Quito, Ecuador

First South American city...done! Hardest thing: Umm...did I mention that I am in SOUTH AMERICA!!!

I am having a cool time out here...I am still in Quito...and still learning about the city. I am thoroughly enjoying myself and still dont really believe that I am out here...every now and then, I think..."Shit, Im in Ecuador, what the hell am I doing here!!" and then the feeling passes and I carry on!! hehe!!

Quito is in a valley, and so one can find themselves faced with some pretty steep slopes to climb every now and then!! Its bloody hard work, but i now have calves of steel!! I was staying in the ´old town´ in the first week -its quite a nice part of the city, obviously more historical than the other parts (though I havent actually done any sightseeing as such yet), but a little more on the dodgy side, in parts! Over the last few days, I have been staying in the new town...there are alot more foreigners (and theives!) about, but it is cool.

Quito itself is such a cool city, surrounded by mountains on all sides...its so incredible to look out and above the bustle of the town and be faced with these great, big mountains!! The people are unbelievable too, havent actually been to a market yet, but heard it gets better!! Def very interesting to see such a variety of people...ranging from the traditionally dressed indigenous to the suited and booted business men!! The people here are literally 4ft tall (ok thats a slight exaggeration, they are about 3ft tall!!!! I feel like a bloody giant!!)

Also, as with every new place, its always fun to check out what the street hawkers are selling, the ice cream looks like a winner...scoops in cones that are cooled on blocks of ice, by the sides of the road!! Just wondering how polluted it is though...the buses are manic here, belching out thick, black smoke!! Might have to ease myself into trying that, its prob the most carcinogenic ice cream i´ll ever come across!! Its funny to see the way things work out here...similar to Nigeria in ways e.g. they have sellers on the sides of the roads etc but still deifferent at the same time (if that makes any sense at all!!)

On the safety and security side; Ive been told to maintain awareness at all times, dont be a hero if challenged by a robber (ie just give ´em what ya got!), and take cabs absolutely EVERYWHERE after dark -even if you are only going a block or two!! To be honest, its not too bad, havent felt threatened or unsafe yet (which is def a plus) and walking around with a max of $10 in my pocket, I figure im not set to lose too much!!

Have hooked myself up with some Spanish lessons, find that every now and then my Spanish skills completely deteriorate into some incoherent mix of Spanglish...doesn´t fare too well with me trying to fit in as a local!! -though got stopped by two Peruvians tourists this afternoon and was asked directions to some park....so i guess im not doing too badly!!

Made friends with the baker round the corner (priorities!!) His croissants are muy fantastico but break the bank a little at $0.08 each!! Ok all for now.....