A 5am departure from our hotel, with Antoinette and her driver. An easy check in and an upgrade strangely for our flight to Lima. A 10.30 flight onwards to Quito in Ecuador, although it was delayed a bit. Unusually we had a full meal and drinks service onboard. We had a very tricky landing - as we came in to land the pilot suddently took off again quite sharply. Wind shear he said. We are in the mountains so I guess it could be tricky. I was then very nervous about the second attempt, but we landed fine about 1.30pm. We had a long 30 USD taxi drive, with heavy traffic once we got to Quito itself. First impressions is that Ecuador is wealthier than Peru, although they have had their monetary challenges. Now they use the US dollar, but their own coins! The first sign I saw in the toilet in the airport made me smile! This isn’t allowed in Peru!
We are staying the Hilton Colon with a nice room on the 6th floor overlooking a park, well removed from the traffic noise. We took what we thought would be a short walk out later just to explore. However Quito is not so attractive to walk in as Arequipa, at least from our hotel. Busy roads and a contretemps at a bus stop between security and someone just made us feel a little uneasy. Fewer tourists perhaps?
Anyway we had a map from the hotel so walked towards a recommended restaurant just for a beer, and discovered Quito’s hot spot, certainly for the young. Plaza Foch was full of bars, and young folks in the square chatting and drinking. We stopped for a beer, got a deal of 3 beers for 10 USD and watched the world go by.
As it got dark the square filled us. We were on a limited budget as we hadn’t planned to stay out for dinner somwe dod t have much money with us. A stroll around the square soon showed we could have a burger and beers for 40 USD, so thats what we did.
Enjoyed the buzz and the 80’s music. But we were slightly pertubed by the sight if a huge police van drive into the middle of the square and park up for the duration. Expecting trouble?
Anyway a 10 minute straight walk home. We will explore the old town tomorrow having very definitely experienced the new town tonight!
