Galapagos, 4 - 15 November 2016

Monday, November 14, 2016

Our last day in South America, and I was determined to make it count! After a leisurely breakfast, Carlos, the Celebrity representative made a phone call to the local synagogue, Comunidad Judia Del Ecuador, to see if I could possibly visit.  At first, it didn't look hopeful, which I found strange.  I mean how many Jews would want to visit this synagogue in a predominantly Catholic country? So, I decided to head back to the local market.  Right as I was about to leave the hotel, Carlos tracked me down to tell me that he could possibly arrange an afternoon appointment, but needed a copy of my passport for the "background" screening" prior to my tour.  I almost skipped out of the Marriott to shop.  For $20 the sweet taxi driver (smartly dressed in his white shirt, vest and tie) drove me to the market, waited while I shopped, then drove me back to the Marriott.  As I was approaching the elevator, Carlos tracked me down once again to tell me that he had arranged a 2:00 PM tour.  Now, I was really excited.  I dashed upstairs, unloaded my loot (groans from Rob) and did a quick freshen up for my appointment.  Back in the elevator, I greeted a very athletic-looking young man in a sweatsuit bearing "Venezuela" across the front.  Another sweet British lady in the elevator attempted to make conversation by asking the young man if he was a hockey player (really?) to which he politely answered, "No madam, I am a member of the Venezuelan National Soccer Team."  That explains all of the security around the hotel.  Here, I thought some sort of political leader must also be a guest, but it turns out the Venezuelan team is staying at the Marriott for Wednesday's qualifying World Cup game against Ecuador.
Once again, I hired a taxi driver (also smartly dressed) for the thirty minute drive to the synagogue.  He was a sweet man, who spoke very little English, but exuded kindness as he pointed out places of interest. Upon arriving at Comunidad Judia Del Ecuador, I noticed that the security was quite tight - three armed guards stood outside the cement walled structure and proceeded to question my driver.  Finally, a distinguished gentleman came out and rather sternly said, "I thought you were supposed to be here at 11:30 AM."  I informed him that Carlos was told that an English speaking guide would not be available until 2:00 PM.  The gentleman looked annoyed, but motioned me to follow him.  I was not feeling the love, as Joan would say.  Slowly, he started to warm up.  He explained that the reason folks can't just drop by for a tour is that an extensive background check is run on every visitor.  The good news, he explained, is that if I ever want to tour another synagogue in South America, I am now in their system.  Makes me wonder what other systems I might now be in!

The history of the temple was quite fascinating.  It was founded in 1938 when a large number of European Jews arrived due to discrimination prior to World War II.  In its peak, it had approximately 5,000, but today it has only 600 members.  They also operate a top notch school where 90% of the kids are non-Jews based on their excellent reputation.  The new temple was built in 2004 when the older neighborhood became too dangerous.  Today, there are about 6 - 10 Bar/Bat Mitzvahs per year as well as about 1-2 weddings.  There is a small Chabad House in Quito, but the majority of the Jews attend Comunidad Judia. 

The above picture is a large room containing the original contents from the old synagogue!

There is a gorgeous, large social hall for special events!

By the end of the tour, my guide was joking around and sincerely invited me to return to services.  This was the highlight of my last day in beautiful Quito.

Upon returning to the hotel, I noticed several soldiers, as well as police with riot gear at the entrance.  I speculated that the Venezuelan soccer team must be getting ready to travel.  Sure enough, the police motor escort came to guide their bus to the stadium.

Rob and I enjoyed a lovely "last" lunch at the hotel's sports bar, then napped, showered, and packed for Delta flight 680 departing at 0039!