Well I took some of your advice why I was in Quito just two weeks ago. Here is how things went
- We decided on empanadas for lunch so went out to find the restaurant with no name. Got there and found it and wouldn't you know the courtyard was all ripped up. New sewer updates - she said to come back in a month. : )
- We also swung by Plaza de Foch and had a great time. We met some wonderful people and found people in this area are at least likely to speak a little english which is nice after speaking spanish all the time.
- For those going to the middle of the world - the bus gets you there but we recommend ponying up the $10 each way and take a taxi - though we have a great stories from taking the bus.

Thanks for all the tips Samantha - we enjoyed Quito much more because of it.

To add another recommendation - stop by the Iglesia de Companan de Jesus - It is by far the best of all the churches and a tour (in spanish of english) is included for your $2 ticket. Almost everything inside is covered in gold leaf - breath taking.
Happy travels.

My daughter and I had a day in Quito when we returned from the Galapagos. We hopped on a well-marked bus and headed for the Middle of the World. Crowded – but lots of local color.

After our visit we returned to the bus stop and found a number of buses. We had no idea which one would get us back to our hotel. After 10 days in the Galapagos and feeling the altitude a little, we weren’t in the mood to figure it out. We took a cab.

Bottom line: If you take the bus up, determine which one will get you back to where you want to be before you get off.

Enjoy!

Interestingly, since Sam visited, another site for visiting the "Middle of the World" has opened. It's on the Panamerican Highway on the road to Otavalo, close to the town of Cayambe: Quitsato.com

As of November this year, the 'no name' restaurant in La Ronda street was still being renovated, but there are plenty of other nice, family-run cafes on the street. Several new shops have also opened up. There should be a hotel opening on the street by 2009. There is a regular calendar of cultural events on the street, particularly in December, Easter and in August. For more, in Spanish, see callelaronda.com

For any other information on Quito, its attractions and activities, see quito.com.ec