Ah, Quito! Where I spent two lovely weeks (total) and met nothing but
friendly people and found many wonderful museums, shops, and
restaurants. Where the friendly owners of a pension let me leave extra
baggage while I explored other parts of the country. Where I took the
trolley many times without a hitch. Kept a low profile as I always do
when traveling, and never had a moment's worry. Got a chuckle out of
the gringos clutching their backpacks to their chests while walking
down Amazonas. And yes, when you're ready to move on, do go to Banos,
the Rio Napo, Cuenca, Galapagos, Salasaca...
Maggie
Jackson wrote:
> Ah, Quito! Where you are almost guaranteed to have your wallet lifted
> if you ride the trolley. Where somebody on the street will squirt
> mustard on your pants and lift your wallet as they pretend to clean it
> (Of course, if you just got off the trolley, they won't waste their
> time). Where you dare not take a taxi at times for fear of robbery.
> Where you set down your bag for a moment then turn to find it gone.
> Where unemployment (or underemployment) is ... who knows what it is
> now... 50, 70, 80 % ?
>
> The place to go in Quito is the airport to get the next plane to
> anywhere out.
>
> Been there, done that!
>
> Try Cuenca, Ba=F1os, Loja, or other mountain places instead. Ecuador is
> a beautiful and friendly country, just Avoid Quito and all the coastal
> cities.
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