National Museum of Ecuador

As K wasn't feeling too well today, I took myself off to "one of the boring museums". We agreed that I wouldn't visit anywhere that we would like to see together, so I selected the National Museum, which seemed to promise an assortment of pre-Columbian pots and a smattering of colonial Catholic artwork. Both of these we have seen in great numbers since arriving in South America, so it seemed like a safe bet.

National museum

The museum itself is housed in a large utilitarian 60's construction next to the National Theatre. As it is owned by the municipality, entrance is free but the number of security guards far outnumbered the visitors today. The lighting was what I would describe as 'ambient', casting a reverent glow on the extensive selection of ceramic artefacts but making reading the plaques a little difficult where the bulbs had failed entirely. Despite having fatigued at looking at pots, bowls, and other vessels, the collection actually contained some impressive sculptures/figurines, mostly feline in form, from La Tolita culture, and some Chorrera pottery of exquisite design.

Since I was in town, I fed myself at the Taiwanese restaurant, Formosa - K being nil by mouth. Opting for the á la carte 'tie pan' over the lunchtime buffet, I was presenting with an enormous skillet of sizzling vegetables and tofu swimming in a savoury sauce. The flavours, while rich, were had made concessions to the bland Ecuadorian taste buds and I was glad of the peppery condiments.

Tie pan

As if to torture K, I brought home a magnificent slice of caramel apple cheesecake from Sweet & Coffee. Having mocked this Starbucks clone - even down to the same shade of dark green - I discovered it does exceedingly good cake. We agreed to return once K's stomach was filling better.

Cheesecake