Sunday in the Plaza de la Independencia, also known as the Plaza Grande This beautiful square lies at the symbolic heart of Quito and political nexus of Ecuador. Along one side of the square is the Carondelet, the seat of government and presidential palace. Ornate gardens rich with native Ecuadorian plants grace the square, interspersed with pathways throughout.

The plaza is especially festive on Sundays, with crowds of Quiteños and tourists. Musicians regal the people with songs both traditional and popular. Ambulating ministers cry out their harangues of salvation, holding up the book that seems to promise everything. Shoeshine boys wander the plaza, eyeing my waterlogged shoes and assuring me they could restore them to mint condition. Vendors cry out their wares, offering grilled plantains, roasted potatoes, ice cream, and an amazing variety of tropical fruits. Police officers patrol on Segways, riding around the plaza and randomly blowing their whistles.