Finished my second week of school and to celebrate (rather than plan all day) I have decided to designate this weekend to exploring the surrounding neighborhoods,. Today it was Inaquito, a huge market 15 minutes walk from my place. I was told from a co-worker at happy-hour yesterday that I could find Sriracha, sesame oil and other Asian foods here. Unfortunately, I think she lied to me. However, I did manage to find out that there is plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood here. Also there were lots of food stalls selling lunch and snack items. I was just looking today, but I plan on going back soon to try their comidas tipicos ("typical meals").
After Inaquito I scoped out the local malls seeing what they have to offer. Not much really. They're crowded with wealthy Ecuadorians and teenagers, and everything is overpriced. I also stick out like a sore thumb, and everyone stares at me as I walk by. As I made my way through both Quicentro and EL Jardin I noticed that both malls play U2 cover bands through their pa systems (think elevator versions of U2). Not just the hits either, I heard covers from both The Unforgettable Fire and Zooropa albums. Lastly, you might think Christmas comea early in department stores in the US, well it's already arrived here in Quito. Lights, trees, ornaments...everything! After ten minutes in each mall, I couldn't take it anymore.
Finally, I made my way to the east side of La Carolina Park. My apartment is located on the west side of the park, and the entire eastern side is tattooed with middle eastern Shawarma restaurants, so I decide to have lunch in one that caught my eye a few weeks back. I was in heaven! Two shawarma sandwiches and a 22oz. beer set me back a measly $7. Not only that, but the altitude here made that beer seem like it was a 40-oz. Ordering in Spanish, and making small talk with the owner almost made me feel euphoric in a way. Can't wait out get back out there tomorrow and see what else I can find.
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