Squashing the Controversy.

Hello all,

First of all, before I rant.  I want to thank all my readers for helping me reach over 6,000 page views.  I invite you all to subscribe to the mailing list so you can be up to date whenever I post.

Now, to squash the controversy.  I allowed a guest blogger to post their opinion of life in Quito on my blog.  When this blog was posted I got a few comments privately in regards to his slightly negative stance on life in Quito. 

I promised from day one that my blog would highlight the GOOD, the BAD, and the UGLY about what life can potentially be like for a gringo moving here.  It would not be fair for me to fall back on my promise and censor a guest blogger's opinion because it may have a negative impact on my business www.themiddleoftheworld.com .

Now I have to disclose I personally love Quito, this city is not for everyone.  My guest blogger has had some experiences that he felt he should share with other potential expats to this city.  Everyone will develop their own opinion of the city and some of those opinions will not paint a rosy Garden of Eden like picture of this growing metropolis.

I think the best thing anyone can do with ANY INFORMATION they read on the Internet about Quito or the rest of Ecuador is put it all in perspective that you are merely reading peoples opinions, marketing literature designed to persuade you to fall in love with the country, or literature designed to keep you away.  When deciding if Ecuador is right for you the best step is to first SCOUT the country on a 2 or 3 week visit to feel it out before deciding if this country is right for you.

Mike
www.themiddleoftheworld.com

Hoping for a Second Chance to Make a First Impression

 Hello all,

I would like to introduce William Perry, our first featured guest blogger for The Middle of the World.  He recently moved to Quito and will be practicing Psychology here helping Expats offering in person and virtual services.  You can learn more about him on his website www.online-therapy.biz


So it begins: 

Mike:
www.themiddleoftheworld.com

Hoping for a Second Chance to Make a First Impression:  

Ok, can we get back to the corn discussion above? Yes, the American model definitely looks more delectable – probably artificially designed that way, but whoever proved that that is bad for you? Don’t preservatives keep you alive longer? The Ecuadorian corn doesn’t look at all bad to me either, and frankly my tongue cannot discriminate between the two. But here’s the thing: When I am served corn in the U.S. it comes with soft butter and there is salt on the table. Here in Ecuador you have to ask for both and tolerate a look as if you’re from Mars. And no, I do not like cheese on my corn, or, for that matter, instant coffee anytime – the country’s latest craze.

This is not a service-oriented society. Not once have I not had to ask for something I shouldn’t have had to ask for (like silverware). I’ve eaten out every day for two months, and had good service about 20% of the time, mediocre service 70% of the time and just-walk-out service 10% of the time. You name it: Slow service, forgotten food, wrong food, the chef watching TV while you’re waiting to be fed, and waiting forever to pay an overpriced check for lousy food. And to make matters worse, for some reason every restaurant here thinks it enhances their atmosphere to have a blaring TV on.

I don’t even like corn very much, so like many foods here I only eat it because not much food that I like is readily available, or good. Corn is, according to Consumer Reports, 89% fiber and carbohydrate. With virtually no nutritional value, those two things will make you, along with the water in corn, feel a lot fuller than you are. Hence, you don’t eat much more food. Hence, lose weight. Don’t get me wrong – I am not a cornophobe – I just don’t think it’s a healthy staple. Nor soup. Nor potatoes. In the two months I’ve been here I feel like the Incredible Shrinking Man (free Big Mac if you can name the stars in that movie).

I have lost a lot of weight in the two months I’ve been here. And it’s not so complicated: The food sucks. Period. I’ve heard so many rationalizations but overall the food simply sucks. Unless you want to go to American style restaurants and pay American style prices. But I’m assuming you came here at least in part to get away from that. This is not a cultural issue. I’m talking about undercooked, overcooked, leather beef and eggs floating in grease. Hence I don’t eat much. I find myself eating because I “should,” not because I anticipate a good meal. Hence I lose weight. It is no more complicated than that. If you’re a soup-lover, however, this might be the home for you. Just don’t ask what’s in it.

