I had a good opportunity to check out the City today. The day started with a trip to BMW to have some repairs done. While there, I learned some interesting stuff about Quito, and that it is insanely expensive. I looked at the 2016 version of my bike and found out that it costs more than twice here than what it would cost in the States (and Panama). While they were working on the bike, I went to the mall. Looked around, has some sticker shock, and assembled the following chart for giggles:
After BMW, I went and had lunch with my friend Chris, and met his little son and significant other, Leonardo and Francesca. Very nice people. Tomorrow we are all going to head up and see the Middle of the World monument, I know touristy, but if you go to Paris you have to see the Eiffel Tower.
Item US Price Ecuador Price
BMW 1200GS $18,200 $41,999
Garmin Nuvi 40 $125.99 $295.00
GoPro Sessions $199.00 $525.00
North Face Baseball Cap $21.00 $41.00
Burger King Tendergrill San. $4.99 $6.79
Now the service industry is not making much money, my hotel, in the business district, is $21 a night, two hours of mechanics time on my bike, with parts and a complete washing, $47.35, and a dedicated Uber driver for 2.5 hours, $5.50. My driver would have to drive for 5 hours to pay for the gas ($1.40/gallon), car and a chicken sandwich at BK. Seems like a failing business model to me.
After BMW, I went and had lunch with my friend Chris, and met his little son and significant other, Leonardo and Francesca. Very nice people. Tomorrow we are all going to head up and see the Middle of the World monument, I know touristy, but if you go to Paris you have to see the Eiffel Tower.
I will say this, if you could afford it, Quito would be a nice place to stay for a while. I was even more impressed with the City today, than I was yesterday.
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