Yesterday night, Chase and I were looking for a restaurant that was slightly "off map." I didn't mind hunting for a few blocks looking for the place, but it was after dark so we turned around after a few blocks. So we are back on one of the main drags of New Quito - maybe 4 blocks from our hotel, close to other people, cafes, etc., when some guy walks behing Chase and sticks his hand in his front pocket! Chase valiantly grabbed the guy by the wrist before he got far into it, and he quickly scampered off when he was caught. Thankfully, several people asked him if he was ok, but a crazy moment nonetheless.
We have decided to travel to Colombia overland, rather than fly. We are in a smaller town north of Quito, Otavalo, which is well known for its Saturday market. We will stay here overnight, and maybe head tomorrow to Ibarra, 30 minutes from the border, or just stay anther night here. Haven't seen much yet, so check back later for details on Otavalo.
Details to follow on...
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1 comment:
Hi Jason,
it's Rebecca, Paul's wife. Too bad you didn't give Paul a call while you were in Quito. He's always up for a drink.
I'm sure you know this, but be careful with that overland crossing into Colombia from Ibarra. Lots of FARC and paramilitaries. Seriously. Of course, they probably won't go after 2 American tourists, but I get a different perspective, having listened to the stories of Colombian refugees for the last 2 months. The FARC tracks down people who flee Colombia. One of our clients fled from Putumayo, came to Quito where he helped a fellow refugee not get kidnapped, then went to Ibarra for his own safety. While there, someone delivered a death threat to his hostal, with a nice shotgun shell attached to the note.
I guess just stay away from the jungle while you're at the border and beyond.
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