We found the American travelers. They are hanging out in Quito at 9,350 feet and attending Spanish language classes.
It still has a sense that it is going through some economic rough times. Some of the buildings look like they held stores and cafes rather than hulking empty along the parks as they do now.
The country has certainly seen a good deal of upheaval recently:
“In 1999, the government was near bankruptcy, the currency lost 40% of its value against the dollar, and the poverty rate soared to 70%, doubling in five years.”
“Within two years, Ecuador’s economy had rebounded from the brink of collapse. The economy grew by 5.4% for 2001, the highest rate in Latin America. Inflation was 22%, down from 91% in 2000, and the budget was balanced. But chronic corruption among senior government officials, as well as among the courts and the judiciary, has continued. According to Quito’s chamber of commerce, Ecuador annually loses $2 billion (11.2% of the GDP) a year to corruption.”
- FactMonster.com
As for the people and atmosphere, something about good year round weather on the equator must put people in a good mood. The crowds we passed were in good spirits and folks were friendly. We definitely added Ecuador to list of possible places to go for intensive Spanish classes. The city seems more like a sprawling town than a city, yet has a good set of cafes in the New Town and enough nightlife to keep the evenings interesting. (Although, we can’t say that we recommend a group of very off key, off tempo musicians at the La Bodeguita de Cuba restaurant.. although the food was good.)
