Americas

[Visited: July 2022]

Looking for ideas for a day in Quito, I came across the neighbourhood of La Floresta. The various reports I found sounded very enthusiastic. I discovered that it was only half an hour walk from the place I was lodged at, which made it even better. I just love to walk through cities, as I am convinced that it is the best way to discover a place. So, I set off around midday, under a partly cloudy sky. I navigate busy streets, and some quieter ones, until I come to Plaza Artigas, where several avenues come together. On the other side, La Floresta starts. Now, I have only seen some pictures and read some suggestions, so I decide to just criss-cross the neighbourhood by chance. I continue walking La Coruña street, and as soon as I turn right in to a smaller street, I feel I am entering a different part of Quito.
Traffic is thin in La Floresta, so I can easily cross streets, take pictures, enjoy the things I see without noise or pollution. At first, I mostly see trendy restaurants, but I soon start to notice square flowerpots on the street which are painted on all sides. I kneel to take close-up pictures of pumas, flowers, women, buildings, and many other subjects painted with bright colours on the concrete pots that would otherwise have been dull objects. Then, I see the ruins of what must have been a beautiful house on the corner of Valladolid and Vizcaya. On the fence, there are so many posters and paintings that it takes me a while to read everything and admire the quite varied art. Posters with political messages, statements about society and the world, as well as several wall paintings.
When I turn around, I see colourful flowers on a mural of the famous Ocho y Medio cinema, which also boosts one of the famous cafes of La Floresta. Close by, I find another famous cafe where I buy coffee as a present, and ask where to find the street art for which La Floresta is famous. The woman sends me to various streets, and I find many more murals and posters. Some of them big, where I spend minutes to grasp the often busy and complicated artwork. Then, there are more posters, some of which I have seen before, some of which are unique. More statements, one big mural about abortion rights, but also impressive paintings of female eyes, flowers growing out of the head of a woman. Paintings which make me smile, posters which are concerning. I like the area so much, I am back for more the next day. Indeed, I discover yet more art, some huge, some small. And the small market with fresh produce. All the while, I have the feeling I am in an undiscovered area of this big city in the Andes.

Around the World in 80 Clicks

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La Floresta (Ecuador)

La Floresta > Ecuador > Americas

[Visited: July 2022]

Around the World in 80 Clicks