Business

The economies of Ecuador and Peru were never really booming, and things seem to have gotten worse in the last few years. In 2000, Ecuador dollarized its economy—and while intending to make things better, has only worsened the situation according to Carmeta (my Spanish teacher). Many international companies are leaving or downsizing, she said, and Coca-Cola recently fired a slew of workers to rehire new employers at drastically lower wages. Peru’s economy, while strong in the 90’s, is also slipping. (According to estimates, about 50 percent of its population lives below the poverty line.)

Still, capitalism was no a chimera in the cities, with plenty of signs of the global economy clearly displayed. Interestingly, of the fast food chains, KFC was king and McDonald’s rare. Inka Kola—a piss colored drink that tastes like bubble gum—has been a Peruvian stable since 1935 and continues to successfully battle Coke for market dominance.

The informal economy certainly thrives. While ostensibly illegal, vending stands crowd every major street. It seemed easier to work in the informal sector here than in the States. That’s good as, according to Carmela, there’s no welfare, no social security, and no real social safety net to fall back on in Ecuador.

At work in Quito. I doubt he owned one of the SUV’s to the rear....Starting work early.

While this 70s relic was still open, many of the German businesses have downsized or left Ecuador....Payless was one of the American chains present in Ecuador. Supposedly, the shoes there were overpriced and featured models carried in American stores two years ago. Super Fritada was a local chain specializing in pork.

More imported companies that didn’t bother translating their signs....Texaco was present, and so was a lot of disparaging graffiti against it, in Quito.

Repuestos translates as stock, and like most small businesses, this car parts store in southern Quito was crammed full of stuff. But despite the density, most stores were artistic in presentation. The outside display rack—especially for tools, parts goods and keys—was common. So were outdoor tables.

New construction in Quito....American Express in the sky, with diamonds.

Still perfecting the art of the men’s dress shoe in Quito.