6 Nights, should have been 8 nights in Quito!
Once again, I got the best advice from my good friend Artistyp.
First off, just to warn the readers, this is not a great trip report, but I wanted to report at least what I was able to do. After having some issues with the elevation in Mexico City, 7382 feet. I thought those issues would pass with time in Quito, 9350 feet. I was dead wrong! I could breath okay, but had to deal with major nose bleeds and dizziness every other day; it really made my trip average, to say the least.
Logistics:
Flight:
I flew AA round trip from San Diego for $1250 and some change. 5 hours to Miami and another 4 to Quito. On the way back, I flew 4 hours to Miami, 3. 5 to Chicago, and another 4 to San Diego.
Logging:
I rented a nice 2-bedroom apartment in a great location, in the safe La Floresta neighborhood. I rented there because it was less than 4 blocks to my Spanish school. I rented through Airbnb. It was off season and the apartment was only 67 bucks each night. There was 24 hour security and I had no problems bringing the Crazy Cubana into the place. Whenever I returned to the apartment, I always bought some food for the security dudes; they took great care of me!
[URL]https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/3797981[/URL]
Money:
The currency is the US dollar. Another great recommendation from Artistyp, I brought lots on ones, fives, and ten dollar notes. The taxis were cheap, as well as the small general stores, but them having change for a twenty was not a possibility. Most of the restaurants took credit cards.
Sim Card:
Bought my Sim card from a pharmacy, it was a Moviestar card. The card was 6 dollars and had 3 dollars worth of credit already on the card. Once I needed minutes on a Saturday, but it seemed every place was closed, except the Okey Dokey stores. Stupid name for a store, but they helped when I was in need. Texting and calling are a must for hooking up with others! BTW, if anyone is traveling to Quito in the near future and need a sim card, send me a PM (if you have an US address).
Transportation:
From the airport and back, I used one of the airport cabs for 25 dollars and the same price when I returned. In traffic, it was an hour trip. On the way back, I used the same driver at 4 in the morning, it only took 30 minutes. I used many cabs in Quito and never had an issue.
Spanish school:
Before I left, I checked out different Spanish schools in Quito. Because I have been Skyping with a teacher in Quito for the last few months, I decided to attend their intensive course for 4 hours a day, for 5 days. The school was Vida Verde. It was $240 for 20 hours of instruction. The school itself was a bit worn down, but the instruction was good.
Quito:
From another source, "Quito is roughly divided into three parts: the Old City at the centre, with southern and northern districts to either side. The greatest concentration of tourist facilities is in the North. Quito's Old City is the largest in the Americas. It has undergone a huge restoration and revitalization program over the last decade, mainly financed by the Inter-American Development Bank. It boasts no fewer than 40 churches and convents, 17 squares and 16 convents and monasteries. It's been called the 'Reliquary of the Americas' for the richness of its colonial- and independence-era architecture and heritage. It's a great quarter to wander, with several excellent museums and plenty of restaurants and terrace cafes for a rest while sightseeing.
Modern, northern Quito (on a map, up until the southern tip of the airport) is a fun place to explore, with plenty of museums and urban parks as well as restaurants and nightlife. The southern and northern (from the airport up) districts of the city are more working class and seldom visited by tourists. ".
There is no official red-light district in Quito but you can find many places (sex clubs / chongos) to find working girls. Plaza Foch is also called a red light area. Location is: Calle Foch why Reina Victoria esquina. This area is also called Gringolandia. I had mixed views about the area, call it a love / hate relationship. I liked exploring the side streets, but was not fond of watching Gringos acting like they were fucking special in the main plaza.
Weather:
During the day, the weather was nice, similar to the weather in San Diego. At night, the weather cooled down a bit. A light jacket was plenty enough. During my stay, there were a few thunderstorms that came and went in a timely manner.
Food:
There is a good reason that there are no Ecuadoran restaurants in San Diego County; the food is not that special. I ate at these restaurants:
Achiote Ecuador Cuisine: Excellent.
Fried Bananas: Very good.
La Briciola Italian: Excellent.
Bocatto De Fiorentino Italian: Very good.
The Women:
Because the trip was to focus on Spanish, I contacted a few women on Latin American Cupid. The ones I contacted had no English speaking skills. This does take time and a lot of effort. I met two of the ladies for dinner. It was great to work on my conversation skills, but that is about as far as it went. I enjoyed sharing a meal, because I usually eat alone for the most part.
The Legend:
I was lucky enough to be in city at the same time as World Travel 69 (WT69). This dude is a dedicated monger that produces lists of places to go, so we, the other mongers can use his lists and monger our sick hearts out! He is like a hound dog, going through each list and finding the place, the prices, and so forth. He puts a lot of time and effort, as well as spending money on cabs seeking out the places that are opened or closed. I first met him in Managua a few years ago, and it was my pleasure to hang with him once again.
Sex clubs / Chongos: First off, cameras were either not allowed in the clubs, or you dared not take any photos; I respected the rules. Also, most of the clubs required your original passport to enter. The security dudes looked at the passport pages like they knew what they were fucking looking for; too funny!
