Mingling with the residents at a maximum security prison, and getting stuck in Quito for a bit longer!

Party!...Matt & Lee, who were on my Galapagos trip, and Dave

The other day I saw a kiwi guy who I'd already met when I first arrived in Quito. We got chatting and he told me about a prison out of town, where they have visitor days. Obviously these are meant for family, but there are several foreigners in there that are just happy for some company. One of these is an Englishman (I'm not going to name him as he's not been sentenced yet), who was brought in for allegedly setting up a shipment of cocaine to the UK 3 years ago.

My arm showing the 4 stamps I had to get to be allowed into the prison.

Gaining access to the prison was somewhat tricky, entailing two thorough searches, a collage of stamps on my left arm, removal of my belt and watch and handing over my passport. I ended up spending a whole afternoon at this maximum security prison, meeting quite a few people, all of which had some really eye-opening stories to tell. BUT, I'm not going to say too much on the whole event right now, although I will in a few weeks when I'm home.

More recently I've had a bit of luck finding some short term work here in Quito. Yesterday I moved into the Marriott hotel, where I've got a room and breakfast for the next week, and all I have to do is play the piano for a few hours each night! Probably the weirdest feeling I've had in ages, suddenly going from staying in cheap dorm rooms at hostels to a king bed and wearing a tux each night...certainly can't complain though.

Wasn't able to get away with working in my shorts and flip flops...

Rio will be the next stop, probably next week at some point. More stories soon! xxx

written by  Ayglesia on August 25, 2007 from Quito, Ecuador
from the travel blog: Alex's round the world adventure
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