Parque Metropolitano

I know that I have posted about Parque Metropolitano before; however, since surgery on my knee in December, I have come to appreciate our proximity to the park for walks with Lucy. Roman dropped us off at the park entrance this morning and I was able to walk with Lucy for 2 hours or so. The park is absolutely beautiful with its eucalyptus trees and unexpected large sculptures around every turn. Lucy and I even came across a bunch of llamas at the entrance to the park today (At first, Lucy was not happy about them being there).

While Roman spent the afternoon playing paintball with some friends, Lucy and I enjoyed the fruit trees in our backyard and I hobbled over to “Spa de Uñas” to get my first pedicure. I should have gone sooner–it only cost $8 and the people there were super friendly and kind. I got to practice my Spanish–it is getting better now that Roman and I have been taking bi-weekly lessons. Since we haven’t posted yet this year, happy new year to all our friends and family near and far!

Parque Metropolitano Bike Ride

On the east side of Quito is Parque Metropolitano, the largest urban park in South America clocking in at nearly twice the size of Central Park in NYC.  It’s on a ridge so it overlooks the city to the west and then down the next valley to the east.  The park is full of trails, playing fields, picnic areas with grills and covered structures, as well as large pieces of art.  It’s also home to horses and alpacas.  The topography consists of rolling hills and cliffs covered with Eucalyptus trees, bushes, vines, and grasses.

There is an east entrance to the park a very short bike ride from our front door.  I was excited with what I found; great trails with endless loop choices that will get my heart rate going and feed my soul.  I also got my first glimse of Cotopaxi, the 19,347′ volcano to the East of the Parque.

Looking west from Parque MetropolitanoIMG_5193 IMG_5179IMG_5181IMG_5188IMG_5187IMG_5182IMG_5186Looking East from Parque MetropolitanoIMG_5195IMG_5194Looking East from Parque MetropolitanoLooking East from Parque MetropolitanoFirst View of Cotopaxi