Don't get fucked on Foch!
I was headed out to grab a bite to eat at about 10pm tonight. Upon exiting my new hotel, Hotel Chalet Suisse, and heading towards Amazonas, a black guy started talking to me, and walking beside me, trying to get friendly. Uh, no thanks. I wave him off, but he kept getting closer, which is a bad sign. I turned around and back to Reina Victoria. I walked along Reina Victoria, by the restaurants with all the outside seating. I went down Foch, and again was accosted by a younger black guy asking for money. I told him no, and kept walking.
I got to Mera and kept going straight. It seemed on every corner, there were 1 or 2 black guys. One outside of the Magic Bean. I head across the street to the Mexican restaurant, went upstairs to check out the menu, but nothing exciting. Head up to Amazonas, and spot 4 lowlife looking guys sitting on the corner, with 2 more on the opposite corner. They seem to be excited to see me coming their way. One guy starts walking towards me fast, and I start to turn away, just as a lighter skin guy is running up and trying to stick his hand in my pants pocket. I hit him, and start yelling at him, but the mofo has already run off. I reverse direction, and head back to "safer" territory. Some people up the street had seen it, and wanted to know if I wanted to call the cops.
I saw the cops one street over, and was trying to wave them down. Doubtful they'd catch the guy, but it never hurts. However, the cops just went driving by. One guy, who I think was the owner of a restaurant or club there told me that I should have killed the guy. I'm sure this type of activity ruins his business. He had his security guard take me over to the corner where the cops had been, right by Papayanet. No cops to be found. As I'm standing there, a waiter inside flags me down, as David and his chica are inside. I go inside and talk to them a bit, and calm down some.
They hadn't even felt the earthquake, maybe just people in bigger buildings, or people sitting around like I was when it happened.
In my previous two nights on Mera and Wilson, I walked around a bit after dark, but not as late as this, with no problem. Earlier in the week, I had walked from Colon/9 de Octobre all the way to Guajira, most of it in the total dark, and had no problems. It just goes to show you. Art had pointed this out before, and I hadn't run into to it yet.
It's too bad that these thieves are attracted to the tourist areas, as I think it really fucks it up for a lot of people coming here. I mean, I wasn't hurt, nothing was taken, but it's still a big pain in the ass.
Gringolandia after dark - BE CAREFUL
Hey Jaimito, many have been there. The SAE can help one stay informed of the crimes directed at tourists, gringos, etc.
Gringolandia after dark - BE CAREFUL especially after 8pm Sunday through Thursday on the the side streets around Juan Mera. If you're NOT a tough guy but you want or need to be out there, you should buy some pepper spray at a uniform shop [two sizes - both less than $15]. Have it in your hand and ready while in your pocket.
The same damn day I bought the stuff, I was forced to use it later in the evening. At least twice more over the following months I had thieves back away after I pulled it out. Take a few practice shots somewhere [like a garbage can, etc] to make sure it's working and that you learn how to aim it.
Plan to away from the direction of the wind. Wash your hands well after using it & before touching your face [and eyes !].
Also, if you are NOT a homophobe, I'd suggest that you act as though you are when around the trannie prostitutes in Quito [probably elsewheres in Latin America as well]. I think it would be a safe bet that most of them are ladrones [thieves]. If they get close enough to you, they may rush into your pockets and then run. They are stronger than women and can give you a good fight if you're not used to scrapping or if you are out of shape.