closer now

Ever wonder why no Starbucks coffee clones in Quito?

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August 9th 2008
Quito is a fine city in my estimation. Bustling city of 2 million, 9,000 foot elevation, US dollar economy. It is to the visitor what one makes it. And of course, attitude is everything. Personally, I had to check in my Ameri-centristic attitudes at LAX with the intentions of leaving them there at least until I reluctantly return to smogsville in the early fall. Oh and it is so easy to espouse pop ... read more

South America » Ecuador » North » Quito

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The "Republic of the Equator" was one of three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others are Colombia and Venezuela). Between 1904 and 1942, Ecuador lost territories in a series of conflicts with its neighbors. A b... ... read more