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.
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.
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. Continue reading →
