suggestions for blending in while in Quito.
I\\\'m traveling to Ecuador, specifically Quito, for two months this summer as a part of a study abroad. I\\\'m an American and distinctively a \\\'gringa\\\' with fair skin and blue eyes. I\\\'m hoping to blend in as much as possible with local culture and styles in an effort to not draw any additional attention to myself. Does anyone have any suggestions or insight on the best ways to accomplish this?
Thanks!!
Kat
Reply to this Kat,
Here's my thoughts from my visit to Ecuador, realizing I'm a white guy versus a white girl.
You won't blend in...by virtue of being fair skinned and blue eyes, you will be identified as either American or European. That said, it is assumed you are a tourist and if you have the money to travel that far, assumed you are at least somewhat "rich". Now, that said, I think you can still have an enjoyable trip without constant bother.
Dress conservatively...don't wear much "branded" clothing (i.e. Abercrombie clothes). Don't try to use a map, at least on public streets. Duck into a store and pull out a map if needed. Additionally, while walking keep yourself with your head up and as if you know where you're going.
Ultimately, don't worry too much...you'll get asked for purchasing items on the street or occasionally for money, but I don't suspect you'll be bothered too much unless you put yourself into obviously bad situations (just like anywhere). Use common sense and I suspect you'll have little problems.
Reply to this I have to second what Gary said - there's no way you'll be able to pass as a local but there are ways to be more accepted by the locals and it's important not to look like someone who's just stepped off the plane and therefore is an easy target. I'm very dark haired and I never got mistaken for a local - the closest I got was everyone insisting I was Spanish. The weirdest I got was two guys who were arguing over whether I was Malaysian or Swiss!
Young Ecuadorians don't dress very differently from Americans or Europeans so take normal clothes like jeans, just don't take any expensive or favourite clothing (partly so you don't make a target of yourself and partly because everything that goes into one of the industrial sized washing machines there seems to come out ruined!)
You say you're on a study aborad programme - are you having a homestay? If so you'll probably have less hassle when you're with your host family than when you're alone and they could probably help you a lot.
As Gary said the best way to 'fit in', and hopefully be mistaken for a foreigner who either lives there or is there long-term, is just don't flash money, keep tight hold of your bag, no expensive jewellery when you're on public transport (take care on the metro as it's very common for pickpocketing), don't walk around with a map or Lonely Planet obviously displayed and if you get lost just look like you know where you're going and head straight for a bank or internet cafe either to consult the map or ask for help.
Mostly just have fun! It's an amazing country and you're sure to have a good time as long as you're sensible and exercise common sense!
Reply to this Thank you both so much!! Its so helpful to hear from people that have spent some time in the country and you've both relieved a lot of my stress about traveling!
thanks again!
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