Onward
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
- Joined
- Jul 1, 2009
- Messages
- 1,934
Today is my third day in Quito, Ecuador. I´ve come down here to see the country and get a feel for it as a retirement destination. I plan to move around, so I should be able to report on various places in the mountains, on the coast, and even in the Amazon basin.
Here are some impressions so far. I´m new in Quito, so please don´t take these as once-and-for-all statements about this place.
Quito is big and bustling. You would have to be a city person to want to settle here.
You need Spanish, but my rudimentary Spanish has been sufficient so far. I certainly would not be able to conduct transactions like buying a house, though.
The colonial center of the city is old, ornate, and beautiful. If I were to live here, I would consider that area.
Public transportation is very good. Lots of buses and taxis going anywhere you want to go. Sometimes the buses get very crowded though.
It is really inexpensive here. Yesterday I had breakfast out (two eggs, bread, cheese, juice) for $1.25. Dinners can be had for a bit more. I´ve been having dinner in fancy restaurants for around $12, including tax and tip. I know you could eat well for a lot less. A 30-minute taxi ride across town cost me $6, and I think I overpaid.
The food so far is great. The local dishes I´ve tried have been incredibly tasty. The exception is cuy (guinea pig), which I didn´t care for. It was fatty and tasted a bit fishy. Maybe the preparation?
The weather is perfect. High 70s (fahrenheit, of course!) during the day and maybe low 60s at night. No rain yet. Equatorial sun is strong, I sunburned quickly.
I feel as though you have to be somewhat on your guard here. Petty theft is a reality in some places, especially the buses and bus stations. I´ve been told not to walk after 9pm. I´ve followed that rule and so far had no problems.
By far the biggest highlight so far is the locals. Despite their hardships they are very, very friendly. In three days I´ve gotten more big, genuine grins from people than I´ve had in the past six months.
I´m headed to the mountain town of Otavalo tomorrow, and then I plan to see the coast. I´ve heard good things about those coastal towns. Some have a contingent of gringo expats already.
More to come....
Here are some impressions so far. I´m new in Quito, so please don´t take these as once-and-for-all statements about this place.
Quito is big and bustling. You would have to be a city person to want to settle here.
You need Spanish, but my rudimentary Spanish has been sufficient so far. I certainly would not be able to conduct transactions like buying a house, though.
The colonial center of the city is old, ornate, and beautiful. If I were to live here, I would consider that area.
Public transportation is very good. Lots of buses and taxis going anywhere you want to go. Sometimes the buses get very crowded though.
It is really inexpensive here. Yesterday I had breakfast out (two eggs, bread, cheese, juice) for $1.25. Dinners can be had for a bit more. I´ve been having dinner in fancy restaurants for around $12, including tax and tip. I know you could eat well for a lot less. A 30-minute taxi ride across town cost me $6, and I think I overpaid.
The food so far is great. The local dishes I´ve tried have been incredibly tasty. The exception is cuy (guinea pig), which I didn´t care for. It was fatty and tasted a bit fishy. Maybe the preparation?
The weather is perfect. High 70s (fahrenheit, of course!) during the day and maybe low 60s at night. No rain yet. Equatorial sun is strong, I sunburned quickly.
I feel as though you have to be somewhat on your guard here. Petty theft is a reality in some places, especially the buses and bus stations. I´ve been told not to walk after 9pm. I´ve followed that rule and so far had no problems.
By far the biggest highlight so far is the locals. Despite their hardships they are very, very friendly. In three days I´ve gotten more big, genuine grins from people than I´ve had in the past six months.
I´m headed to the mountain town of Otavalo tomorrow, and then I plan to see the coast. I´ve heard good things about those coastal towns. Some have a contingent of gringo expats already.
More to come....