Ok, so that’s just corn. Ecuador, or Quito in particular, is a lot more than corn. There are also potatoes. With everything. If I see another french fry I will retaliate with projectile vomit.

Now the disclaimer – I have only been here just over 2 months. I know very little and I have not had enough time to acclimate. I’m sure I will find a way to eat happily. I like the city of Quito and have already made a few friends here, so I don’t see the snobbery that Quito is often accused of. The weather is great – From 7am until 4pm. Then it gets cold. Very cold. There go my beloved walks in the evening. And if I don’t freeze to death I’ll get robbed, or so I hear.

Which brings us to safety. Face it folks, crime is everywhere and there are a few things you can do to prevent it. Especially since us gringos stand out more and everybody on this continent seems to think that we all carry gold coins in our pockets. Don’t wear jewelry (ANY). Don’t look lost, be aware of your surroundings, and don’t be drunk (yes, you can do it). Don’t go NEAR an ATM at night. If none of that works please just make them happy and give them your money, go home, get on your knees and say a prayer of gratitude. You still have your arms and legs (hopefully), and you’re not in Kansas anymore.

One further gripe: THIS PLACE IS NOT CHEAP. Don’t be mislead, like I was, by all these Internet forums and guidebooks. And especially not International Living. I live modestly and my expenses are pretty close to what I was paying in the U.S. I was counting on a much less-expensive experience. I was counting on being able to just write and not work for awhile. No way. And whatever you do, PLEASE don’t believe all those “Move to Ecuador and Live like a King” articles. You won’t, not unless you’re willing to give up most of what you like. And it won’t be king like at all. This is an expensive city, bottom line.

I’m learning that “manana” (“tomorrow”) means anywhere from 2 days to a week. I’m learning that when you smile at someone and say “Buenas Dias” you get a warm smile and greeting back. I’m learning that Juan Valdez makes the only good espresso in Quito and carries the best Tres Leches Cake I’ve ever had. I’m excited about exploring the city and getting to know it. I like the people, the culture, the parks, and (most of the time) the weather. I like that there is an actual opera here. I know that I know very little so far, and all this is no more than an initial impression from a total stranger only here for two months. I am determined to give this city a fair chance. I do see a lot of potential, gastronomical issues notwithstanding.

Dr. William I. Perry, Ph.D.

Clinical Psychologist and recent ex-pat to Quito, Ecuador

American Licensed Psychologist living in Quito.

Hello everyone.  I would like to introduce to everyone in the expat community an American Psychologist who is now living in Quito.  He has been in the country for a few months and decided to open up his services to local expats here.  His name is Dr. William I. Perry and and his license number is #PSY10384.

He offers Online Therapy for help with Alcoholism, Drug Addictions, Anxiety, Depression
Internet Therapy Sessions via Skype.  If you struggle with any of these problems and are seeking help it wouldn't be a bad idea to contact him directly through his website www.online-therapy.biz .

I just thought I would spread the word since there are so few working professionals here in Ecuador.

Unrelated to my posting but I thought you all might enjoy this little skyline snapshot I grabbed of Quito.

 

Planking in the Middle of the World. HAHA! #Planking

Last Sunday I went to the Middle of the World Monument (the fake one so I hear).  I went to the museum and checked out all the stores selling souvenirs.  It was good times.  If you go to Ecuador this is a must see destination.  Being in the Middle of the World is an amazing experience and a definite on your to do list if you come here.

the Museum inside the monument features historical break downs of all of the various indigenous cultures that live here within Ecuador's borders.  It is well worth the entrance fee of $3.00.  I was with my wife's cousins Patricio and Janette (I hope I spelled her name correctly if not please tell me) and we were acting quite foolish so I decided to "Plank" The Middle of the World!

I think I was the first person to ever go Planking in the Middle of the World (vigorous Google search to determine this) so I hereby release the photos (credits to Patricio Garzon for taking).

There it is!  The first Planking of the Middle of the World!  I had to do another where my body was lined up with the Equator so here that is (also compliments of Patricio Garzon).

