plazas, and very special shopping opportunities. In Part Three of Ecuador Live, the best if Quito (and environs) will be reviewed.

2. Cut potatoes (must be agria or another very dry variety) into different sized chunks, leaving some whole, and saute them in the butter and garlic so they absorb the taste.

3. Add hot water and cook until the potatoes are soft.

4. Pour off the liquid - putting the potatoes aside - add some milk with two kinds of soft fresh country cheese and blend until the soup has a creamy texture.

5. Return the potatoes, put a bit of grated cheese on top and eat with avocado and aji (the Ecuadorean hot sauce).

La capital del Ecuador es una urbe que, día a día, se construye. Es la ciudad que conjuga lo moderno y lo colonial. Su estructura moderna se funde con la heredad mestiza y colonial, en la que residentes nacionales y visitantes extranjeros encuentran siempre un lugar para trabajar, disfrutar y recordar. Su amable clima permite vivir todos los días una eterna primavera.

Mientras tanto el país refuerza la frontera norte, a lo cual no responderá Colombia pues, según el ministro de Defensa, Juan Manuel Santos por ahora están en capacidad de movilizar gente, pero no ven ninguna necesidad para hacerlo.

Las Fuerzas Armadas otorgaron al mandatario la condecoración “Vencedores de Tarqui” en el grado de Gran Cruz. Igual distinción recibieron los ministros de Finanzas, Fausto Ortiz y de Defensa, Wellington Sandoval. Correa dijo que es inmerecida esta presea, porque solamente ha cumplido con un acto de justicia al homologar los salarios que por ley les corresponde.

Ayer, en el primer día laborable desde que entró en operación el nuevo sistema de recaudación, entre los pasajeros hubo dudas.