Quito, part II
School is doing my head in. It's far worse than being at regular school, as its one to one, so I cant hide at the back or doodle as per usual and to make it worse i am paying for this torture.
Surprisingly for me I have attended mass twice now. Its the combination of the darkened interiors lit by flickering candles, the glowing ornate gilt work that hides an endless depth of detail like 3D fractals. The smell of the incense, the multitude of locals packing the pews recanting spanish prayers, it just makes the hairs at the back of my neck prick up.
Still on a religious theme exploring the Basilica, which is a huge three towered cathedral is enormous fun. Basically you can go anywhere; down in the crypt, through the roof space above the aisle, up inside the workings of the clock. The best is via a series of home made ladders (made from reinforcing rods) you can scale the full height of the spire. Near the top it has arching stone moldings which are open to the sky and the wind funnels through quite briskly, with some nerve and a little twisting you can squeeze you self out and stand in the gutter just below the cross and admire the vertical drop below you, no warning signs, no fences, but this is what makes Latin America special, no health and safety, its fun, but be it on your own head.
Another interesting experience was to visit the local prison. I went to the best prison with 127 guys in it and 2 showers and 3 toilets. It was incredibly claustrophobic with so many people crammed into such a small space. Every conceivable cubby hole is crammed with stuff, tiny gas cookers, radios, books. Though they are pretty free to do what ever they want inside, but you have to pay. Bribes and payment is required for everything and you cant earn money inside; toilet paper, food, a bunk $1 per day. One guy was renting his bunk so another guy could have some privacy with his girlfriend.
The gringos are in for drug trafficking, usually 6 to 8 years, rape and murder have lesser sentences. Its interesting talking to the guys and hearing of their experiences, of dodgy dealings, prison riots, etc. The gringo inmates were very touched as some had not had a visit for years. When we handed over a few bags of food, smokes, etc that we'ed brought they were speechless and could not understand why we would help out complete strangers.
Surprisingly for me I have attended mass twice now. Its the combination of the darkened interiors lit by flickering candles, the glowing ornate gilt work that hides an endless depth of detail like 3D fractals. The smell of the incense, the multitude of locals packing the pews recanting spanish prayers, it just makes the hairs at the back of my neck prick up.
Still on a religious theme exploring the Basilica, which is a huge three towered cathedral is enormous fun. Basically you can go anywhere; down in the crypt, through the roof space above the aisle, up inside the workings of the clock. The best is via a series of home made ladders (made from reinforcing rods) you can scale the full height of the spire. Near the top it has arching stone moldings which are open to the sky and the wind funnels through quite briskly, with some nerve and a little twisting you can squeeze you self out and stand in the gutter just below the cross and admire the vertical drop below you, no warning signs, no fences, but this is what makes Latin America special, no health and safety, its fun, but be it on your own head.
Another interesting experience was to visit the local prison. I went to the best prison with 127 guys in it and 2 showers and 3 toilets. It was incredibly claustrophobic with so many people crammed into such a small space. Every conceivable cubby hole is crammed with stuff, tiny gas cookers, radios, books. Though they are pretty free to do what ever they want inside, but you have to pay. Bribes and payment is required for everything and you cant earn money inside; toilet paper, food, a bunk $1 per day. One guy was renting his bunk so another guy could have some privacy with his girlfriend.
The gringos are in for drug trafficking, usually 6 to 8 years, rape and murder have lesser sentences. Its interesting talking to the guys and hearing of their experiences, of dodgy dealings, prison riots, etc. The gringo inmates were very touched as some had not had a visit for years. When we handed over a few bags of food, smokes, etc that we'ed brought they were speechless and could not understand why we would help out complete strangers.
posted by Richard at
6:53 pm
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