Re_Connect

I was in Quito last week with my colleagues from the Urban Design Build Studio (UDBS) at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). 

Quito is the capital of Ecuador and amazingly is a really beautiful, historic and fun place!  With an architectural style that is a mix of European and colonial Spanish, the streets (calles) and houses (casas) of Quito remind me of my home, India.

The first day we reached there, we went on a tour to explore downtown Quito and its well preserved ancient colonial centers.  After visiting an array of museums, churches, and street markets, I felt a deep connection to home.  The streets were filled with pedestrians and street dogs and lined with cobbler shops, fresh-juice carts, snack stalls, local bakeries and artisan stores. This was a sight one can never catch in the US.  While I was amazed and trying to discover why this set up is so identical to Indian streets, I realized the similar depth of history both the cultures bear.  Quito's history dates back to pre-columbian periods in the 16th century and the style and material selection of construction have continued to be inspired by historical precedents. 

Along with history, the topography continues to relate too.  Quito is located in the lap of Andean hills which generates a similar geography and climate of that of North and North-Eastern Indian cities; with steep streets, foggy mountains and almost perennial monsoons.  With perfect mountain climate, Quito has a selection of herbs and medicinal plants being cultivated, just like the Himalayan regions in Northern parts of India. 

Talking of food ingredients, the use of spices, chilies and hot peppers in Ecuadorian food is again common with Indian cuisine.  It is due to the generally dry weather (and proximity to the equator) in both countries which causes food to rot sooner compared to colder regions of the world.  Spicy food slows the microbial growth in food items, thus letting them stay fresh longer. 

This cultural similarity was so interesting to study, it generated curiosity to explore the city as a local.  The UDBS team spent time in local fruits and vegetable markets, trying to understand the Spanish-speaking vendor as she explained the use of Valerian root oil for relieving stress and anxiety.  Later in evening, we went on a shopping spree at the Mercado Artesanal where we bought local handcrafted items ranging from clothes and accessories to fridge magnets and Ecuadorian chocolates. 

Stay tuned for more posts to explore Quito with me! :)