Patricio also planked the Middle of the World but I don't know if his plank officially counts because he was not face down.  If it doesn't count please leave a comment so I know he needs to get his ass back down here and do it right!

Good times I tell you.

By the way, there is a proposal to build the WORLDS TALLEST Building here in the Middle of the World.  When I was inside the current monument museum they had this model of the project on display:

It is supposed to be twice as tall at the world's current tallest in Dubai and cost $200,000,000 to build.  We will see if this actually happens.  I have my doubts but apparently it is a private investor looking to have this built.  I re posted an article about this on my blog so dig deeper if your interested.  

We also visited the Panecillo with them and got to enjoy a panoramic view of Quito from the top of this monument dedicated to the Virgin Panecillo.

Guess what, you can go inside this one also!  at the top you can see all of the Quito and this one is also worth the $1.00 it takes to get in.

I took a panoramic shot myself to share with you all but it is mega miniature because I don't want to make my whole blog 8 feet long on your screen. 

 Now that there is going to be no airport in the middle of the city and the height restrictions are lifted, I can imagine this skyline shot will be full of skyscrapers in 20 years. 

This was a great day full of amazing sites sounds and food!  I wish I could remember the name of the restaurant we went to because it was delicious.  But most importantly it was a day where I got to spend time with two people who made a big impact on my life here in Ecuador.  Patricio and Janette.  Thanks for all the fun times!


Mike

A Night Stroll in La Ronda

Last night we decided to head over to the Central Historico sector here in Quito and check out La Ronda.  I have read that Quito has the largest historical center in all of the Americas, but that never meant much to me until I had a chance to drive through it.

Blocks upon blocks of edificios historicos (historical buildings) unveiled before me as my "Compadre" Santiago drove up and down hill on cobblestone roads.  As soon as we entered this section of the city I truly felt we must have driven through a time warp.  The only modern day scars to this side of town's authenticity are the Trole and the stop lights.

We arrive and park in a parking garage, normally a modernized an unsightly structure in most cities.  But this one was somehow, someway integrated from an existing hollowed out old building, to blend in with the rest of history.  We cross under the cobblestone bridge and enter La Ronda.  Again, I was amazed by the authenticity of this near ancient passage.

Everything slowed down.  The people walking, the cars driving, even the smells of street cuisine being served on the corners seemed to slowly find their way into my nostrils.  I was getting hungry as of course I always am.  We let the kid run around and play while we simply digested our surroundings.  It felt comfortable, homely, and welcoming.  An exact opposite of the feeling you get walking through La Mariscal at night, which is the modern tourist trap and gringo landing destination here.  (We will talk more about that on another blog).

With all the smells of typical Ecuadorian cuisine cooking from the multitudes of restaurants, my stomach finally wrestled my brain, convincing me and my family in law to walk inside a cozy little spot to eat.  By cozy I mean that my head nearly touched the ceiling, and I am only 5 foot 8.  I would have taken pictures of the Seco De pollo and Empanadas I ate but I was too busy destroying them.  For any travelers who come I highly recommend Cafe Musica in La Ronda.  Since I devastated all the food before I could whip my camera out I snapped a picture of the menu. 

Cafe Musical Menu.  For some reason I could not rotate the picture sorry. 

After our meal and a few Pilsener's (one of the locally brewed cervezas), we took off and headed back towards the car.  It looked like the bars and live venues were just starting to wake up by the time we were leaving.  I am positive I will come back without the little one to see how this place kicks off la noche.

Off topic.  My Spanish is evolving faster than expected.  I am still looking for trabajo but I am learning fast that being "American" is not a get out of jail free card when it comes to finding decent work here.  you need to know the language to thrive here, PERIOD.  there is NO "Little USA", here in Quito, and you will probably get charged double and taken advantage of if you do not speak the language.  If you are going to come here and you don't know the language, travel with someone who does, or make arrangements to have a guide take you around.  If you are coming here to live make sure you know basic Spanish at a minimum.  There are a few Ecuadorians that speak English and will be happy to speak with you, but not many.