AS part of the presentation, the Spanish Ambassador made some remarks along with comments by some other people involved in the art community.  The television cameras were rolling.  I was pretty much distracted by the lady in the fish net blouse that was standing in front of me. 

After the presentation, Manolo introduced me to several famous artists that he knew.  Here in the first photo is one of his friends from the art world.  Manolo is on the left.

Quito, Ecuador, Guayasamín Exhibition-Manolo with an artist friend

In the second photo his friend is autographing the back of a guest’s shirt.

Quito, Ecuador, Guayasamín Exchibition. Autographing the back of a guest's shirt

Manolo also introduced me to the well known artist, Miguel Bettancourt, who told me his daughter was doing PhD work at M.I.T.  Miguel invited me to visit his art gallery, but I told him I was running out of time in Quito.  I would catch him the next time.  Manolo then introduced me to Guayasamín’s daughter, Berenice Guayasamín.

We stepped outside where there was a very large wine tasting event on the grass.

Quito, Ecuador, Guayasamín, Exhibition-wine tasting event

 It was during this time, I noticed a man in a wheelchair  to whom many people were speaking.  Manolo told me the gentleman was the Secretary of Anti-Corruption for all of Ecuador, Sr. Alfredo Vera Arrata.  Manolo knew him and asked me if I wanted to meet him.  Of course, I couldn’t pass up this opportunity!

 Manolo went over and spoke to him and then motioned me over.   As we approached, I noticed four big, burly, steely-eyed bodyguards standing around the Secretary.  They were all staring at me with suspicion.  I finally realized I wasn’t doing myself any favors by being the only gringo in the crowd approaching the Secretary of Anti-Corruption with my hands in my raincoat pockets.  The large bulges under the bodyguards suit coats told me those weren’t cell phones they were packing!  When I stepped forward, one of them unbuttoned his coat.  I was hoping he was just getting a phone out to call his mom. 

I quickly leaned over and in Spanish told the Secretary what a pleasure it was to meet him.  He asked me what I was doing in Ecuador and I told him I was studying Spanish and living in Manolo and Zaida’s house.  He wished me luck and told me to study hard.  I felt like I had just met the Pope!

Steve Barrymore ssb11@prodigy.net

To read about my other travels click here

Next-visiting the great statue of El Panecillo

After visiting the Guayasamín museum earlier in the week, I was surprised to be told by  Manalo, the father of the house where I was staying, that he and his wife Zaida, were going to take me to a private showing reserved for members of the Foundation of Guayasamín.  The Spanish Ambassador was going to be there along with members of the press to honor an artist’s works.

My teacher at school told me I was very lucky to be going to this type of event.  I dressed in my best clothes which really weren’t very good and took off with Manalo and Zaida to make my impression on the Quito art society. 

Here is the sign at the entrance explaining the exhibition we were attending.

When I walked into the main where they were preparing for the presentation, I felt like everyone was staring at me.  I was definitely the only gringo in the room. 

Everyone was doing that Latin kissing deal.  I thought “wow, this is my chance to get kissed by lots of beautiful Latin women welcoming me to Quito”.  But no, it wasn’t going to happen.  I don’t think they wanted to rub their Louis Vittons up against my green rain jacket and sweatshirt.  Rats!  I knew I should have purchased that fake Armani scarf in the street market!!

Anyway, Zaida at least was glad to have me there as evidenced by this photo.

Quito, Ecuador, Zaida and me at the Guayasamín foundation exhibition

Next-a chance meeting with a very important person from Quito.

Steve Barrymore ssb11@prodigy.net

To read about my other travels click here

We traveled by city bus.  It took about 45 minutes.  I enjoy riding the buses in Quito because it gives you a snapshot of the everyday lives of the people living in the city.  The buses are always packed.

The nice thing about riding the buses with Sila from the school is that she is always helping me with my Spanish while we are seeing the city.

The museum is located in the residential area of Bellavista. 

The museum not only displays Guayasamín’s works, but also pieces from his personal collection.  A lot of his art reflects the struggle of mankind, especially the poor .

Here are some photos of some of his works both outside and inside the museum.

Quito Ecuador-guayasamín museum outside

Quito Ecuador-Guayasamín museum outside

Quito Ecuador-Guayasamín museum

Quito Ecuador-Guayasamín museum-inside

Quito Ecuador-guayasamín museum-the outside as taken through a window

Quito Ecuador-Guayasamín museum-inside

Quito Ecuador-Guayasamín

At the museum you can get a guide, which I highly recommend.  Ours spoke Spanish only, so it gave me a chance to practice my listening skills.  I missed a lot in the translation, but it was still a great experience.

You can read about some of my other travels here

Steve Barrymore ssb11@prodigy.net

More Quito (next)

To read about my other travels click here