Quito, Ecuador- A brief moment of panic on the plane as I made the final descent into Quito and four months on my own in South America. But it passed quickly. Two days now in another world and I feel great, very calm and totally ready for the ride. I am in adventure mode, which is my element. The transition is a rush. New York City in the morning, Quito in the evening. Like being dropped into a dream.
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The people of Quito are kind and helpful, smiling amiably as I stumble along with my crippled Spanish. Very little English is spoken here. I plan to spend a couple weeks studying in Baños or Cuenca before traveling any further. Quito is basically divided into the Old City, pictured here with El Panecillo (an angel on a hilltop) watching over, and the New City, which is gringo central with many hostels and clubs. I have been staying at The Secret Garden, a great hostel with a terrace overlooking the Old City. An evening scene with El Panecillo in the background is shown below.
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In two days I’ve met loads of travelers from all over the world. Instant friends are made amongst the backpacking set. It’s a brilliant time, with story after hilarious story being passed around over Pilsener beers next to an open fire in a wheelbarrow on the terrace. It’s a fascinating community, and backpacker hostels are generally cheap, safe, and clean. It’s easy to see how one could get stuck on the gringo trail, speaking mostly English, and never get a real taste of immersion in another culture. It´s not a bad way to go, really, hanging out with interesting people in fascinating places. I’m curious to see how much I break out of it. (more…)
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