#2: May 5, City Tour

1) What was your favorite part of the city tour and why?  

 My favorite part of the city tour, was the Monestary of St. Augustine. The inside was so peaceful and beautiful. The garden and palm trees surrounding the big fountain in the court yard was magnificent, with amazing architecture on all sides. The ceilings and walls were covered with intricate designs and paintings depicting religious individuals and stories. It is incredible how much detail was in each hallway, room, or staircase. I really appreciate that kind of art.

 2) What did you learn?  

 While visiting the Monestary, I learned that many nobles and elites during the early seventeenth century, tried to declare Ecuador as an independent nation in 1809. They met in the very room we were standing in, that had beautiful paintings and sculpture. These elite men were prosecuted for trying to establish a Declaration of Independence from the Spanish and French. 

 3) What surprised you most?

 What surprised me most was the artist (Miguel de Santiago) who was so crazy, he ripped off his wife's ear for interrupting his work, and even killed a student through crucifixion in attempt to recreate Jesus on the Cross. He then was given asylum and was ordered to paint and decorate the inside of the room (where the declaration was created), for the next 13 years. I was also surprised by the building itself, and what a religious place it was. It even had numerous catacombs where prestigious noble men were still buried! 😱 

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