A taxi driver was telling me that the streets are closed because of construction. “They’re fixing the streets now because of city elections,” he said. “What about the rest of the years that have gone by with potholes and broken streets?” I felt like I was in Toronto, but I’m not.
I’m back in Quito on unfinished business around my late father’s house. I have a lot of fixing to do with legal papers. My cousin invited me to take a break from fixing and go downtown to the city’s historic centre. I thought it was very nice of her, but I was a little nervous.
I always thought of the city’s colonial centre as a gem, but for a long time it was left to tarnish, the old buildings were crumbling, there was little lighting, and it was dangerous. No one hung around much, especially when it was dark.
But when I went with my cousin as night was falling, I was surprised to see throngs of people, entire families, and tourists, strolling calmly through a historical centre that was fully restored in all its original splendor.
The dark grey volcanic stones used at the base of the old colonial buildings are the same ones placed by the first Spanish colonists in 1534. The adobe walls had been newly coated with lime plaster and look pristine. The heavy wooden doors with decorative carvings and wrought iron nails, knockers and grills were made by Indigenous artisans. The classic colonial balconies are protected by overhangs of clay Tejada roofs supported by heavy dark wooden beams underneath.
Some streets were so well-lit, it looked like it was daytime. My cousin said this was the work of one mayor. I don’t know the man or his political leanings, but if it’s true that this was his work, he did good for the city.
It’s not all finished of course, and it’s not entirely safe as pickpockets operate here, but there’s enough for thousands of people and tourists to enjoy.
My cousin and I don’t share the same political views. But when it came to Quito’s historical centre, our politics didn’t matter, we both agreed. This was good city work. That mayor got the job done.
Quito’s historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
And that got me to thinking about our own elections in Toronto.
Now that they’ve been elected, what will they get done?
