SHARLA: Our last day in Quito, and in Ecuador, was a quiet, lazy day. It was Sunday, and we were staying downtown. Even though November 2nd is a big holiday here and this weekend is a celebration, too, downtown was very quiet. Most of the stores were closed, so we decided to go to Independence Park, and people-watch for a while. It's hard to believe that just a few weeks ago, right here in this very park, the police revolted against President Correa, and two of them died right here. You would never know it from the celebrations going on today.
We sat watching people from all walks of life stroll by, many more "gringos" than we've seen all month. The sun was bearing down on us, but as soon as a cloud swam under the sun, it cooled off drastically for a while. In the early afternoon, as is usually the case here, the clouds became thicker and darkened, and rain threatened. We were told by a local, Marcos, that we should go to the cemetery nearby, where there was more activity...bands playing and booths of food set up, where the indigenous folks buy the food for and sing to their dead relatives. We walked for several blocks, and asked directions from a police officer, but after a while, we gave up on trying to find it.
We decided to eat one last meal at Cafe del Fraille, and then head back to the hotel to pack and retire early. Our flight left at 6:30am the next morning, which meant we had to be at the airport at 4:30am, and be up by 3:00am. We did and, we made it home last night around 9:00pm.
There have been a lot of changes since our first trip to Ecuador in early 2009. It seems that the culture is much more Americanized....ball caps, where we had seen none before, Aeropostle and American Eagle clothing everywhere, not as much indigenous clothing worn by the locals...salt shakers on the tables, where before we were looked at as though we were crazy when we asked for salt for our food.
But, some things have not changed, NO ONE has change for a $10 bill, let alone a $20, even though the ATM only spits out twenties. And, I'm talking stores, and restaurants. Oh, except for the ATM in the airport next to the immigration tax booth where you have to pay $40.80 to leave Ecuador....that one spit out all fives! Why not have those all over Ecuador? And not just at the airport when you are leaving???
The people of Ecuador still seem somewhat suspicious of strangers, but we met some awesome Ecuadorians, who genuinely seemed glad we were there. The weather is great, and the scenery breathtaking.....those things haven't changed. I hope that the influx of retirees fleeing to Ecuador for a beautiful life doesn't change the true Ecuadorian spirit that is
Ecuador, because it is amazing and awesome just as it is.
Until next trip.....CIAO!!!
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