Quito is over 9000’ in elevation and is just one kilometre from the equator (No, we did not go there and stand with one foot in each hemisphere). We were lucky to be there to see the city's colorfully vibrant market day. Rural people come from surrounding areas to do their shopping, stocking up with a variety of goods to take back home. These photos show some of the heavy loads are carried on the back, even by the elderly.