10th Jan 2016
Quito is a large city of around two and a half million people. The properties range from tiny one room shacks clinging to the side of hills that surround the outskirts, to many, many flats of various types and sizes from the very basic to the quite large, Spanish styles. The huge range of rich and poor is the same as in most parts of the world and although we travelled through a great deal of Quito on our travels, we personally didn't see any begging. They are all trying to make a living, but by selling anything on the streets they can, from flowers, fruit, shawls and various home made crafts. Dogs wander, kids play, but the Quito folks seem happy and the poorest seem to survive better than I've seen in a lot of other cities of the world.
The Hop on Hop off bus has got to be the most amazing value trip to do. With 11 stops at various points around it's ideal and extremely good value (15$ or 7.50$ seniors for a day pass) This is the perfect way to see all parts of town from the high rolling Banking area, to the main Square and Cathedral of San Fransisco a tourist hub, through all points in between. Quito sits around 9000 feet above sea level but the best view is the huge statue of the Virgin Mary who looks down on her residents from the highest vantage point. As much as many people told us to beware of pickpockets and the like, with a quite large, but never threatening police presence, we felt quite safe in daytime. That could feel very different at night, but I cannot say as we didn't venture out after dark. Of course, being sensible and not carrying around anything expensive, even cameras, I felt was the wisest move. Keep minimal belonging hidden in a small backpack is best.
Quito is fascinating, the building in the 'old part of town' are beautifully kept and we really loved the atmosphere, enjoyed great coffee in the little cafe by the Cathedral and could have sat, people watching for hours. It's a great place to enjoy a day.