Traveling to Quito for Thanksgiving we replaced Turkey and Stuffing with Empanadas and Locro de Papas (Cream of Potato Soup), and my friend and I ate our way through the second highest capital in South America (Behind La Paz). Wandering through the historic city center on cobblestone streets we visited the Gran Plaza which conveniently had a parade or protest (we couldn't really tell) that day and we saw the "La Compania" Church with has 7 tons of gold. The grandeur overwhelms you as well as the bright shiny metal. Climbing the top of the Basilica you take your life in your hands as you grasp onto the rickety steps going straight up. The view is well worth it. You see the majestic views of the surrounding mountains as well as the architecturally intriguing downtown. Heading north of Quito, Mary and I visited the "Mitad del Mundo" monument and we were able to be in both hemispheres at once. We continued to a hacienda near the town of Octavalo which has a world famous market. Located next to towering volcanoes (thankfully which are inactive) and a wide open lake. We bought rugs, scarves, hats, and the list goes on. They conveniently sold woven Ecuadorian bags we could use as extra luggage. We didn't make it to Galapagos Islands so Ecuador's definitely worth a return trip. Plus it's cheap and the food is amazing!