The Art, The Mountains, and The Celebrations in Quito

I had to stay in Quito this weekend because we had to celebrate my birthday with my extended host family and attend an art museum field trip for my art class. On Friday we decided to ride the cable car of Quito, or the Teleférico, up the volcano Pichincha that towers over Quito. It takes people halfway up the mountain to great views of the entire city, but unfortunately only on sunny, clear mornings. That night my host mom's family and friends came over for a night of eating homemade cake and talking all night (well they talked and I tried to translate it in my head). It was a very happy night and a great way to celebrate my birthday! My actual birthday was on a Wednesday, and on that night I went to a chocolate tasting event at a little gringo bar where they were also doing an open mic. night. After singing a song or two, they gave me a free brownie and a glass of wine! On Saturday, we went to the Museum of Alabado, which was full of amazing Pre-Incan art with incredible ideas behind each piece. Many of the pieces were used day to day by the indigenous cultures for either daily chores, or religious purposes. As much as I love traveling every weekend, there is always plenty to do in this huge, bustling city.