We convened at the IES Abroad Center at 9 AM for an orientation session. Dr. Eduardo Ortiz started with a general introduction to the IES Abroad approach to education, namely combining academic rigor with immersion in a new culture. Gladys Argoti talked about home stays and Ecuadorian customs.
The latter part of the morning was filled by a talk by Dr. Fernando Ortega, a public health professor, on medical concerns. Dr. Diego Quiroga, an anthropologist, gave us a far-ranging talk on the human history of Ecuador with comments on the animals and plants scattered throughout. He ended with a discussion of the political changes, especially presidential changes, of the past 40 years.
We jumped in taxis and went to the Stubel Café for an exceptional lunch. The view from the restaurant is spectacular. 
Fortified, we went back to the center for a brief internet session in the computer lab and then got on a bus for a tour of the central part of Quito. This tour was lead by Julio Riva, a local historian and an enthusiastic champion of Quito. We visited two churches (La Compania de Jesus and Santo Domingo), learned how to tell the difference among French, Spanish and Moorish balconies and climbed two towers for spectacular views of the city. Dinner at a downtown restaurant, Mea Culpa, capped off a busy but delightful day. Tomorrow, we’re off to the Galápagos!
