Vive e aprende...

Living and learning is what we're all about here in Quito. Today we found a few activities we won't be trying again any time soon.
Numero uno: no more shopping malls! On the hunt for necessities, (i.e. jeans that fit, and or a belt -- despite indulging in almuerzos and ice cream we've all lost a bit around the waist) we found only expensive and rather tacky clothes. We all splurged on high SPF sunblock, but made it out of the cramped, overpriced, imported-goods fest without losing more than a 10 spot. Oh! and Hallye got a sweet pair of shades, mos def a necessity, as we are supremely close to the sun. Many Ecuadorians walk around with a newspaper over their head, as if expecting rain...really they are shading their eyes. Sunglasses seem to be a luxury, still. Certainly none of the indigenous folks are rocking shades. Many mestizos and upper class oscuros kept them on while strolling through the mall, so I'm thinking it's more of a "hey look at me, I can afford these shiny shades" kinda thing.
Numero dos: No more traveler's checks! Poor Katie went from bank to bank, and there is one after another on the main street we were cruising, only to hear: Sorry, no can do. We'll have to make our way to a 'casa del cambio' which seem less reputable than an actual bank, and might charge a bit too much. Keep your fingers crossed that we're wrong!
Numero tres: No more postcards! Sorry folks, today was most likely the first and last round of snail mail you'll be receiving. Almost $2 per postale, which means: escargot no mo', email it is. It's much faster and your darlings abroad will be generally happier as we've not had to shell out our precious pennies, nor spend hours trying to find a post office.
Much love! Pax