Bar 112:
This was the first club I went to with WT69 on a Saturday afternoon and the place was packed. 25-35 women, and a shit load of locals. Many of the women were downright fucking hot! Being the only Gringos did not slow us down a bit; we started talking to many of the girls. It was 3 bucks cover which included one beer or a bottle of water. The girls were $15 for 30 minutes, no extra charge for the room. We decided to sit down and watch the hot bodies stroll by, then this fucking hottie came and sat next to WT69. Within two minutes, he was headed up to the room. I started talking to a chocolate hottie and as I was taking her up, WT69 was on his way down. We both left quite happy!
Blush:
Within a stone throw, we stopped in Blush. Less crowed, but less hot chicas as well. Once again, it was 3 bucks cover and included one beer or a bottle of water. The girls were $15 for 30 minutes, no extra charge for the room.
After, I headed back to the apartment because I had a Cupid date later in the evening. After a nice dinner, I sent her packing. I grabbed a cab and headed to North Quito alone.
Dollhouse:
At this high class club, you have to run a tab, no money upfront. $3 cover and I was quoted $200+ for one hour with a chica of my choice; fuck that! As I was sitting sipping my screwdriver, the mesero rounded up all the chicas and each and every one came to meet me, that included a kiss on the cheek; nice touch. I counted around 30 chicas, some were from Colombia and Cuba. Very hot indeed, but for the price? I asked my mesero for my check and he told me $30. I asked him, "For what?" he told me it was an $30 minimum. So I asked him how much would my screwdriver be alone, he told me $20; fuck that place! I picked up a driver outside the club.
Marques de Sade:
This fucking place had three different checkpoints to check my passport! $3 entry included a beer, $5 more got me my screwdriver. 15-20 chicas, $20 for 20 minutes. Tons of fucking sausage, not really impressed with the place. My driver and I left within 15 minutes.
Blue Stop 155:
My favorite place of the night. No Cover! 25+ chicas, many were hotties! I was able to bury my face into one of the dancer's ass for a dollar tip; how I miss the old days. The locals seemed amused by my silliness. $20 for 20 minutes. I met a hottie from Cuba and just had to spend at least 20 minutes with her; best 20 bucks I spent in Quito! After that, my driver and I headed back to Central Quito.
Havana:
The club is close to Plaza Foch. $3 cover, $20 for 20 minutes. As soon as I walked in the club, I picked out the girls from the DR, at least 4 of them. The entry charge covered my screwdriver; I liked the place. It happened to be the birthday of the hottest DR girl. She asked me for a drink, but her face was buried into her cell phone, so I passed on her birthday present.
The Crazy Cubana (CC):
As I was leaving the Havana club late night Saturday, I realized I was close to Plaza Foch. As I was walking down the side street to get to the Foch, and constantly dogging the trannies, this woman came running up to me to say Hello,. Turns out, she was from Cuba and did not have a dick; it was all good. I took her for a drink and we talked a bit. She did not have a phone, but took down my number and I told her to call me tomorrow.
She called Sunday, but I felt like shit, and a large storm blew in and stayed for awhile. All the restaurants I wanted to go to were closed. After the storm, I decided to walk and look for a place to eat. Lucky for me, La Bricola was open, and they served Pisco Sours to boot; life was better at that point. While I was eating, CC kept calling me, and from different phones; thus I had trouble keeping track of who was calling.
On Monday, she kept calling while I was in school. During a break, I called and told her to meet me at 9 in the center of Plaza Foch. I chose 9 because I had a dinner date at 7. I was sitting in one of the outdoor restaurants / bars waiting for the CC. She showed up with her huge, I mean huge, friend. This girl had more rolls and layers of fat that she put the Michelin Man to shame! She could barely squeeze in the outdoor chair. I almost had to order some oil or butter so I could help her slid in the chair.
So, I asked them if they wanted a drink, and they did, of course. I dared not to ask if they were hungry! After a couple of drinks, I asked the CC if she wanted to come to my apartment, and she did. Then she asked if her friend could come as well. I wanted to tell her that the elevator in my building had a weight limit, so it would not be possible to get her big ass to my floor, unless the fire department assisted. But, I didn't, I just said I wanted to spend time with only her and she was happy about that.
Once I got her in the apartment and had better lighting, she looked a tad older. I asked her how old she was, and she told me 23. Yeah right, in fucking dog years! But I was polite nevertheless. I poured her a strong screwdriver and after she took a couple of sips, she held her glass up and said, "Ms vodka por favor. " I just knew we were meant to be life partners at the point and time! She stayed for a few hours, played well, and I booted her out around 3 am. She wanted to sleep over, but my mom does not allow that! I put some money in her purse, and we waited outside until a cab finally came.
Tuesday I had a shitty health day! I was supposed to stay until Saturday, but I called American Airlines and told them to get me the fuck out of Quito on Thursday. They changed my flight for $65; not bad at all.
Conclusion:
I really liked Quito and would have love to explore all the sex clubs / chongos, as well as spending time with the locals. The people were friendly and for the most part, the weather was good. It is a large city with a lot to offer. Having typed all that, HOWEVER, the altitude kicked my ass! Every other day sucked, and I felt restricted in what I could do and not do. For me, I don't like any restrictions when I travel and play. So even though it was a complete experience, good or bad, I will never return to Quito. I guess La Paz, Bolivia is off my "places to go next" list!
